Norwegian UFO Newsletter - 1982 No 5

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NORWEGIAN UFO NEWS LETTER, published by the NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING (Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information), is issue number 5 from 1982. The cover prominently features the institute's logo and the newsletter's title, setting the stage for reports on UFO phenomena in Norway.

Hessdalen - The Recurring Phenomenon

The majority of the reports focus on the Hessdalen phenomenon, a series of sightings that gained significant attention. Several distinct incidents are detailed:

• August 13-14, 1982: Sightings in Vangslia, Hessdalen, described a round, shining object with indistinct outlines moving from north to south. On the 14th, an 83-year-old lady witnessed an object moving up, down, and sideways for about 15 minutes.
• July 30, 1982: In Kløftvolden, Hessdalen, a shining object moved east-westerly, remained stationary for an hour, then shot rapidly into the air. This observation was made by a witness, his wife, and two other persons.
• August 16, 1982: Over Finnsåhøgda, Lars Lillevold observed a shining, cigar-formed object moving in a northerly direction. The sketch provided shows its speed and angle of inclination, with 'light spots' noted on the object. Later the same day, a dark, black object was seen gliding in a wave motion after an airplane passed.
• August 13, 1982: An observation was made near Ålen.

Comments on Lars Lillevold's Observation

Analysis of Lars Lillevold's August 16, 1982 observation suggests the cigar-formed object moved horizontally with an incline, a recurring detail in reports of cigar-shaped UFOs.

Lars Lillevold's Observation, January 18, 1982

This section details an observation from January 18, 1982, accompanied by sketches and photographs. The object hovered over a post, and its approximate extension was traced. The accompanying images show the outhouse and the post, with the UFO's outline superimposed. Another angle shows Lars Lillevold and the location, with Finnsåhøgda in the background.

Witness Account: Paralysis and Changed Mind

August Holen provides a compelling personal account of seeing a UFO. He describes an object approximately 25 meters long and 2 meters high, which hung still in the air, making no sound. It then moved slowly forward and disappeared. His wife witnessed the same event. Holen, who previously dismissed UFOs as imagination, states, "But now I have changed my mind. What I saw, I saw." He expresses a desire to see another UFO and admits to frequently looking at the sky.

Photographic Evidence from Hessdalen

Photographs taken from Hessdalskjølen on January 18, 1982, show bright spots moving across the sky, captured through time exposure. These streaks indicate movement, with different exposure times (five minutes, three minutes, and 30 seconds) used. NIVFO examined these pictures and concluded that the streaks represent a phenomenon moving in a straight line with an even angle speed, proportionate to the exposure time. The zigzag movement is attributed to air disturbance and camera vibrations.

Analysis of Photographic Streaks

Further analysis of the photographic streaks indicates they are estimated to be 2-3 degrees on the sky, comparable to the natural movement due to Earth's rotation. The speed suggests a movement of 15-30 degrees per hour. Another Hessdalen photo examined was identified as a reflection in the camera optics.

Silvery "Torpedo" Over Hessdalen

On Friday, September 3, 1982, Jon Arvid Aspås and his family observed a bright, torpedo-formed object gliding silently in the sky near Hessjøen. It shone like bright steel and moved from south towards the north-east. The observation lasted 3-4 minutes. Aspås estimated the object to be about 2 kilometers away and larger than an airliner. The object disappeared into a cloud bank and did not re-emerge. Aspås was certain it had no visible projections like wings or fins.

Instrument Registering of UFOs in Hessdalen

After a period of no reports, observations from Hessdalen resumed. For the first time, a phenomenon appears to have been registered on modern measuring instruments. NIVFO personnel were present with equipment, including a new American instrument for measuring electric voltages and electromagnetism. During an object's movement, the instrument registered a gradient of about 100 volt per meter, while remaining quiet before and after the event.

Electrical Potential and Object Characteristics

The deflection recorded by the instrument corresponds to a gradient of 100 volt per meter. The cause of this effect is being investigated, but no error influence has been found. The observation lasted only a few seconds, with the instrument returning to zero immediately after the object disappeared. The witness did not notice any reaction from nearby cows.

Gradient Definitions

The issue includes technical definitions of "gradient" in mathematical, meteorological, and technical contexts, explaining its use in describing changes in pressure, temperature, and road inclination.

Gradient Wind

This section explains the concept of gradient wind, which is formed by the balance of pressure gradient, Earth's rotation (Coriolis force), and centrifugal force.

Last News from Hessdalen

On October 1, 1982, Per Moen observed a shining object moving from north to south over Hessdalen, similar to a previous sighting on September 3, 1982. After 34 minutes, another object possibly of the same appearance returned from south to north. Moen estimated the speed to be between 50-100 km/h. He took several pictures, but due to the distance, they only show light spots. On one occasion, the object disappeared into a cloud layer.

