UFO-Norway News - 1991 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NORWAY NEWS
Issue: No. 1/2 1991
Date: 1991
Publisher: UFO-NORWAY
Country: Norway
Language: English (original content likely Norwegian, translated)
ISSN: 0802-2453

This issue of UFO-Norway News, published in 1991, serves as a compilation of UFO observations and potential landing cases reported in Norway between 1987 and 1991. The newsletter aims to provide a "heavier" issue with an improved layout compared to previous publications, which had been delayed due to a heavy workload. The editor expresses hope to publish at least one issue per year.

Editorial

The editorial acknowledges the delay in publication, attributing it to a heavy workload both professionally and in connection with UFO-related activities. The editor expresses a desire to publish at least one more substantial issue per year with an improved layout. The newsletter presents a summary of cases from 1987 through 1991, noting that while some reports from 1987 and 1989 were previously covered, new and interesting cases have emerged.

Table of Contents

The newsletter features a detailed table of contents, categorizing observations by year:

• Observations in 1987:
• Two children observe object over house nearby (Page 3)
• Observations in 1989:
• Sande, January 1989 (Page 4)
• The observations at Andebu (Page 5)
• Sylling, 29 January 1989 (Page 7)
• Kodal, 13 May 1989 (Page 7)
• Kragerø-Drangedal, 27 July 1989 (Page 8)
• Svene, Numedal, 3 October 1989 (Page 8)
• Alnabru, 14 November 1989 (Page 9)
• The observations in Sandefjord (Page 9)
• Observations in 1990:
• Hessdalen, February 1990
• Høyanger, 12 June 1990
• Lørenskog, 15 July 1990
• Valen, 14 September 1990
• Strange lights in the Gudbrandsdalen valley
• UFO-landing marks in Vanylven?
• Observations in 1991:
• UFO over Trengereid
• Possible landing at Haukeli (Page 26)
• Strange observation over the Nord-Østerdalen valley
• Corn-circles discovered near Tønsberg
• Luminous object on Raufoss

Key Articles and Reports

Two children observe object over house nearby (1987)

This report, originally published in "UFO" no. 1 1990, details a sighting by siblings Karina (7) and Kim Einar Large on February 27, 1987, at Tjøme, near Tønsberg. Between 8:00 and 8:30 pm, they saw a saucer-shaped object hovering about 200-300 meters away over a house. The object was described as black with luminous specks (red-blue-pink, lilac) and a dome with yellow-brown-red and blue colors. It emitted yellow rays downwards. The children estimated its size to be about 10 meters in diameter. A low-frequency humming sound was heard. The observation lasted about one minute, during which the children experienced painful headaches that ceased when the object accelerated northwards. Both children provided consistent accounts, and their identification of shapes showed a high resemblance. The house owner did not notice anything unusual. The weather was clear.

Observations in 1989

This section covers several incidents from 1989, a year marked by a wave of UFO observations internationally and in Norway.

• Sande, January 1989: A family in Sande reported two close encounters. Initially, the sons saw a luminous sphere in the northwest. The next day, the couple observed a white/blank luminous sphere, brighter than a planet, about the size of a star. Later, a large, airplane-like object, estimated at 7 meters in diameter and 5-6 meters away, hovered near their balcony. It had a dark color, windows, and several lights. The object was soundless and described as "full of edges" and "like a nut."

• The observations at Andebu, 23 January 1989: Synnøve Isaksen and her two children (Linda Beate, 12, and Jan Åge, 9) reported seeing a large, shining sphere resembling a handball that followed their car for about 3 km. Later, they observed a soundless object with edges, about 10 meters in diameter, hovering 30 meters above the ground. It had multiple colored lights on its underside (red, green, yellow) arranged in a pattern. The object disappeared at high speed and reappeared, following them again.

