Rapportnytt - 1974 no 2

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 2 of "Rapport Nytt," the publication of "Norsk UFO Forum," in its second year of publication (2/74). It was edited by Egon Nielsen and published by Norsk UFO Center in Bergen. The issue is dated 1974 and focuses on UFO reports from within Norway, with a cover headline asking about a "TWO-STORY BUS" OVER THE RINGERIKE SKYLINE? The magazine aims to foster contact with its readers and encourages them to share their observations.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The publication details its postal and ordering address as Norsk UFO Forum, Postboks 2119, 7001 Trondheim. The postgiro account number is 34 69 57. Subscription prices are listed as Kr.15.00 for UFO Forum, Kr.15.00 for Rapport Nytt, and Kr.30.00 for both. The publication frequency is stated as 5 issues per year, with 2 issues per publication, totaling 5 issues/2 editions per year. Egon Nielsen is listed as the editor for Rapport Nytt, based in Bergen. Astrid Svelmoe handles the expedition and accounting, and Anton Lidstrom is responsible for stenciling. The editorial team expresses a strong interest in reader contact and gladly receives letters.

From the Reporting Center (Fra Rapportsentralen)

A section signed by F.W.K. addresses recent reorganizations and clarifies some uncertainties. The author apologizes for any delays in sending out identity cards and guidance for field researchers, promising to rectify this promptly. Readers are urged to report when they need more report forms. F.W.K. notes that 12 reports have been received so far this year, with three specific reports from March 13th concerning Lillestrøm, Eidsvoll, and Nesbyen. The editor expresses admiration for the work of Fjellberg and Gulbrandsen regarding an observation in Lillestrøm and Nesbyen, noting that a detailed report on this incident will be postponed to the next issue due to space constraints and the time needed to gather all data. The editor also thanks other collaborators for their efforts and announces that a list of all collaborators in the country will be sent out soon. There is a noted weakness in representation in Northern and Central Norway, and an appeal is made for readers from these regions to come forward. The section concludes with thanks and well wishes.

UFO Reports from Inland Norway (UFO-Rapporter Fra Innlandet)

This section presents several detailed UFO sighting reports:

Report 1: Olav Operud (December 16, 1973)

Reported by Arvid Granholm on January 16, 1974. The observer, Olav Operud, a 38-year-old factory worker, witnessed two luminous spheres between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM on December 16, 1973. The observation lasted two hours under clear, calm, and dark conditions. The objects emitted blinding light and moved at high speeds (200-300 km/h) with course changes to the North, East, and West. They landed approximately 200-300 meters from a power station. Operud described how the two lights appeared to head for the same landing spot. After landing, he followed the lights. One object made a low-altitude trip to Vikersund and returned. Another moving light of the same type reappeared. When the two lights met again, a third light appeared at the same altitude. The initial two lights then merged into one, and the final object appeared to be a collection point for the first two, which then ascended with the third light and disappeared towards the northeast.

Report 2: Arvid Granholm (February 8, 1974)

Reported by Arvid Granholm on February 9, 1974. The observer, Arvid Granholm, a 34-year-old, was on his way to his cabin when he saw a jet plane with a white condensation trail moving southwest. However, the object stopped, making no sound, while the condensation trail continued. Granholm observed a dark fuselage, like a jet fighter, floating. He retrieved his 12x50 binoculars and observed the object more closely. The condensation trail separated into three 'flame tongues' that seemed to lick up from an oval or disc-shaped object. Two luminous domes on the object's upper surface emitted the flames. Granholm considered contacting the local newspaper but decided to stay and document the event, which lasted about 12 minutes. The object disappeared behind a hill at 4:55 PM. The editor comments that it is unfortunate there were no witnesses, but Granholm is convinced of the report's accuracy.

Report 3: Aase Rønning (January 11, 1974)

Reported by Aase Rønning from Trondheim on February 13, 1974. The observation took place on January 11, 1974, at the Strinda Pleiehjem. The conditions were clear, calm, and dusky. One object was observed, described as a pulsating or luminous ring, emitting a strong, blinding light. There was a sound from the object, which moved at high speed from east to west. It stopped and appeared to grow larger, resembling a round headlight with a fringed, vibrating halo. The light intensified as it grew. After hovering for several seconds, it shrank and disappeared. The witness was Fru Henriksen.

