UFO - 1993 No S

Magazine Overview

This is a special issue of the Norwegian UFO magazine "UFO", published in 1993, titled "UFO-OBSERVASJONER I NORGE 1563 - 1946" (UFO Observations in Norway 1563-1946). It is the 12th volume and a special edition, authored by Ole Jonny Brænne. The magazine is published by UFO-NORGE, a nationwide organization dedicated to the independent registration and study of UFO phenomena.

Content Overview

The core of this issue is a chronological catalog of reported UFO sightings and unusual aerial phenomena in Norway, spanning a period of 383 years, from 1563 to 1946. The author notes that this is a relatively unexplored area in Norway, with information previously gathered sporadically from the UFO-Norge archives or other literature. The publication acknowledges limitations in coverage due to resource constraints, ideally requiring extensive newspaper and book reviews, but aims to provide a preliminary overview.

The issue highlights the historical nature of these sightings, emphasizing that UFO phenomena are not new. It draws connections between historical reports and Norwegian folklore, such as tales of 'bergfolk' (mountain folk), 'huldrefolk' (hidden people), 'underjordiske' (underground dwellers), and 'åsgårdsreien' (a mythical nocturnal procession). These folkloric beings are described as existing in different dimensions, with altered perceptions of time, and sometimes engaging in activities like stealing livestock or even kidnapping humans, which the author parallels with modern 'abduction' reports and theories about genetic experiments.

The catalog itself presents numerous specific incidents, often with dates, locations, and detailed witness accounts or descriptions. These range from celestial observations in the 1500s, such as a dark, round object emitting smoke and fire in Bergen in 1563, to more modern reports from the early 20th century, including sightings of 'ballongs', 'kulelyn' (ball lightning), and 'luftskip' (airships).

Key incidents detailed include:

• December 1563, Bergen: A dark, round object observed for two hours, emitting smoke and fire, with a loud sound.
• Spring 1564, Bergen: A glowing, sword-like object seen descending and ascending, then splitting into three parts.
• January 1568, Bergen: General mention of "strange signs seen in the sky."
• April 1569/70, Bergen: A round object described as a sun, with white stripes, observed.
• November 1569, Oslo: Mentions of strange things resembling "burning rice."
• January 1686: Material resembling burnt paper or ash fell from the sky.
• 1700s, Oslofjorden: A 'stakittgjerde' (fence) landed with a crash, causing local excitement.
• April 1752, Stavanger: A strong storm accompanied by a strange, sparkling, octagonal object in the sky.
• November 1769, Arendal: Observations of mist and spots on the sun's disk.
• August 1897: A ship crew reported observing a 'ballong'.
• August 1900, Telemark: A man was disoriented by a ball lightning explosion.
• March 1901: A round, blank object descended from the northeast and disappeared to the west.
• July 1907, Drøbak: An object hovered over a ship, and a photograph was taken.
• Autumn 1907, Tviberg: A witness recounts seeing a bright, round object moving rapidly from northeast to southwest.
• August 1914, Mo i Rana: Reports of a flying machine passing overhead.
• September 1914, Alta: A peculiar, unexplained light phenomenon was observed in overcast skies.
• October 1914, Bodø: Two 'Luftskibe' (airships) were observed passing eastward.
• November 1914, Tjøtta: Lights were seen in the sky moving from west to east.
• December 1914, Skien: An 'Luftskib' was observed flying high and moving south.
• February 1915, Bergen: A large, round, stationary object was observed, descending and ascending.
• Summer 1915, Sulitjelma: A bell-shaped object descended, and two humanoid figures emerged, described as having dark, wavy hair and grey skin.
• July 1915, Østre Slidre: A flying machine was heard and seen.
• August 1915, ?: A luminous object was observed.

The magazine also includes information about UFO-NORGE's organization, including its editorial staff, contact persons, and regional departments. It mentions subscription details and the cost for 1993.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the historical presence of unexplained aerial phenomena in Norway, predating modern UFO terminology. The editorial stance, as expressed by the author Ole Jonny Brænne, is that "UFO PHENOMENA ARE NOTHING NEW!" The publication aims to document these historical occurrences and connect them to broader patterns, including folklore and potential extraterrestrial contact. It encourages readers to share any relevant information they might have, reinforcing the organization's commitment to collecting and studying such reports. The issue emphasizes that the published articles represent contributions to understanding the UFO phenomenon, without necessarily reflecting the official views of UFO-NORGE or its editorial staff.