• Sylling, 29 January 1989: A woman heard an unusual sound and saw a black object ascending above trees. It moved slowly, halted, and hovered motionless. The object was described as having a shape like two saucers lid to lid, with 10 red blinking lights. Its estimated diameter was 10-12 meters, and it was at an altitude of 25-30 meters. It disappeared behind a house, emitting a powerful white light. The witness managed only a glimpse.

• Kodal, 13 May 1989: Tom Arne Kristensen, 17, reported a powerful light behind his motorbike that seemed to follow him. He later saw a powerful light in the woods beneath a house. The experience involved a sense of lost time.

• Kragerø-Drangedal, 27 July 1989: A young couple observed a bluewhite light, possibly lightning, and later a red shimmering light. They then saw an object at a high altitude blinking with strong, white lights. The object descended to about 150-200 meters, hovered motionless for 10-15 seconds, and then moved forwards and downwards, flying low through the wood. No sound was heard.

• Svene, Numedal, 3 October 1989: Ingvil Anina Sletten observed a house-sized object, about 20 meters long, hovering motionless about 50 meters above treetops. It had two rows of white lights and two red blinking lights. The object moved southwards and turned left behind a hill. Mr. Nils Helge Tufto also witnessed this phenomenon.

• Alnabru, 14 November 1989: A 36-year-old woman reported seeing a soundless, airplane-like object gaining altitude but remaining stationary. It had rows of lights and red blinking lights on the underside. The object shot upwards and positioned itself like a star.

• The observations in Sandefjord, 22 November 1989: Ivar Spilde, a college lecturer, reported several observations. At 7:15 pm, he saw a light moving slowly. At 9:15 pm, his wife observed an object described as "a house with lights in several storeys." At 11:00 pm, Spilde observed a flying object about 100 meters above the ground, described as having a broad row of lights underneath and a fuselage with uplit "windows" in several "stories." The observation was described as the least accurate due to consternation. Another sighting on December 15, 1989, by Britt and Renate Oswald, described a squared object with blinking white lights and golden windows, accompanied by a deep humming sound.

Overview Map of Observations (1987-1991)

Page 6 features a map of Norway with numbered locations corresponding to reported observations between 1987 and 1991. The list includes:

1. Tjøme (27.02.87)
2. Sande (January 1989)
3. Andebu (23.01.89)
4. Sylling (29.01.89)
5. Kodal (13.05.89)
6. Kragerø-Drangedal (27.07.89)
7. Numedal (03.10.89)
8. Alnabru (14.11.89)
9. Sandefjord (22.11.89)
10. Sandefjord - I (15.12.89)
11. Sandefjord - II (15.12.89)
12. Hessdalen (February 1990)
13. Høyanger (12.06.90)
14. Lørenskog (15.07.90)
15. Vanylven (July 1990)
16. Gudbrandsdalen (08.08.90)
17. Valen (14.09.90)
18. Trengereid (Jan-Feb 1991)
19. Haukeli (24.-29.03.91)
20. Sverjesjøen (03.08.91)
21. Kjær (06.09.91)
22. Raufoss (25.10.91)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, potential landing cases, and unexplained aerial phenomena observed in Norway. The newsletter adopts a stance of documenting and presenting these reports, often with detailed witness testimonies and investigator notes. The emphasis is on providing factual accounts of the sightings, including descriptions of objects, their behavior, and any associated sounds or effects. The editorial implies a belief in the reality of these phenomena, encouraging patience and continued contact from subscribers and exchange partners. The publication's irregular schedule suggests a dedication to UFO research despite other commitments.

This issue of UFO-Norway News, dated 1991, focuses on UFO and UAP observations and investigations conducted in Norway during 1990 and the early part of 1991. The magazine presents a collection of witness reports, investigative findings, and scientific analyses related to these phenomena.

Observations in 1989

The issue begins with a detailed account of a sighting by Ivar Spilde on December 15, 1989, in Sandefjord. He observed an illuminated rectangle with windows and blinking orange-red lights, accompanied by a deep, unusual sound. The object flew from east to west, and Spilde noted its resemblance to a previous sighting on November 22. He described an "enormous acceleration" and a sound that filled the sky.

