PROJECT HESSDALEN

Magazine Overview

This document is a bulletin from PROJECT HESSDALEN, specifically Bulletin NO. 1, Volume 3, dated April 7, 1985. It details the activities and findings of the project during the winter months of January and February 1985, with a focus on the "Project Hessdalen Part two" initiative. The bulletin is primarily in English, with some Norwegian and Swedish names and terms.

Project Hessdalen Part Two: Winter Observations

The bulletin begins by apologizing for the delay in communication, attributing it to extensive work in various fields. The "Project Hessdalen Part two" winter campaign is described, noting that poor weather conditions resulted in rather poor outcomes, though some sightings were still recorded. Readers are invited to find enclosed a sheet for ordering the previous year's Final Technical Report, which is recommended for new readers to understand the project's context.

For individuals in Brazil facing difficulties sending money internationally, an alternative method of enclosing 8 US dollars in an envelope with blueprint paper is provided. For others, moneycheques are accepted. The project acknowledges receiving many letters from people worldwide interested in news from Hessdalen and hopes this bulletin serves as a comprehensive answer.

Financial Support and Visitors

The project highlights its current financial state, describing the moneybox as being in a state of emptiness and appealing for financial contributions from those who have received bulletins to help sustain future publications. They express hope for official funding the following winter if the phenomenon continues.

A significant visitor mentioned is Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who stayed for ten days during the winter. The temperature during this period is noted to have dropped to -40°C below zero on the way to Hessdalen.

Debunked Sightings

The bulletin addresses the famous "Vaag-picture," stating that it was investigated and found to be a hoax by Ground Saucer Watch. The project dismisses this as an attempt to "fool the world" and notes that Mr. Vaag was sent a cactus by a Norwegian magazine as a response to this "bad joke."

Use of Material

Readers are permitted to use material from the bulletins and the Technical Report in their own publications, provided they credit "Project Hessdalen UFO-NORWAY/UFO-SWEDEN" as the source.

January and February 1985 Observations

This section details the specific observations made during the winter campaign. The observation posts were located at Finnsåhøgda, Rognefjell, and Hammerkneppen. Personnel primarily consisted of observers from Sweden and Finland, equipped with cameras.

Key observations include:

• January 15th: Observation began, but was limited by wind, extreme cold, and drifting snow. Clear skies and Aurora Borealis were observed during calmer periods.
• January 16th, 1:34 AM: Bjørn Lagesson and Leif Havik observed a very strong light-flash at Finnsåhøgda, which made the inside of their tent feel like daylight.
• January 19th, 6:59 PM: A yellow ball of light appeared towards the North, over Haltdalen, lasting 3-4 seconds. No photographs were taken.
• January 22nd: Crews were replaced due to severe weather. Leif Havik and Jonny Schøn went to Finnsåhøgda to bring down the crew due to unsafe conditions. Those heading to Rognefjell observed from Kjerringvolden.
• January 26th: Prof. J. Allen Hynek arrived at the barrack, along with Prof. Jens Tellefsen, Christer Nordin, and Odd-Gunnar Røed. Discussions were held.
• During the period: Approximately 55 observations of uncertain origin (e.g., soundless airplanes) and 220 observations of certain origin (e.g., airplanes, helicopters) were registered.
• January 22nd, 1 PM: Leif Havik and Jonny Schøn went to Finnsåhøgda to bring down the crew due to bad weather. The temperature was -18°C.
• January 22nd, early morning: The barrack at Finnsåhøgda had to be evacuated.
• January 26th: Prof. J. Allen Hynek arrived, accompanied by Prof. Jens Tellefsen, Christer Nordin, and Odd-Gunnar Røed.
• Observations registered: 55 of uncertain origin, 220 of certain origin.