Report About a Strange UFO-Observation in Hessdalen, 18.01 or 19.09 1980

This report details an observation by August Holen and two hunting companions. They saw three craft-similar objects with a classic saucer shapes, a cupola, and an "unknown red colour." A faint humming noise was heard. The objects exhibited movements such as standing still, great speed changes, and acceleration. They were described as "great lumps of sugar candy" with a beautiful red colour, gleaming in the sun, with a hat-like form and an antenna-like protrusion. The objects accelerated violently and flew in formation northward. Holen believes they were man-made crafts.

The Hunting Companions

Two of Holen's hunting companions, Mr. Torvaldsen and Mr. Somo, were present. Torvaldsen confirmed seeing grouse flying, which disappeared before they could be within range, suggesting the objects were almost noiseless. Somo was standing on a height in front of Holen. The companions did not notice anything special, possibly because they were facing away from the objects.

Other Norwegian Reports

• Mystical "Miniflight" at Full Speed Over Holsen: Leif Nydal reported seeing an armada of about 10 objects, resembling airplanes, flying across a valley at high speed. They were described as swan-sized, greyish, and moved with a strong whistling sound. Nydal considered them a type of light aircraft but could not identify them.
• Interesting Observation in Valdres: On July 22, 1982, an observation was made in Furdal, Østås, Valdres, under clear weather conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed accounts of UFO sightings, particularly in the Hessdalen region, and the attempts to scientifically investigate these phenomena through witness testimonies and instrumental measurements. The publication, by a scientific research institute, suggests an objective approach to collecting and presenting information on UFOs, without necessarily endorsing extraterrestrial explanations, as indicated by August Holen's cautious wording and Leif Nydal's skepticism.

This issue of UFO magazine, identified as issue number 3/82 and published by Agderposten on August 5, 1982, focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena observed in Norway. The cover features a photograph of Per Kr. Larsen pointing towards Enga, with a headline indicating reports of strange occurrences.

Sightings and Reports

Risør Sighting

The issue details an event on August 1, 1982, at 12:45 PM near Stangholmsgapet, where Per Kr. Larsen and two others witnessed a red light. Initially mistaken for a boat's masthead light, the object emitted no sound and gradually changed color from red to white. It moved at approximately 5-6 knots, about 20 meters above the water, and was described as the size of a football. The observation lasted about three minutes before the object disappeared. Larsen concluded, using an elimination method, that it was an unidentified flying object.

Kongsvinger Sighting

On the evening of July 31, 1982, Ole Hovengen and three companions reported seeing a shining object over Kommersøya, near Kongsvinger. Described as no "earthly object," it was initially stationary before suddenly swerving and moving in a north-easterly direction. The object was observed for one minute.

Romsdal Sighting

Reports from newspapers mention a strange object moving over the sky in Romsdal. In Hovdebygda, two men observed a shining object, described as a "light-pipe" in blue and white, which appeared to be stationary on the southern sky. It then moved at an incredible speed towards Volda, accompanied by a "swish" in the air. Immediately afterward, a boom was heard from the north. The object was estimated to be between 10 and 20 meters long.

Rauma and Skorgedalen Reports

People in Rauma also reported seeing an object "flapping round on the vault of heaven." Knut Skorgen, while on guard duty in Skorgedalen, saw a light that illuminated the valley as if it were daylight. He initially thought it was military exercises but later, with his wife, observed a shining object described as a "great ball." They saw it again in Neshagen, where it appeared larger. Skorgen could not identify it, ruling out meteors. This sighting occurred around 9:00 PM.

Øyungen Incident

Further data concerning a notice in NIVFO Bulletin no. 3/82, page 15, is presented. Three persons from Bærum stayed at Øyungen in June 1982. They observed a huge object hanging in the air, from which three smaller objects were shot out. These smaller objects then took their stand and made points, which, with lines between them, would have made a square. Shortly afterward, one of the tourists became very sick, though not immediately during the observation.

Hessdalen Mention

There is a brief mention of "swarving" movements related to Hessdalen, with a reference to pictures on page 4, suggesting ongoing investigations or related phenomena in that area.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine appears to present witness testimonies and newspaper reports of UFO sightings without definitively concluding they are extraterrestrial. The use of the term "unidentified flying object" and the emphasis on elimination methods suggest a cautious, investigative approach. Recurring themes include unusual lights, objects with inexplicable movements and speeds, and the impact on witnesses. The publication seems dedicated to documenting and disseminating information about unexplained aerial phenomena in Norway.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently presents accounts of unidentified aerial objects, emphasizing their unusual characteristics such as silent movement, rapid acceleration, color changes, and inexplicable maneuvers. The editorial stance appears to be one of documentation and inquiry, presenting witness reports and newspaper clippings as evidence of phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The magazine aims to inform readers about these occurrences, encouraging further investigation and discussion within the UFO community.