This issue of UFO SPESIAL, numbered 93 and dated 1993, is dedicated to cataloging UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings, with a particular focus on incidents occurring during and immediately after World War II, primarily in Norway.

Key Incidents and Reports

The magazine presents a chronological compilation of numerous sightings, often citing specific dates, times, locations, and witness accounts. These reports detail a variety of aerial phenomena observed across Norway and, to a lesser extent, Sweden.

World War II Era Sightings

• 1941-1942, Marøy, Nordhordland, Norway: Irene Skram reported seeing a silver, disc-shaped object rising from the ground, accompanied by three grey dots that detached and fell. The object was described as silent and moved at approximately 30 km/h.
• March 14, 1942, Banak, Norway: A "Hauptmann Fischer" reportedly identified an unknown object described as a huge, streamlined craft, 300 feet long and 50 feet in diameter, observed at 10,000 feet before ascending vertically at high speed. The report is noted as possibly false.
• November 19, 1942, Sigdal, Norway: A bright, cone-shaped object was seen moving at high speed and without sound towards the southwest, disappearing behind a hill.
• June/July 1943, Båttjønndalen/Hessdalen, Norway: Jon Aspås and his uncle Martin Lyng witnessed three "objects" of different sizes, the largest emitting a cloud-like substance before disappearing at high speed.
• December 1943, Oslofjorden, Norway: A former shipping firm secretary and friends observed a bell-shaped object with a hazy orange light. It hovered, then ascended rapidly, leaving a circular indentation in the snow that showed signs of heat, with melted snow extending outwards.
• January 12, 1945, Hessdalen, Norway: Rubin Langmo and two companions saw a bright, eye-like light moving erratically before stopping and descending.

Post-War Sightings (1946 Focus)

The majority of the reports detail sightings from 1946, often referred to as "ghost rockets" or "flying X's":

• July 13, 1946, Stavanger, Norway: Several people observed a projectile-like object emitting a sharp, reddish-yellow light, moving horizontally at high speed.
• July 14, 1946, Son, Norway: A man observed a luminous object that changed color to a blue-green, moving at high speed and disappearing after two minutes.
• July 14, 1946, Jeløy, Norway: Four individuals saw a large, brightly colored star-like object moving horizontally at high altitude and speed.
• July 15, 1946, Oslo, Norway: The Norwegian Defence Command requested reports on "ghost rockets."
• July 17, 1946, Oslo, Norway: An engineer observed a luminous object emitting thick, grey-white smoke, moving rapidly and passing over Fornebu Airport.
• July 18, 1946, Son, Norway: An object with wings, clouds, and a bright light was observed, accompanied by a humming sound.
• July 18, 1946, Mjøsa, Norway: Two "Flying X's"**: Two "flying X's" were seen descending into Lake Mjøsa. Witnesses described them as cigar-shaped, about 2.5 meters long with wings, and metallic, with a black midsection. They made a loud humming sound and landed in the lake, causing water spray.
• August 3, 1946, Finnfjordsvann, Norway: A dark, rocket-like object, about five meters long, was observed passing at high speed and altitude.
• August 5, 1946, Eidsfjord/Vesterålen, Norway: A cigar-shaped object with a luminous elevation was seen at high altitude, moving at constant speed.
• August 5, 1946, Eidsfjord/Vesterålen, Norway: Two witnesses observed a luminous object moving rapidly from east to west at high altitude for 20 minutes.
• August 7, 1946, Bergen, Norway: Several bombs were observed in the vicinity of Bergen.
• August 11, 1946, Oslo area, Norway: Several bombs were observed in the Oslo area.
• August 17, 1946, Tromsø, Norway: A mysterious explosion caused windows to shatter.
• August 23, 1946, Kirkenes, Norway: A flying bomb was observed moving in a south-southwesterly direction.
• August 24, 1946, Sør-Norge (Southern Norway): Flying bombs were observed from multiple locations.
• August 24, 1946, Russeviksodden, Norway: A luminous sphere was observed rising, moving in a crooked path, and falling into the sea, later causing a large fire.
• August 24, 1946, Oslo, Norway: Two individuals independently reported a "ghost rocket" passing over the city with high speed and a tail of smoke.
• August 24, 1946, Sande, Norway: Two men saw a flying object with a yellowish-green light that suddenly went out.
• August 26, 1946, Engerdal, Norway: Two reliable individuals observed a rocket-like object moving southeast with the speed of a fighter jet, leaving a smoke trail.
• August 26, 1946, Årsteinfjellet, Norway: Two witnesses observed an object moving from southeast to northwest at high speed.
• August 27, 1946, Rørås, Norway: Rolf Wintervold observed a phenomenon with changing course, altitude, and speed, described as a grey ring about one meter in diameter.
• September 12, 1946, Nedrevann/Porsangerfjord, Norway: A guard observed a light moving in a downward path.
• September 13, 1946, Nedrevann/Porsangerfjord, Norway: A projectile was observed moving northwest, exhibiting explosive flames and leaving red streaks.
• October 7, 1946, Ås, Norway: A mysterious burning object, described as cylinder-shaped and possibly reaction-powered, descended and disappeared.