Report 4: Arvid Granholm (March 3, 1974)

Reported by Arvid Granholm on March 3, 1974. The observer, Arvid Granholm, aged 34, reported an observation on February 27, 1974, from 11:05 PM to 11:07 PM (with a prior observation at 7:35 PM) near Tyristrand and Østvang. Conditions were clear, calm, and dark, with no moon visible. The temperature was -1 degree Celsius. One object was observed, emitting a strong, pulsating light. Its course changed from West/East to North/South at an altitude of 100-150 meters, with high and medium speeds. Granholm recounts seeing a luminous point or sphere at 7:35 PM that moved quite rapidly. At 11:05 PM, after a private exercise, he saw a light stronger than an aircraft's, possibly larger, moving eastwards over Østvang and Hagabru. He estimated it to be about 3 km away. The object disappeared over Røyse. He believes it would have been visible longer if it hadn't extinguished.

Report 5: Lina Granholm (March 11, 1974)

Reported by Lina Granholm on March 12, 1974. The observation occurred on March 11, 1974, from 11:35 PM to midnight in Skjærvold, Tyristrand. Conditions were dark, with no moon. One object was observed, emitting a constant yellow/white light. There was no sound. The object moved at low speed, described as erratic, with course changes to West/Southwest and Northwest/Southwest, moving slower than a plane. Lina Granholm stated that she was lying in bed when she saw a bright light, stronger than an aircraft's, moving from her house towards the west. The course changed to southwest, then north. The light then 'danced around itself' before moving southwest and disappearing behind the horizon. Her husband, Arvid Granholm, used binoculars to follow the light for about 25 minutes. He returned home at 6:30 AM and his wife immediately told him about the observation. Arvid Granholm states he has no reason to doubt his wife's experience.

Report 6: Knut Aasheim (March 13, 1974)

Reported by Knut Aasheim on March 13, 1974. The observation took place on March 13, 1974, from 6:30 PM to 6:40 PM at Fuglerud, Bøn in Eidsvoll. The sun had set, and the moon was not visible. One object was observed, emitting a constant white light and remaining stationary. It was at a high altitude (3000-4000 meters) and appeared as small as a pinhead. The observer received the information via telephone. The object did not disappear as long as the observer watched. Light veils of clouds passed in front of the object. Aasheim used binoculars with 8x40 magnification. No photos or films were taken. The observer believes he saw a UFO. Witnesses mentioned are Herr and Frk. Fjellberg from Lillestrøm. Knut Aasheim received a phone call from Mrs. Ellbjørg Fjeldberg of Lillestrøm, asking him to look at a strange light in the northwest sky. He went out with binoculars and saw something resembling a star at an angle of 35-45 degrees above the horizon. It was bright enough that other stars were not visible. He initially thought it might be Venus, but it was a morning star. Through his binoculars, he saw a luminous disc, about the size of a pinhead. The object appeared to move away over approximately 10 minutes. He went inside while the object was still visible and upon returning 20-30 minutes later, could no longer see it.

Newspaper Clippings

Ringerikes Blad (January 10, 1974)

A report from Ringerikes Blad discusses a luminous sphere seen over Jevnaker. A man reported seeing a bright light with a sharp glow coming from the north, which then turned and disappeared in the same direction over Jevnaker. The newspaper had previously inquired if others had seen this light, and it turned out that many people had observed it from various locations. They all agreed it was not an airplane, and the light appeared the same from different viewpoints. The sharp, luminous object turned over Jevnaker.

Ringerikes Blad (January 11, 1974)

Another report from Ringerikes Blad states that following the sightings over Jevnaker, a man from Nes i Årdal confirmed seeing a luminous sphere. He reported seeing a sphere on December 28, 1973, at 10:14 AM, moving southwest over Nes. He clearly saw a smoke trail behind the object, similar to those from rocket launches. The man observed the sphere for about one minute, and the distinct smoke trail made the object's nature clear to him.