Observations in 1990

The year 1990 is highlighted with several interesting observations and incidents. Despite inhabitants being more reluctant to report sightings, UFO activity remained relatively high.

Hessdalen, February 1990

An anonymous witness in Hessdalen reported seeing a hovering, motionless object estimated to be about 2 meters in diameter and 25 meters long. The object suddenly tilted and flew away.

Høyanger, June 12, 1990

A farm worker in Høyanger, along with two other witnesses, observed a strange white phenomenon moving towards the woods. They watched it descend to the ground in a field about 800 meters away. The object, described as tri-coloured (yellow, white, and blue), was about 5 meters in size and remained motionless for about 15 minutes. It then ascended straight upwards at an unbelievable speed.

Lørenskog, July 15, 1990

A bus driver in Lørenskog reported seeing a strange object resembling a bullet, wingless, and without identification marks. It hovered motionless or flew very slowly. After the driver turned, the object disappeared behind trees. Shortly after, a red blinking light appeared high in the sky, which later descended, stopped, hovered, and then disappeared.

Valen, September 14, 1990

This section details three independent sightings of a powerful luminous phenomenon in Valen. Else B. Ludvigsen described an oblong, motionless light. Ragnvald Hovden initially mistook a luminous oval ball of light for a distress signal rocket, but it grew rapidly and appeared to have "wings" or a "belly-belt." The object descended vertically and disappeared slowly. The sphere was estimated to be 7 meters in diameter and traveled at approximately 1500 km/h.

Gudbrandsdalen valley, August 8, 1990

Anne Rannstad reported seeing a huge, bright yellow light low in the sky in the Gudbrandsdalen valley. The light descended behind a hillside and later reappeared, hanging motionless. Another light appeared to its right, causing her to feel uneasy and drive away.

UFO-landing marks in Vanylven?

This significant section details the discovery of unexplained traces in the mountain terrain near Vanylven, Sunnmøre, at the end of July 1990. The traces, located near a small mountain lake, attracted considerable media attention.

Discovery and Initial Reports

Two local residents, Bjarne Sjåstad and Åge Olsen, discovered the traces on July 27, 1990. The local newspaper Sunnmørsposten published articles speculating on a UFO cause, while an engineer and geotechnician commented that avalanches were unlikely to have caused the scars.

Investigation by UFO-Norge

UFO-Norge's investigator, Johannes Anonby, conducted a field investigation on August 5. The traces were located at about 700 m above sea level. Originally, four traces were visible, with the main trace being 60 m long and 4-8 m wide, featuring parallel grooves. Smaller traces were also present. Specimens of earth and stones were sent to the University of Bergen for analysis.

Press Coverage and Theories

The case was widely debated in the local press. Theories ranged from avalanches to ball lightning. Reports of strange lights seen above the fjords in the vicinity coincided with the discovery of the traces. A previous incident from the 1950s involving similar traces was also mentioned, which had been investigated by the Army and police.

Scientific Analysis

Analyses from the Department of Microbiology and Department of Geology at the University of Bergen found no significant differences in bacterial growth or radioactivity compared to samples from outside the track area. The geologists concluded that "wet snow-avalanches" were the most likely cause, but recommended further expert investigation. Mr. Lars Harald Blikra from the Norwegian Geological Survey (NGS) also concluded similarly, though he noted the importance of the formation time.

Radioactivity Measurements

Mr. Jørgen Ekremsetær, an employee of the Norwegian Geological Survey, conducted a private trip to Vanylven with friends, equipped with a radioactivity meter. They found increased radioactivity in an area of about 200 m long and 30-50 m wide, stretching southeast from the main tracks. Earth samples were analyzed, but no deviations were found. Ekremsetær was skeptical of the avalanche theory.

