Norwegian UFO Newsletter - 1984 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NORWEGIAN UFO NEWS LETTER, published in 1984, is dedicated to exploring UFO phenomena and related topics from a Norwegian perspective. The cover prominently features the NIVFO logo and name, identifying it as the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information. The main headline announces "NORWEGIAN UFO NEWS LETTER" with the year "1984" noted.

UFO on Nordmøre: A Remarkable Photograph

The lead article details a significant UFO sighting and photograph taken by Pål Kristian Vaag on August 19, 1983, near Aure, Nordmøre, Norway. Vaag, an amateur photographer using a simple Kodak disc camera, described a large, silent object moving slowly down a ridge, which then disappeared rapidly. He reported its color changing from silver to dim grey. The object was estimated to be 10-15 meters in diameter. Vaag insists the photo is genuine and not a forgery, stating he has no photography skills.

When the newspaper Verdens Gang (VG) published the photo, it garnered attention, with Lieutenant Colonel Einar Smedsvik of the Defence Staff commenting that if it were a forgery, it was extremely well done. Captain Kåre Kvamme from the Air Defence at Rygge Air Base examined the photo and found it technically sound, with correct lighting and proportions, making a photomontage unlikely. However, Kvamme expressed skepticism, suggesting the possibility of an object being thrown into the air and perfectly tracked, which would require great skill or luck.

NIVFO expressed interest in studying the case, but the article notes that the journalist had delivered the film to SINTEF, and the investigation was ongoing, with the headline "UNSOLVED UFO-MYSTERY" appearing in VG on August 11, 1984. The photo was also taken to NTH (Norwegian Technical University) for scrutiny.

Further analysis of the photo is presented, including a comparison with a kitchen scales bowl, suggesting the object might be terrestrial. The article notes that the photo was number 7 in a series of 15, with other photos showing friends.

NIVFO's Engagement and Media Interaction

NIVFO's investigation section, NIVFO NORTH, interviewed Vaag, who recounted his experience. He described the object as having a metallic color that later turned greyish and disappearing eastward. He was surprised and spent a long time thinking about the observation. Vaag sold the film to his friend Alf P. Buer for 500 kroner, who then sold it to VG for a substantial sum, with Vaag receiving only 10% of his share. Vaag expressed anger that the picture was shown publicly without his prior consent.

NIVFO sent two photographers to the location a year later, who managed to capture similar images. NIVFO also contacted local media, including NRK in Ålesund, but found no additional information. Local defense and media seemed to treat the case with some skepticism.

Skepticism and Scientific Scrutiny

Researcher Jarle Hjelen stated that even under microscopic examination, the truth about the photo could not be determined, and he personally remained skeptical of supernatural phenomena. The article highlights that neither the Defence nor NTH could reveal the picture as a forgery, and an ufologist noted that UFOs have been a problem for decades.

The Horoscope is Dangerous: A Critique of Astrology

This section features Senior Lecturer Curt Roslund from Chalmers Technological University, who strongly criticizes astrology. He argues that horoscopes influence people's lives negatively and are not a safe pastime. Roslund believes that people unconsciously adopt traits suggested by their horoscopes, and that while it may seem like a harmless amusement, it can become a reality for many. He points out that horoscopes often provide general, positive descriptions that people want to hear, similar to how people used religion in the past to conform to moral standards. Roslund concludes that astrology is harmful to the environment and cultural milieu, with no scientific results to support its theories. He conducted an experiment where participants were given identical horoscopes, and all were pleased, indicating the generality of the readings.

Roslund is also associated with "Vetenskap och Folkbildning" (Science and General Education), a partner of NIVFO in Sweden. His research indicates that librarians often fall into specific astrological signs, but professional categories show a more even dispersion, suggesting astrologers lack understanding of mathematics and probability.

Weekly Papers, Well-Known Personalities and UFOs

This section reviews UFO reporting in weekly Norwegian publications. "Norsk Ukeblad" featured various accounts, including a new version of Hjørdis Hokstad's story and observations from Borghild and Ola Roen. It also mentions meteor incidents and sightings from August Holen and others. The evergreen Mosjøen case from 1954, involving sisters meeting an alien, is highlighted.

