Norwegian UFO Newsletter - 1983 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NORWEGIAN UFO NEWS LETTER, published by NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning), is dated 1 - 1983 and focuses extensively on the UFO phenomenon observed in Hessdalen, Norway, throughout 1982 and early 1983. The newsletter details numerous sightings, witness accounts, photographic evidence, and the ongoing investigative efforts by NIVFO.

The Hessdalen Phenomenon

The primary focus of the issue is the persistent and widespread UFO activity reported in Hessdalen. The article "HESSDALEN." details how observations began to increase after New Year, with people reporting strange sightings over Finsåhøgda. NIVFO's field reporter was stationed in Hessdalen, observing and photographing the phenomena on several occasions. The report highlights the establishment of a kiosk at a look-out post on Hessdalskjølen by local associations to accommodate visitors.

NIVFO played a central role in coordinating information, liaising with the Defence radar station on Gråkallen near Trondheim airport and Værnes Defence staff. While the radar station was informed immediately of sightings, it did not register anything unusual, possibly due to the low altitude of the objects. The Supreme Command was informed, and an airplane was sent to the area. Defence personnel were also briefly stationed in the mountains.

Numerous individuals and groups brought photo-technical equipment to Hessdalen. The report mentions that on September 3, a special instrument developed in the USA for measuring atmospheric electric potential was utilized. NIVFO's field reporter observed and photographed unidentified objects with peculiar characteristics, notably a "flashlight" effect that twinkled rhythmically.

Photographic Evidence

The newsletter features several photographs of the UFOs. Journalist Arne Wisth from Oslo is credited with taking some of the best photos. While the published pictures are not in color, NIVFO offers color versions for order. The photos often show bright spots, and even with significant enlargement, details are limited. Sketches are included to illustrate the perceived shapes and lights of the objects, such as a "thing" seen within the shining object, described as moonshine and a metallic object.

Witness Accounts and Specific Sightings

The issue compiles numerous specific sightings, often with dates, times, locations, and witness details:

• October 28, 1982 (19:28 - 19:31): Per Moen from NIVFO observed two red, twinkling lights in front and two larger, yellow-white lights behind, moving noiselessly from the south between Hessdalen and Skarven. The object disappeared behind Skarven and reappeared later.
• October 27, 1982 (18:13 - 18:15): Per Moen and Ruth Mary Moe witnessed a yellow and red-twinkling object moving from north to south, estimated at 600-700 meters distance and 300-400 meters height. The neighbor, John Aspås, also saw the object independently.
• October 27, 1982 (19:15 - 19:30): The same object returned from the south, moving slowly (estimated 10 km/h), stopping sharply and twinkling intermittently.
• October 27, 1982 (23:15): Jan Morken saw a "big star" sinking from the sky towards the east, twinkling and moving towards Rangsååsen.
• October 1, 1982 (22:44 - 23:00): Two married couples from Trondheim observed two red and two yellow lights, with the red lights twinkling rhythmically. This sighting was also witnessed by field-reporter Per Moen.
• September 24, 1982 (22:30 - 23:00): Bjarne Lillevold reported seeing a shining object resembling a Christmas tree, with flames, at a distance of 70 meters and 3-4 meters above the ground. He felt insecure but observed it for over half an hour.
• September 15, 1982 (19:45): In Singsås/Volden, three boys observed three bright shining balls forming a triangle, followed by a fiery red ball that appeared and disappeared suddenly.

Theories and Explanations

The newsletter discusses various theories attempting to explain the Hessdalen phenomenon. Two prominent theories are presented:

1. Mirage Theory: Astrophysicist Rolf Brahde suggested the phenomenon could be a mirage caused by lights from the Røros railway, manifesting due to temperature stratums and air inversions.
2. Imagination Theory: Asbjørn Hallan, writing in "Arbeiderbladet," proposed that people in the Røros and Hessdal area were suffering from "UFO-hysterics," possibly linked to inbreeding and psychological defects leading to visual hallucinations.

NIVFO opposes both these theories, particularly the latter, which is considered defamatory by the people of Hessdalen. Asbjørn Hallan reportedly regretted his statement on the radio.

The issue also mentions that the instrument measuring mentioned in a previous newsletter (N.L. no. 4/82) might relate to a vertical gradient, with calculations potentially offering more insight. NIVFO hopes to discuss different theories later in the year.

Strange Phenomenon in Gildeskål

A separate article details an unusual observation on January 16, 1983, by five employees at the weather forecast station in Bodø, Norway, in the direction of Gildeskål. They observed a nearly cigar-formed object, lit by the sun, for about three minutes. The object displayed features similar to those seen in Hessdalen, including twinkling metal and a possible vapor trail. The meteorologist Eigil Elsrud and meteorology assistant Asbjørn Borge were among the witnesses. Despite checks with the traffic control tower and Defence Command North-Norway, no military traffic or other explanations were found. The object's size was estimated to be similar to a great airplane, and its height was estimated to be above 650 meters above sea level. NIVFO began an investigation, considering the possibility of a radio-probe as a theory, which is launched around 12:09 Z-time.

Statistical Data

A table provides "ADDITIONAL STATISTICAL DATA CONCERNING HESSDALEN" for cases recorded by NIVFO in 1982. It lists dates, times, places, number of objects, color, movement, and form for numerous sightings, predominantly in the Hessdalen area, with entries ranging from January to December 1982.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the challenges of scientific investigation into such events. NIVFO positions itself as a central coordinating body for reporting and investigating these phenomena, actively seeking explanations while also documenting the experiences of witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, documenting sightings and exploring potential explanations, while also defending the credibility of witnesses against dismissive theories. The publication emphasizes the need for further investigation and discussion of theories, indicating an open but rigorous approach to the subject matter.

This document, identified as issue 11 of "UFO Norge", is dated February 2, 1983. It contains a report prepared by Jan S. Krogh, region leader for Country Region Nort-Norway. The content discusses the potential for weather service probes to recognize observed phenomena and acknowledges a lack of infallible theory, with a commitment to revisit the case with further information.

Content Analysis

The issue features a map of North-Norway, with a specific focus on the Salten area. The map highlights densely built-up areas surrounding the harbour of Bodø. Accompanying the map is a photograph depicting a harbour scene. The text suggests that while the weather service sends up probes, they should be able to recognize observed phenomena. The report concludes by stating that there is no definitive theory yet, but further information will be sought as it becomes available.

Key Individuals and Organizations

The primary individual mentioned is Jan S. Krogh, identified by his role as region leader for Country Region Nort-Norway. The "weather service" is mentioned as an organization involved in sending up probes.

Locations Mentioned

Several locations in Norway are highlighted, including North-Norway, the Salten area, Bodø, Vestfjorden, Blåmannsisen, Svartisen, and Saltfjellet.

Themes and Tags

The main themes revolve around UFOs and weather probes. Associated tags include UFO, Norway, weather service, probes, Bodø, Salten area, map, report, and 1983.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme appears to be the investigation of unexplained phenomena, with an emphasis on scientific observation and data collection. The editorial stance, as indicated by the report, is one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the need for more information before drawing definitive conclusions.