Timing of the Event

Evidence suggested the tracks were formed between June 1 and July 27, likely in late spring or early summer. A snow-covered photograph from May 16 showed no tracks, while a visit on June 1 also revealed nothing. The final verdict from UFO-Norge was that while some findings were intriguing, a conventional explanation was preferred.

Observations in 1991

UFO over Trengereid

In January 1991, a series of observations occurred in Trengereid, near Bergen. Witnesses reported soundless, illuminated objects flying low over the fjords. While most were identified as airplanes, a small residue indicated an unknown phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO and UAP sightings across Norway, emphasizing detailed witness accounts and the investigative efforts of UFO-Norge. There is a clear effort to present evidence and scientific analysis, though the editorial stance often leans towards cautious skepticism, preferring conventional explanations when possible, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The Vanylven 'landing marks' case exemplifies this approach, where initial speculation of UFO involvement was tempered by geological findings, yet the exact cause remained debated.

Title: UFO-NORWAY NEWS
Issue: 1991
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: English (original content likely Norwegian, translated for this context)

Trengereid Sightings: January-February 1991

The issue details a significant wave of luminous aerial phenomena observed in and around Trengereid, Norway, during January and February 1991. The phenomena were described by numerous witnesses as spherical or oval objects with blinking white and red lights, moving at low altitudes, often below mountain tops, from east to west over the fjord. The areas most affected were Trengereid, Vaksdal, and the isle of Osterøy.

Initial Observations

Inge Skulstad, a resident of Trengereid, reported the first observation on January 16th at 8:50 pm. He saw a flying object with 15-20 blinking white lights and two red lights on each side. The object hovered motionless for about 4 minutes over a headland to the west, approximately 1 kilometer distant, before disappearing behind a nearby hillside. The object reappeared at 11:10 pm, exhibiting similar movements and disappearing again after 1.5 minutes. Skulstad managed to use binoculars and called a neighbor, resulting in four observers witnessing the phenomenon. Skulstad contacted the local police, who confirmed no recorded aerial activity with Flesland airport.

Escalating Sightings and Media Interest

Following Skulstad's initial report, the number of observations and witnesses increased steadily. By February 7th, a meeting was held in Trengereid, attended by local residents, journalists, and TV teams from the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation and a local TV company. UFO-Norge was represented by Finn W. Kalvik. Up to that date, at least 20 observations had been made, with sightings becoming a routine during the first week of February.

A video recording by a local TV company on February 4th showed a diffuse luminous phenomenon above Trengereid, though details were unclear. Air traffic control at Flesland airport confirmed no airplanes were present in the area at that time.

On February 8th, the newspaper Bergens Arbeiderblad featured an alleged photo of the phenomenon on its front page. An observer had taken two pictures of an object hovering almost motionless low over the fjord on February 4th at 6:55 pm.

Notable Witness Accounts

Sigmund Høyseter reported a sighting on February 3rd near Vaksdal. He saw a UFO moving at great speed across the sky, then halting and hovering motionless. Through binoculars, he observed a cigar-shaped object with two weak lights, from which small cylinder-shaped projectiles of light emanated. Høyseter, an amateur pilot, was certain it was not an airplane or Venus. He was corroborated by four other witnesses.

Vidar Gjøsund and his wife reported a sighting on February 6th. They saw a "something gigantic" with 4 squared yellow and green blinking lights flying slowly and silently above their home at Risnes. The object appeared as a black circle.

Official and Conventional Explanations

On February 9th, Bergens Arbeiderblad published an article suggesting incoming airplanes from Oslo, specifically Scandinavian Airlines' flight 339 arriving at 11:15 pm, as the cause. Air traffic controller Knut Johan Mohn claimed that clear and cold weather conditions could create meteorological and optical phenomena, making distant landing lights appear motionless and distorted. He suggested that the sightings coincided with the arrival route of SK 339.

However, the article also noted that witnesses like Inge Skulstad and Vidar Gjøsund rejected the airplane theory. Finn W. Kalvik of UFO-Norge conceded that some observations might be aircraft, but at least four could not be explained conventionally. A more farfetched explanation involving a stolen direction laser was also mentioned.

