Project Hessdalen Bulletin - Vol 2 No 3 - 1984 No 3

Magazine Overview

This document is a bulletin from Project Hessdalen, issue number 3 of volume 2, dated July 18, 1984. It is published by Project Hessdalen and appears to be in English, originating from Norway. The bulletin serves as an update on the project's activities and findings.

Activities and Findings

The bulletin begins by noting that Project Hessdalen has been less active in the preceding four months, primarily due to the time of year with extended daylight hours. However, work on the final technical report, Part 1, has been ongoing and has taken longer than anticipated. The report is expected to be ready in the Autumn of 1984, with recipients to be notified by letter.

Several photographs are still pending analysis, and loose ends are being tied up, partly due to summer holidays in Norway, which are mainly in July.

A "photo-week" is scheduled for September 3-9 in Hessdalen, focusing solely on taking high-quality spectral photos and good close-ups if possible. Three outposts will be established: Finnsåhøgda south, Vårhuskjølen, and Rognefjell. Approximately 30 people will be involved to maintain a 24-hour watch for the week. During this period, only photographic equipment will be used, with other instruments to be deployed when the project resumes in the wintertime, contingent on official economic support.

The bulletin expresses gratitude to those who have sent monetary contributions, which are welcomed.

Radar and Visual Observations

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• January 25th (Test Weekend): An observation occurred where a phenomenon was seen on radar and visually simultaneously.
• January 27th, 5:32 PM: An oblong phenomenon was seen south-west of Finnsåhøgda, moving north and disappearing north-west. It displayed white and red lights blinking at uneven intervals. Radar signals were observed passing west of the observation point but could not be tracked, and the phenomenon was not photographed.
• January 28th, 3:49 PM: An oval-shaped, strong radar echo moved south-west of the observation point, appearing about 1/3 larger than a single-engined plane. It moved quickly and divided into two parts north of Rognefjellet, with one part moving towards the mountain and the other towards the valley. Despite daylight conditions, nothing was visually confirmed, though 14 frames of film were taken.
• January 29th, 4:19 PM: Radar contact was made with something moving north on the east side of the base station, approximately 500 meters away. The echo's shape suggested a descent.
• January 31st, 7:01 PM: A radar echo was detected from Rognefjellet passing west of Aspåskjølen, with no visual observation.

February 1st:

• 3:49 PM: Radar contact with something travelling north from Vårhuskjølen towards Hammerkneppen, with no visual observation.
• 2:05 PM: Three strong radar echoes were registered east of Aspåskjølen, moving north. This observation time was noted as recurring.
• 30 minutes later: More echoes were observed on the screen, west of Aspåskjølen, also moving north. These echoes were detected every other sweep, raising the possibility of a wave movement.
• Additional echoes: At 3:46 PM (2 echoes south of Kjølen), 3:49 PM (1 echo west of Kjølen), and 3:51 PM (1 echo south of Kjølen).
• 3:53 PM: The electric power supply suddenly disappeared for about 15 seconds, then gradually returned. A person on a nearby farm admitted to pulling a switch, but insisted it was closer to 4:00 PM, and the power should have returned immediately. No neighbors reported a power failure.
• 4:03 PM: Two radar echoes were registered travelling north.

February 2nd: Reflecting on daylight observations, the recurrence of observations at 2:05 PM led to checking the radar screen, confirming echoes east of Aspåskjølen moving north. Later, more echoes were observed west of Aspåskjølen, also moving north.

February 3rd:

• 8:11 PM: A well-lighted, oblong phenomenon, yellowish with red in front, moved with wavelike movements on a northerly course. It was observed by at least 9 people from 3 different locations. Photographs were taken but were likely not very successful.
• 3:12 PM to 5:04 PM: At least 31 radar echoes were registered at distances from 450 to 2000 meters. Observers stationed at two locations did not report anything unusual visually.

February 4th: Four radar registrations were done between 1:40 PM and 2:29 PM.

Coincidences and Interpretations

The author notes that many hours of intense surveillance often yielded no results, with phenomena often discovered through accidental glances. Since the autumn of 1982, there have been numerous "coincidences," such as arriving at Vårhuskjølen and immediately observing a phenomenon, or similar occurrences on Aspåskjølen. The author expresses reservations about believing that plasma phenomena can appear on demand, noting that other observers have searched for hours without success.

The bulletin also discusses "coincidences" with video equipment recording the radar screen. On one occasion, the magnetograph pen failed, and the video tape ended, only for a phenomenon to appear less than a minute later. The following evening, precautions were taken, but the videotape ran out at 10:57 PM, and the phenomenon appeared at 10:58 PM, moving slowly. The author suggests that while these could be coincidences, the frequency points to something more.