Ringerikes Blad (March 2, 1974)

This article, titled "TWO-STORY BUS" OVER THE RINGERIKE SKYLINE?, describes an observation on Thursday evening at 7:30 PM. A man in Heradsbygda observed a luminous object moving at low altitude from Oslo towards Heradsbygda. The object was described as resembling a two-story bus, emitting no sound, and moving too slowly to be an airplane. The observer mentioned this to his colleagues, and one recalled seeing a similar object from Veienmoen, but moving in the opposite direction around 11:00 PM. Tom Hermansen, an observation assistant at the Harestua Solar Observatory, stated that while they often receive reports of unexplained lights, their primary task is observing the sun, so they do not monitor the night sky. He suggested possible explanations like satellite observations or burnt-out rocket stages, which typically move across the horizon in a few minutes and have low luminosity. The editorial section, however, questions this explanation, pointing out that observers who saw the "two-story bus" do not believe these conventional explanations. The editorial highlights that while Hermansen acknowledges satellites and rocket stages have low luminosity, some observations involve lights so bright they outshine aircraft landing lights.

Postscript (P.S.)

The reporting center has contacted SUFOI, which confirmed that the Smithsonian Institute has not reported any satellite de-orbitings during the relevant period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings within Norway. The magazine actively encourages reader participation and emphasizes the importance of detailed reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFO phenomena, questioning conventional explanations like satellites and rocket stages when they do not align with witness descriptions of bright lights and unusual object behaviors. There is a clear effort to document and disseminate these reports, suggesting a belief in the significance of these unexplained aerial phenomena. The publication also highlights geographical gaps in reporting, particularly in Northern and Central Norway, and seeks to broaden its network of observers.

This issue of VERDENS GANG, dated February 28, 1974, delves into the perplexing phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), posing the question of whether recent sightings are genuine or hoaxes. The publication features reports from Denmark, the USA, and Norway, presenting photographic evidence and detailed witness testimonies.

UFOs in Denmark: The Jorma Viita Photograph

The central story focuses on a photograph taken by Jorma Viita, a 24-year-old Finnish shipyard worker living in Denmark. The image, captured over a forest on the island of Fyn, reportedly shows a sharp, paddle-like object in the air. Viita was initially hesitant to publicize the photo, fearing ridicule, but was persuaded by a colleague. He had previously sent three such photos to the Danish UFO organization, which described them as the best UFO images received to date.

The article notes that Viita's sighting is part of a broader wave of unexplained aerial phenomena reported over Fyn in recent months, with hundreds of people reporting unusual sightings. One incident describes a motorist whose car failed, lights went out, and experienced a heat wave while observing a close, low-flying object, an experience mirrored by a report from a policeman in South Jutland who was similarly stopped by an unknown object.

The Scandinavian UFO movement has long focused on the Lillebelt area of Fyn, with theories suggesting it might be a base for intercontinental spacecraft. Viita's photos emerged amidst this heightened attention.

Viita, who had been employed at the Lindø shipyard near Odense for four years, was on his way to a judo club meeting with his camera, an AGFA-SILETTE, to photograph his teammates. He described the object as a five to ten-meter long entity, two to three meters high, hovering 200-300 meters above a forest. It moved rapidly from east to west. He managed to take three shots before it disappeared.

The Danish evening newspaper 'EKSTRA-BLADET' examined the negatives and concluded that their authenticity could not be doubted, finding no evidence of double exposure or other tricks. These images were reportedly part of a collection of discoveries made by family and friends. The Finnish UFO department was informed, presumably to reduce personal attention on Viita.

The editor notes that while the image cannot be reproduced, it is described as a good photograph with sharp lines.

UFOs in Norway: Multiple Sightings

The issue also includes reports from Norway:

• Vestvågøy: On December 29, 1973, a white, square, luminous light was observed moving east over Sennesvik. It was visible despite poor weather and was seen by multiple people. The object's form and character, and its visibility in adverse conditions, suggested it was not an aircraft. It was estimated to be flying at an altitude of one hundred to two hundred meters.