Media Treatment and UFO-Norge's Involvement

Generally, the media treated the phenomenon positively, with Bergens Arbeiderblad adopting an objective approach. However, by February 9th, the newspaper's attitude shifted, claiming to have found the sole solution.

UFO-Norge's representative, Finn W. Kalvik, attended a meeting on February 7th, interviewed witnesses, and collected reports. The organization conducted two observation excursions to Trengereid on February 10th and 13th, but no strange objects were spotted.

Other Sightings

Masfjorden: On March 1st, a luminous sphere with a V-shaped figure inside was observed moving from west to east for 10-15 minutes. Two women also reported a similar phenomenon on February 28th.

Haukeli: Between March 24th and 29th, seven witnesses reported a luminous phenomenon hovering near cabins for four consecutive evenings. On March 26th, the object appeared to descend, leaving three spiral-shaped markings in the snow, with miscoloured snow between them. Laboratory tests on snow samples showed reduced bacterial content inside the "landing-area" compared to a reference sample, though elemental analysis was inconclusive.

Nord-Østerdalen Valley: On August 3rd, 1991, three women observed two luminous oval shapes moving slowly for two hours, with a light point changing color. They recorded video and photographs but were hesitant to label it a UFO.

Conclusion

The issue concludes that while some sightings might be explained conventionally, a significant number, particularly those in Trengereid, suggest the presence of an unknown phenomenon. The Haukeli case is described as a "classical CE II-case" due to potential physical traces. The extensive media coverage benefited UFO-Norge, raising awareness of UFO phenomena in Norway.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings with a focus on witness testimony and investigative efforts by UFO-Norge. While acknowledging the possibility of conventional explanations, the publication often highlights cases that defy easy answers, suggesting the presence of genuine unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the collection and analysis of evidence while remaining critical of unsubstantiated claims. The media's role in both sensationalizing and investigating these events is also a recurring theme.

This issue of UFO-NORWAY NEWS from 1991 covers several intriguing reports and investigations into unexplained phenomena. The magazine features articles on unusual aerial sightings, potential landing traces, and the discovery of crop circles.

Unusual Lights in Bergen and Halden

The issue begins with a report from Bergen, Norway, where three women observed unusual lights during the night. The local meteorological office, represented by Kvamme, could not provide a definitive explanation, suggesting it might be a reflection of ground-based light sources in hot air masses, though noting this was unusual for summer. The report highlights the lack of conventional explanations.

Subsequently, the magazine details an incident where three women in Halden videotaped a phenomenon that was possibly an electric discharge in the atmosphere. Colonel Per Bøthun of the Defence Supreme Command stated that the sound heard on the video was likely electrical noise, indicating a strong electrical discharge. He also confirmed that no unusual activity was registered by the Defence's radar stations during the observation period.

UFO-Norge, the report centre, was alerted to this case and gathered more information. The exact observation point was near Lake Store Sverjesjøen, at an elevation of 868 meters, northeast of the Orkdalen valley in mid-Southern Norway. The observation occurred between 01:30 and 03:30 am. The phenomenon was initially sighted in the northwest and moved slowly northward. It was described as a large flashing oval with a red/yellow-white light source, with flashes occurring at intervals of 2-9 minutes, lasting from a split-second up to 3 seconds. The sky was clear for most of the observation, though clouds later obscured the view. The video, recorded at 02:50, showed two distinct flashes with a short-lived, point-like light source in the center of the second flash, accompanied by a cracking sound. Unfortunately, the video lacked reference points to determine size or position. A photograph taken at 02:40 showed a reddish, diffuse light source with a white, more concentrated light beside it, but the image was smeared due to being taken without a tripod. Mrs. Gerxhaliu estimated the distance to be "at least a couple of kilometres." No sound was heard, and no after-effects were reported.

