Phenomena - No 14 - 1993 03 - incomplete

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: No. 14
Date: March-April 1993
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Price: 28 F
ISSN: 1157-4704

This issue of Phénomèna, a bimonthly publication by SOS OVNI dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena, features a cover story on the "Mysteries of Norway, 10 Years Later," focusing on the Hessdalen lights. The magazine highlights the Spanish Air Force revealing its archives and discusses the 'American epidemic' of UFO abductions.

Editorial and Content

The editorial, titled "Les maillons d'une chaîne" (The Links of a Chain), notes the use of a color cover to better reflect the character and objectives of SOS OVNI, emphasizing the need for reader support. It also extends thoughts to colleagues in Eastern Europe facing difficulties but maintaining their ufological work, expressing compassion and thanks.

• The table of contents lists several key articles:
• "Enlèvements par ovnis... l'épidémie américaine" (UFO Abductions... the American Epidemic) - Page 3
• "Bloc-notes" (Notes) - Page 14
• "Lumières norvégiennes" (Norwegian Lights) - Page 15
• "Les Forces Aériennes Espagnoles ouvrent leurs archives" (The Spanish Air Force Opens Its Archives) - Page 19
• Interview with Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos - Page 22
• "En France et dans le Monde" (In France and Around the World) - Page 25
• "Notes de lecture" (Book Reviews) - Page 26
• "En direct d'SOS OVNI" (Live from SOS OVNI) - Page 27
• "Revue de presse" (Press Review) - Page 29
• "Annonces gratuites" (Free Ads) - Page 30
• "Vous dites ?" (What Do You Say?) - Page 31

Norwegian Lights: The Hessdalen Phenomenon

The main article, "Lumières norvégiennes" by Perry Petrakis, details the wave of unusual phenomena observed in the Hessdalen valley in central Norway, starting in late 1981. The valley, situated between 600 and 700 meters altitude and surrounded by mountains, experiences harsh winters with temperatures dropping to -30°C. The area is sparsely populated by foresters and farmers.

The first notable sighting occurred on December 20, 1981, when Nils Kåre Nesvold and Per Holden observed a luminous spherical object, the size of a bright star, moving at varying speeds and altitudes. This marked the beginning of a series of observations that lasted nearly five years, becoming one of the most prolific and inexplicable UFO waves.

In response to the ongoing sightings, UFO Norway, in collaboration with UFO Sverige, initiated investigations. The "Projet Hessdalen" was established in 1983, involving a team of individuals operating from a caravan on the heights of the region. They employed a sophisticated array of equipment, including spectrographic cameras, infrared detectors, spectrum analyzers, seismographs, magnetometers, radar, and Geiger counters.

During the investigation, researchers engaged in a prolonged 'cat and mouse' game with the phenomena. Lights of various sizes and colors appeared, moved, oscillated, and changed direction. Some lights approached the investigators, and some appeared to respond to laser illumination. The project documented 188 cases between mid-1983 and mid-1985, categorizing them by the quality of the testimony (G1-G9) and the certainty of identification (F1-F10).

• Key findings from the study include:
• Radar Detection: A radar system (Atlas 2000, 33 km range, 3 cm band) detected numerous luminous objects, showing remarkable radar cross-sections (SER). Calculations allowed for estimates of their distance and speed, ranging from 0 to 30,000 km/h. Notably, some phenomena appeared to show their reflective side only every other radar sweep, remaining continuously visible.
• Laser Interaction: Attempts to direct a 0.5 mW He-Ne laser at the phenomena resulted in double blinking patterns eight out of nine times when the laser was active, with normal blinking when the laser was off.
• Electromagnetic Signals: A spectrum analyzer detected electromagnetic signals in the 100 KHz to 1250 MHz range, often with harmonics separated by approximately 80 MHz, which corresponded with radar detections.
• Magnetic Field Modifications: 21 significant magnetic field modifications were recorded over a four-day period, with four of these occurring during visual observations.

The article notes that while the results are interesting, they are not numerous or precise enough for a definitive scientific study. It praises the efforts of the Norwegian colleagues for their ambitious project and for providing continuous information in English, despite the difficulties.

The author, Perry Petrakis, points out that the phenomenon had largely ended by 1984, making it regrettable that precise measurements from the earlier years (1981-1982) were not available. He commends the team for their work under extremely difficult conditions.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on "Enlèvements par ovnis... l'épidémie américaine," suggesting a focus on UFO abduction cases. The "Forces Aériennes Espagnoles ouvrent leurs archives" article indicates a look into official military records related to UFOs. An interview with Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, a prominent ufologist, is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, emphasizing scientific investigation and the collection of data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to understand unexplained aerial phenomena without dogmatism or mysticism. There is a clear effort to collaborate with international ufological organizations and to disseminate information, particularly in English, to a wider audience. The magazine also highlights the importance of official documentation and eyewitness accounts, while acknowledging the limitations of current research and the need for continued investigation.