Another interesting example involves a person on Aspås suddenly feeling the urge to go outside, immediately observing a lighted sphereoid. The author questions what causes such impulses and suggests this strengthens theories pointing to the Hessdalen phenomena being of far greater interest than mere plasma.

The bulletin is also being sent to Russian UFOlogists in Tallin, Russia, by Finnish co-worker Heikki Virtanen.

Instrumentation

A separate section by Erling Strand details the instrumentation used in Project Hessdalen:

• Camera with Gitter: Used to determine if the object is solid or gas/plasma.
• IR-Viewer: Used to detect heat-rays.
• Spectrum Analyzer: Used to detect radio waves.
• Geiger Counter: Used to detect radioactive radiation.
• Radar: Used to determine position and average speed, and to check for reflections. The phenomena did reflect radar beams, but reflections can also be caused by temperature changes or humidity.
• Magnetometer (FM 100): Measures the strength and direction of the Earth's magnetic field, including magnetic activity high in the atmosphere. Results are compared with other stations (Dombås and Andøya) to identify special magnetic activity over Hessdalen or connections to atmospheric magnetic activity. Preliminary analysis indicates a connection between the Hessdalen phenomena and a special form of magnetic activity termed "PI".
• Seismograph (MEQ 800): Registers all movements in the Earth's crust, including minor local tremors. Information is compared with other seismological stations to determine if the Hessdalen phenomena are connected to Earth's crust movements. The connection between UFOs and seismological activity is a theory gaining attention, with comparisons made in England and Sweden, though no direct link has been found when comparing only time and place of quakes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this bulletin are the ongoing investigation of the Hessdalen phenomena, the detailed reporting of radar and visual sightings, and the scientific instrumentation employed. There is a clear emphasis on data collection and analysis, with a cautious yet intrigued stance towards the nature of the phenomena. The author, Odd-Gunnar Røed, hints that the frequent "coincidences" suggest the phenomena are not of natural origin, and that they may be of greater interest than simple plasma explanations. The project aims to scientifically understand the Hessdalen phenomena through rigorous observation and measurement.

This document, likely an issue of the Danish UFO publication "UFO-Nyt" from 1984 (Issue 2, Volume 1984), details scientific investigations into unexplained phenomena observed in Hessdalen, Norway. The primary focus is on the application of various scientific instruments to analyze these events. The issue is primarily text-based with accompanying photographs of equipment and observed phenomena.

Spectral-Photo Analysis

The section on "SPECTRAL-PHOTO" explains the utility of special photographs in distinguishing between solid objects and phenomena like plasma. Such photographs can reveal the elements present in the phenomena, providing significant information. The text notes that while much information could potentially be extracted, current analysis has been unsuccessful, and further analysis is required. A spectral-photo of streetlights in Hessdalen is presented, showing "1.degree spectrallines" and "2.degree spectrallines," indicating the presence of specific elements.

Spectrum Analyser Findings

The "SPECTRUM ANALYSER" section describes the use of a wideband antenna connected to a spectrum analyser to view radio signals across various frequencies, including long wave, medium wave, short wave, FM radio, and VHF TV signals. The analyser was adjusted to cover radio waves from 100 KHz to 1250MHz, allowing simultaneous reception of all radio and TV signals. However, the report states that "We never registered anything in particular during a phenomenon observation, but sometimes at other instances." This suggests that while the equipment was functional and capable of detecting signals, no specific or anomalous signals were consistently recorded during the observed phenomena.

Geiger Counter and IR-Viewer Results

The "GEIGER COUNTER" section explains its function in registering radioactive radiation. The investigation utilized three Geiger counters in different locations. Crucially, "No change in count rate was noted during observation of a phenomenon." The conclusion drawn is that "Most probably no radioactive radiation occurs - at least no immediate health danger is connected to the phenomena."

The "IR-VIEWER" section details its use for detecting infra-red radiation, which would indicate heating from a physical object. The text states, "The few times the IR-viewer was used, no strong such radiation was detected." This leads to the assessment that "There's no strong reason to believe that the light is due to heating of a physical object." It is also noted that IR radiation can be registered without such heating.

Future Work and Translation

The document concludes by mentioning that "Further work in the project will be to discuss the registered results with experts in the respective fields." Details of this will be published at a later date. The text is translated by K. Aasheim. Photographs include "Camera with gitter," "A spectral-photo of streetlights in Hessdalen," and a scene with "Leif Havik outside the cabin. Some of the cameras are also lined up."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) using empirical methods and instrumentation. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious, data-driven inquiry. While acknowledging the potential for significant discoveries through methods like spectral photography, the authors are careful not to jump to conclusions, reporting negative or inconclusive results from instruments like the spectrum analyser, Geiger counter, and IR-viewer. The emphasis is on rigorous data collection and the need for further analysis and expert consultation, suggesting a commitment to a scientific approach rather than sensationalism.