Part II of report:

• January 28th: The first two groups of observers left Hammerkneppen. Bjørn Lagesson, Mariann Øverstrøm, and Leif Havik remained with cameras.
• January 29th, 5:39 PM: An orange ball of light was observed to the Northwest, motionless for about 30 seconds. Initially thought to be a signal light, it was later concluded, along with rifle shots and another observed light, to have originated from a civilian guard training center in Haltdalen, indicating miscalculation of distance.
• January 29th, 8:13 PM: An object appeared from the South at airplane speed, travelling North without sound. Leif Havik took four photographs, one including Venus. Three other persons from Ålen also saw the object.
• January 29th, 10:21 PM: An airplane travelling South was photographed for comparison.
• January 31st and February 1st: Observations were made at the lakes Oyungen and Herrsjøen between 7:30 and 9 PM. The phenomena were yellow-white and sphere-shaped.
• February 6th, evening: Leif Havik observed a warm-yellow orange, weak light on the east side of Rognefjell.
• February 7th, 10:10 PM: An object travelled South, 3 minutes after an airplane had passed going North. Both Bjørn and Leif Havik photographed it.

The report concludes by noting that the watch ended on February 10th, and the team was looking forward to returning home after a month in a tent in cold conditions, while hoping for a new project in the future.

Instrumentation

This section, dated March 3, 1985, by E. Strand, lists the instruments used from January 13 to January 27, 1985:

• Spectrumanalysers: Tektronix 492P (10KHz to 22GHz, used 10KHz to 1.8GHz) coupled to a dipole antenna; Hewlett Packard 141S Display Section, 8553L RF-Section, and 8552A IF-Section (10KHz to 110MHz) coupled to an active antenna (1MHz to 32MHz).
• LF-electromagnetical fields: Bruel & Kjær Level recorder type 2304 with potentiometer type 2347, coupled to a wire antenna (400Hz to 100KHz).
• Radar: Decca Radar RM916 (max distance 48 nautical miles, adjusted to 3 or 6 nautical miles).
• Seismograph: MEQ-800 Portable Seismic System, installed at L. Havik's place.
• Fluxgate Magnetometer: Model FM100, Serial 73, coupled to a TOA Electronic Polyrecorder EPR-200A.
• IR-viewer: FJW, model 80045.
• Geigercounter: One Radiation Alert Mini.
• Laser: He-Ne. (633nm) 8mW.
• Videorecorders: U-matic Portable, JVC (VHS), VCC 2000.
• Videocameras: Sony AVC-3450CE, JVC GZ-S3, Philips 2000.
• Cameras: Approximately 20 cameras and more than 10 tripods.

Data Analysis and Film Usage

About 38 films were used, including 20 picture films. Not all films were developed yet. Reports on sightings will be checked against registrations from the military radar station at Trondheim to clear out potential airplane sightings. The bulletin notes that recordings from the spectrumanalysers are better documented this year, with fewer radar recordings. Seismograph recordings are not yet analyzed. The laser was not pointed directly at the Hessdalen phenomenon this year. 55 recordings of lights require further analysis before being assigned an F-number, and 184 recordings have already received an F1 designation.

A bar graph illustrates the "NUMBER OF PERSONELL" during January and February 1985, showing a peak in mid-January and a decline towards the end of February.

Final Technical Report Part One

The issue also includes a promotional section for the "PROJECT HESSDALEN 1984 FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT PART ONE" by siv. ing. Erling Strand. Information on how to order the report is provided, including payment details via p.giro and b.giro, and the cost of the report and average freight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena in Hessdalen, Norway, the challenges of conducting scientific observation in harsh winter conditions, the importance of detailed instrumentation and data collection, and the need for public and financial support for the project. The editorial stance is one of persistent scientific inquiry, transparency about findings (including debunked cases), and a pragmatic approach to the difficulties faced by an amateur-based research group. There is a clear emphasis on documenting observations and analyzing data, while also seeking to debunk hoaxes and clarify the nature of reported phenomena. The project also highlights its international collaboration, with participants and supporters from Sweden, Finland, and other parts of the world.