Norwegian UFO Newsletter - 1982 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "Norwegian UFO Reports" newsletter, published by the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information (NIVFO), details numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena across Norway in early 1982. The newsletter, identified as issue number 3 from 1982, presents a collection of witness accounts, journalistic reports, and investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena.

Hessdalen Sightings

The Hessdalen area is a focal point, with several reports detailing sightings there. One incident on February 11, 1982, involved an object with multiple colors (yellow, green, blue, red) observed under a cloud cover, moving at a speed comparable to a helicopter. Witnesses, including journalist Arne Wisth, noted twinkling and rotating lights on the object. Another report describes a stationary object seen moving westward after a primary sighting. A particularly dramatic account from Hessdalen describes a shining object that emerged, drew near photographers, stopped abruptly, and then vanished instantaneously, likened to a curtain being pulled down. A journalist visiting Hessdalen described a star-like object that grew into an intense light source, stopped above a mountain, and then sank slowly. The journalist attempted to photograph it with a 600mm telephoto lens, noting the object's oval shape and sudden disappearance.

Skeptical First Encounters and Recurring Observations

Hans Almås from Ålen initially held a skeptical view but changed his mind after experiencing a phenomenon himself. He described a soundless object hovering over his house, with lights front and back, maneuvering in various directions before disappearing. He noted that after this initial sighting, they observed the object innumerable times. Martin Holden also reported seeing flying objects that he believed could not be man-made.

Metallic Silver Object and Other Sightings

One report from March 8, 1982, describes a UFO seen on skis, with outlines resembling a pistol bullet, pointed at both ends, and observed in moonlight. Another sighting in Hessdalen involved an object that appeared heavy, sinking into a valley despite snow and wind. Torbjørn Dragmyrhaug and his family observed a light moving up and down, which they later saw as a metallic silver object, the size of a private car, pointed in front and blunt behind, moving like a ghost plane. Dragmyrhaug is convinced it came from another world.

Photographic Evidence and Defense Contact

During a NIVFO visit to Hessdalen, an object was observed and photographed. Initially thought to be a star, it moved in a zigzag pattern. The film, investigated by NIVFO, showed a jagged and faint rising movement. The newsletter also mentions that NIVFO was the first to be notified about the Hessdalen incidents, and it was clear that these were not misinterpretations of conventional phenomena. The question of sending airplanes equipped with special instruments was considered by the Supreme Command. NIVFO maintained contact with the air defense station on Gråkallen, which reported no unusual radar observations, possibly due to the objects flying too low.

Media Coverage

The issue highlights the media's attention to the Hessdalen incidents. 'Adresseavisen' published a correct and serious description, followed by reports in 'Verdens Gang' (VG) and 'Dagbladet'. The local newspaper 'Arbeidets Rett' in Røros also covered the case, and a TV program was expected.

More UFOs Across Norway

Several other sightings are reported:

• Mandal and Southwest Norway: An object seen on Wednesday evening was also observed the following evening in Mandal. Alf Helge Olsen and Marit Langøy described it as moving slowly. It was also seen near Vestnes, appearing to descend like a rocket. Olsen used binoculars to observe the object, noting its steady light that changed intensity and a tail-like feature.
• Audnedal: A shining object, described as a white ball with a red tail, moved fast and low to the south.
• Haugesund: A shining ball was observed, with reports coming from Bømlo, Karmøy, and Askøy.
• Mandal: A man from Malmø saw a shining object about 20 cm in diameter moving rapidly, stopping above Hisåsen/Skjekstad, and then moving towards Båtservice. The observation lasted 10 minutes. Later, a trustworthy person saw a strong shining object over Lundevik, moving east to west, then stopping before disappearing.

Strange Light Phenomena

• Finland: Einar Betten from Nesseby reported seeing two strong, twinkling, yellow-brown lights hovering low over the ground. The object, about 4 meters in diameter, had a round front like an airplane and a copper-like color. It moved at varying speeds and stopped. Betten's wife was also a witness.
• Sykkylyven Mountains: A shining object was observed for several days. Birger Anda described it as changing shape, like a light covering paper, and different from a star. The Vigra airfield tower also observed it but could not identify it as an airplane.
• Sunnylyven: A red shining object was seen, described as neither an airplane nor a star, twinkling and moving unevenly.
• Sømna: Paul and Arnt Arnøy observed a red light near Torghatten that grew larger, surrounded by a white ring, and hung immovable for about an hour before disappearing. Other people also witnessed it.
• Sandane: Five persons saw a green light rotating around an oval object, about the size of an American football. The object moved at an even speed and was thought to be difficult to explain, though not necessarily a flying saucer.

Expert Opinions and Speculation

Specialists have described some shining objects as meteors, but the newsletter questions this, noting that meteors do not typically operate at the same hour on consecutive days. The reports often emphasize the difficulty in finding natural explanations for the observed phenomena, with witnesses consistently ruling out conventional aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of unexplained aerial phenomena across Norway, the detailed and often consistent descriptions provided by witnesses, and the challenges in providing conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting, presenting witness accounts and journalistic findings without overt sensationalism, while acknowledging the extraordinary nature of the events. The publication aims to document these occurrences and encourage further investigation and reporting from the public.