Adding to the case, farmer Øystein Emanuelsen from Dalsbygda, approximately 40 km away, reported observing two flashes of light in the west around 01:45 am on the same night. His observation, though in a different direction, suggests a potentially widespread event.

Conclusion on the Sverjesjøen Sighting

The report concludes that the four witnesses likely observed an unusual atmospheric phenomenon, possibly a special form of electrical discharge seen from a great distance. The estimated distance was 12-15 km, possibly more, limited by the estimated elevation of 30-40 degrees. A meteorologist suggested that electrical discharges between clouds typically occur at altitudes of 6000 meters or higher, implying a potential distance of up to 20 km. The minimum distance was estimated at 8-10 km, sufficient to attenuate sound propagation. The persistent motion of the phenomenon and the fixed relative positions of the light sources were noted. Mr. Emanuelsen's observation point, 40 km ENE of Sverjesjøen, could have provided useful distance and altitude clues if his elevation assessment were known.

Erling Strand, a member of UFO-Norge, has been in contact with international researchers and presented at a symposium on ball-lightning in Hungary in 1990. Comments from experts on the video and photograph were to be presented in a future issue.

Corn Circles Discovered Near Tønsberg

On September 6, 1991, the newspaper Tønsberg Blad reported on "UFO at Kjær?" Farmer Jens Aasand described 11 strange circles in a field at Kjær, near Tønsberg. The circles varied in diameter from two to six meters, with corn spikes twisted towards the sun and laid vertically. Representatives from UFO-Norge, Odd-Gunnar Røed and Torfrid Urdal, investigated the site, collecting samples. Erling Strand also visited the location. Initially, various solutions were proposed, but it was eventually determined that the circles were made by roe-deer during courtship and mating, where the male chases the female in circles. This incident was thus considered "case closed" and natural, though noted as a rare conclusion for the report centre.

Luminous Object and Landing Traces on Raufoss

Another report details an incident on October 25, 1991, in Raufoss, Southern Norway. Dag Monrad Eriksen (10) and Eirik Skrinde (9) observed a luminous sphere, shining brightly in orange/yellow with white spots, hovering over houses. The object moved towards the boys, then changed course and disappeared between trees. When the lightball vanished, a flash of light illuminated the area. A peeping sound, comparable to a truck's alarm, was also heard by a nearby woman. The boys attempted to chase the object into the woods but found nothing due to darkness.

The following morning, Dag Monrad discovered four distinct traces in a small clearing in the wood. The traces were 30-40 cm long, with approximately 3.5 meters between them. Grass between the traces was pressed in a westerly direction. Dag Monrad's mother and sister also witnessed the phenomenon and the traces. Representatives from UFO-Norge visited the site five days later, finding the traces somewhat spoiled by public access. However, four traces were still visible. Earth samples were taken, pH values measured, and a Geiger counter was used. The boys and three adults who saw the traces in their initial condition were interviewed. In addition to the four main traces, there were also small holes or pits distributed away from the main traces towards a small river, which were no longer visible. Three persons observed the phenomenon at close range, while others saw unusual lights. The report centre awaited the results of the earth-sample analyses.

6th European Congress in Lyon

The issue also announces the 6th European Congress in Lyon, France, to be held from May 1-3, 1992. This congress, dedicated to the scientific aspects of the UFO enigma, is open to researchers of all opinions and beliefs. It has hosted over 200 researchers from various countries. The official language is French, but breaks are provided for informal discussions, and proceedings are distributed beforehand. Contact information for SOS OVNI in Aix-en-Provence, France, is provided for those interested in attending or submitting a lecture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the collection of witness testimony, and the analysis of physical evidence such as photographs, videos, and ground traces. UFO-Norge appears to adopt a methodical approach, investigating cases thoroughly, consulting experts, and seeking scientific explanations where possible, while also acknowledging the unexplained nature of some sightings. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting findings and encouraging further research, as indicated by the announcement of the Lyon congress and the promise of future updates on ongoing investigations.