• Hallingdal: On March 14, 1974, several people in Gol and Nesbyen reported seeing a large, luminous, red-glowing sphere in the sky for about half an hour. It moved in an east-to-west direction.

• Våler: A man from Flisa reported seeing a red-glowing, round, shiny object on the northern horizon on a Monday evening. He described it as a 'UFO' and noted it turned and disappeared. He is interested in hearing from others who may have seen similar phenomena.

• Kongsvinger: A 9-year-old girl, Elisabeth Sigernes, reported seeing a red-glowing sphere with a long, luminous tail moving towards the ground. Her mother corroborated the sighting, noting it occurred around 7 PM. The girl's observation coincided with the report from the man in Flisa.

• Lørenskog: On the evening of March 14, 1974, a woman and her son observed a sharp, bright light with a flaming blue tail moving upwards from the ground near Skåre. The woman expressed confusion, stating she doesn't believe in UFOs but is now uncertain.

• Bøn: On March 16, 1974, Tom Arild Sagen reported observing a pulsating, yellow-white light with a yellow-orange tail (like fire) moving rapidly from northwest to south. The object, estimated to be about one meter in size at its closest approach, appeared to be faster than a fighter jet and was seen through a car window. After the object became smaller and disappeared, Sagen noted that his car's headlights seemed weaker, and the ammeter showed a significant drain.

• Kongsvinger: Egil Gusterudmoen reported an observation on February 13, 1974, of a pulsating red and white light with a faint humming sound. The object exhibited changes in altitude and speed, moving southward. It was described as larger than a 5-kroner coin held between the thumb and forefinger. Upon disappearing, it dissolved into small pieces.

UFOs in the USA: The Pascagoula Case

The issue also revisits the 'Pascagoula case' from the USA, referencing an article from the Danish journal 'UFO-NYT'. This incident involved two fishermen, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, who claimed to have been taken aboard a UFO. They described beings approximately 153 cm tall, with grey skin, wrinkled features, and no discernible neck, whose arms ended in claw-like appendages. The beings moved with a floating motion. Hickson was paralyzed by fear, while Parker fainted. One of the beings reportedly carried Parker into the craft. Inside, the men were separated and examined. These accounts were reportedly taken under hypnosis and considered unlikely to be a hoax by recognized scientists like Dr. James A. Harder and Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

UFOs in the USA: General Trends

An article from 'ADRESSEAVISEN' dated January 10, 1974, discusses a wave of UFO sightings in the USA, comparing them to the Loch Ness Monster in their recurring nature and impact on public imagination. Unlike the Loch Ness Monster, UFOs have provided more substantial evidence. The article notes a surge in reports in recent months, following a lull after 1966-67 and a quieter period in 1970. It mentions a specific case where two fishermen encountered strange beings with crab-like claws, whose accounts were deemed credible by scientist Allen J. Hynek after hypnosis.

The article acknowledges the vast number of observations worldwide over the past 25 years, suggesting they cannot all be hallucinations. It raises questions about the intelligence behind these phenomena and their origin. It also points out that while some reports have natural explanations, many remain unexplained.

NATO Observation

A report from a Danish coast guard captain and other officers aboard the vessel 'WILLEMOSA' details an observation on August 16, 1954, during a NATO exercise in the Baltic Sea. They witnessed a green, luminous triangular object moving across the sky at an estimated speed of 1500 km/hour. The captain, experienced in astronomy and aircraft identification, concluded it was neither a plane nor a meteor. The object left three blue-green tails behind it. The Navy and NATO headquarters were informed, but no explanation was provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the mysterious nature of UFO sightings, emphasizing witness accounts and photographic evidence. There is a clear interest in distinguishing genuine phenomena from hoaxes, with references to scientific investigations and expert opinions, particularly from figures like Allen J. Hynek. The recurring theme is the unexplained nature of many sightings, suggesting the possibility of non-human intelligence or advanced technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and acknowledging the limitations of current explanations, while also noting the potential for natural causes in some instances.