Title: NIVFO Bulletin
Issue: 1/82
Date: January 1982 (inferred from issue number)
Publisher: NIVFO (Norwegian UFO Information Centre)
Country: Norway
Language: English

This issue of the NIVFO Bulletin focuses on UFO and unexplained light phenomena reported in Norway, with a significant portion dedicated to a detailed account by witness Alf Dale.

Alf Dale's Sighting

The main article, "WHAT DID ALF DALE SEE ?", presents Alf Dale's personal account of an event he believes occurred in November 1975 or 1976. He describes a dark evening when he observed strange lights on a field, resembling people searching with torches. Suddenly, a powerful searchlight-like beam shone into his face, momentarily dazzling him. After this, the torch-like lights vanished, and a large, pillar-like object, estimated to be 2.5 meters high and 50-60 meters in diameter, appeared. This object began to shine brightly, and flames emerged from its top. "Sausage-like" objects, about 2 meters long and 10-15 cm thick, were ejected from the pillar with great force, placing themselves side-by-side. Following this, two thinner, scarlet-colored pipes appeared, moving slowly and creeping towards a forest before disappearing. The pillar's flames diminished, and a rain of shining disks, like jagged stars, fell to the ground and vanished. The entire phenomenon then dissolved, leaving only darkness.

Dale states he kept this experience to himself for a long time. The "COMMENTS" section notes that Mr. Dale lives alone near Arendal, is a former lumberman, and is described as peaceful and steady. An UFO-society that had previously been involved with the case reported that Dale had seen "beings," but Dale's own report to NIVFO does not mention this. NIVFO emphasizes that Dale's account is consistent and that the credibility of the witness is strengthened by his not mentioning beings, suggesting a desire for factual reporting over sensationalism. The bulletin concludes that a reasonable explanation for Dale's account is still wanting.

Other Reported Sightings

The bulletin also compiles several other reports of unexplained phenomena from different parts of Norway:

UFO Stopped TV-Broadcast?

Reports from Sunday and Monday (specific dates not given) mention that TV transmitters in Lønneberga and other areas failed. This was attributed to electric discharge in the air, but the possibility of an UFO causing the disruption is raised.

"The Light" Was Seen By More People

More people reported seeing a "light" phenomenon, initially described as a possible meteorite in "Bergens Tidende." One man from Tysnes saw a similar light on the night sky over Sunde in Sunnhordaland, describing it as a strong light without a tail, moving comparatively slowly and appearing relatively low.

UFO Over Konnerud

Reported in "Fremtiden" (15.04.82), a man from Drammen described a strong gleam of light above his car that lasted about 10 seconds. He and his passenger observed the phenomenon on the Konnerud road.

More UFO-Sights on the Night Before Easter Sunday

Strange Rocket Light Seen on Lyngvær by Werner Wilhelm Dallawara:

Unexplained light phenomena were observed on the sky at 02:30 a.m. on the night before Easter Sunday in Hadsel and Beiarn. A family in Lyngvær in Aust Lofoten also reported a similar phenomenon. It came from the east, described as rocket-like and unusually strong, before disappearing at great speed into the clouds.

Mystical Light-Phenomenon by Vidar Bjørkli:

In Troms, a mystical light phenomenon was observed at 22:50 p.m. yesterday night. It appeared as a shining ball mounting the sky, with a "rain" of small, shining particles behind it. The phenomenon lasted 20-30 seconds before the ball disintegrated like a shooting star, leaving a green-colored cloud that dissolved after about 5 minutes. Kåre Aksnes, a visiting professor at the Institute for Science and Mathematics in Tromsø, explains that this could be a meteoric stone entering the atmosphere, heating up, and evaporating, producing gases that shine. The color of the light depends on the metals in the stone, with copper producing a blue-green light. Aksnes suggests that the apparent upward movement might be an illusion. He also notes that the Northern Lights Observatory in Tromsø did not register the phenomenon, likely because it occurred late in the evening.

Shining Thing Above Giske and Ålesund

At 00:30 on the night before Saturday, two shining "things" were seen on the sky at Roald. The first object was observed high above Giske. Later, the same object, or a similar one, appeared over Ålesund and moved slowly in a south-easterly direction. The observer noted that the objects were distinct from stars and could not have been planes.

A Strange Observation in Narvik

A man from Narvik reported seeing a mystical, cylinder-formed object (grey), the size of a Twin Otter, moving at speed towards Herjangen on Tuesday morning at 07:15 a.m. The object was observed for one minute and made no sound, flying 5-600 feet above sea level. Airfields confirmed no flights were scheduled in the area at that time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly light sightings and unusual objects. The editorial stance, as exemplified by the comments on Alf Dale's report, leans towards a cautious, evidence-based approach, valuing factual reporting and witness credibility over sensationalism. The bulletin aims to document these sightings and encourage further investigation, acknowledging when explanations are lacking.