Another article in "Norsk Ukeblad" presents UFO sightings by well-known personalities. Singer Finn Kalvik described a life-changing experience with a "cheese-disc-like object" in 1977, though the photos provided were later identified as a known rocket launch. Other personalities mentioned include Sølvi Vang, Egil Monn-Iversen, and Inger Lise Rypdal, who described a "cupulate object" as extraterrestrial.

Weighty Ufological Arguments: Hessdalen Project

A journalist known for UFO books visited the Hessdalen meteorological station. The article mentions that Arne Fredriksen and Jan S. Krogh from NIVFO were also present. The journalist presented strong arguments against the NIVFO project, calling it nonsense. After his visit, the station's nameplate was replaced with "PLASMA FOR SALE".

NIVFO established a meteorological station in Hessdalen in November 1983, with the expedition planned for spring 1984. The station aimed to test Dr. Thomas McCliman's plasma and inversion theories. The project involved meteorological measurements and the use of specialized equipment, including a "monokromator" and radio probe balloons. The station was operated by Arve E. Fredriksen and Jan S. Krogh. During the measurements, UFOs appeared several times, and the weather conditions corresponded with McCliman's theories. Data was to be computerized for a future report. An airplane was hired to photograph the entire Hessdalen area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, particularly the photographic evidence from Nordmøre, the critical analysis of such evidence by scientific and military experts, and the skepticism surrounding claims of UFOs. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and the debunking of phenomena, as seen in the critique of astrology and the examination of the Hessdalen project's scientific theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, favoring scientific explanation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the persistent nature of UFO reports and the public's interest in them. The inclusion of the astrology critique suggests a broader interest in separating pseudoscience from credible inquiry.

This document consists of two pages, likely from a magazine or newsletter, announcing the release and availability of "The Hessdal Report". The first page, numbered 11, is a promotional announcement for the report, highlighting its comprehensive nature and contents. The second page, numbered 12, appears to be the title page of the report itself, providing more formal details about its author and subject matter.

The Hessdal Report Announcement (Page 11)

The first page is a direct announcement, "AND HERE IT IS: THE HESSDAL REPORT". It states that the report is "NOW READY FOR DISTRIBUTION !" and offers "FOR THE FIRST TIME A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION IS GIVEN OF THE PHENO-MENA IN HESSDALEN AT RØROS - HOW THE WHOLE STARTED, DEVELOPED, AND WHAT THE CONCLUSION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATIONS WAS." The announcement emphasizes that this "SOLID WORK OF 78 PAGES CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS:".

The listed chapters are:
1. BACKGROUND-HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
2. THEORIES
3. CONCLUSION
4. ACIDIC PRECIPITATION
5. SOURCES AND LITTERATURE
6. APPENDIX (DATA, MAPS, PHOTOS)

A black and white photograph is displayed, showing a group of people in what appears to be an outdoor setting, possibly related to the investigations. The price is stated as "the lowest possible, only 165 kroner." Orders can be placed by sending the amount to NIVFO NORD, POSTBOX 990, 9401 HARSTAD, NORWAY, with a GIRO ACCOUNT NO. 5 23 38 95.

Title Page of The Hessdal Report (Page 12)

The second page is the formal title page of the report. It is published by "NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING" (Norwegian Institute of Scientific Research and Enlightenment) in TRONDHEIM, NORWAY. The author is identified as JAN S. KROGH. The title of the report is "HESSDALSRAPPORTEN".

A subtitle in Norwegian reads: "Betraktninger av rapporterte atmosfæriske lysfenomener og andre observerte objekter i Holtålen kommune og omkringliggende områder 1870 -1984." This translates to: "Considerations of reported atmospheric light phenomena and other observed objects in Holtålen municipality and surrounding areas 1870 -1984."

An illustration, possibly a stylized depiction of lightning or energy discharge over a landscape, is present on this page.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the investigation and reporting of unexplained atmospheric phenomena and observed objects, specifically focusing on the Hessdalen area in Norway. The publication presents itself as a comprehensive and definitive account of these events, covering a historical period from 1870 to 1984. The stance appears to be one of serious, scientific inquiry, as indicated by the publishing institution and the detailed chapter breakdown, including theories, data, and sources. The report aims to provide a complete description and conclusions from extensive investigations.