Object Characteristics and Witness Descriptions

Witnesses frequently described objects as silent, fast-moving, and often emitting lights or unusual sounds like humming or whistling. Some reports included detailed descriptions of shape (disc, cigar, sphere, cone, ring), size estimates (ranging from a few meters to hundreds of feet), and behavior (rising, descending, hovering, rapid acceleration, erratic movements). Physical traces, such as melted snow and ground indentations, were also noted in a few cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the systematic documentation of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly during a period of intense global change and technological advancement. The magazine appears to adopt a neutral, archival stance, presenting witness accounts and citing sources like newspapers, official reports, and previous publications. The editorial focus is on collecting and preserving these reports for future study, highlighting the prevalence of such sightings in Norway during the 1940s. The inclusion of detailed bibliographies and references suggests an effort towards academic rigor within the field of ufology.

This issue of UFO-Norge magazine, dated approximately November 1994, focuses on several key areas: the ongoing 'Office Shed Project', reader contributions and submissions, and a promotional contest.

Kontorbrakke-prosjektet (Office Shed Project)

The magazine begins by thanking readers who have donated to the 'Office Shed Project'. The project involves purchasing and setting up an office space, which is nearing completion, with only 100 meters of its final placement and some cabling remaining. The project has cost 5,500 Norwegian Kroner so far, which is described as very reasonable. The goal is to have a fully functional 24-hour UFO office ready for display in the next issue. Readers are encouraged to contribute more funds via the project's postgiro account (0804 4006961) to help finish the office, particularly the necessary cabling.

Ting å merke seg (Things to Note)

This section provides guidelines for submitting content to the magazine. The editorial team welcomes articles and contributions, requesting that manuscripts be typewritten with double line spacing. Illustrations (photos or drawings) should be in black and white and of good quality, with clear indications of placement within the text. Correct spelling is emphasized, and the editors reserve the right to edit or shorten submissions. Text and images can also be submitted on PC-compatible diskettes (3.5 or 5.25 inch, 720 kB/1.44 MB or 360/1.2 MB DOS formats), preferably written in WordPerfect version 4.2 or later. Readers are also invited to send in clippings from Norwegian or international newspapers and magazines that might be of interest for "UFO" content. Those willing to translate articles from other languages are asked to contact the editor.

Husk vår informasjonsfolder (Remember Our Information Folder)

Readers are encouraged to help promote UFO-Norge by distributing information folders to raise awareness and attract new members.

Contact Information

The magazine provides its contact address for correspondence: UFO-NORGE, Postboks 24, 3133 Duken. This address is also where readers can request information folders for distribution.

Støttefond for UFO-Norge! (Support Fund for UFO-Norge!)

This section appeals for financial support for UFO-Norge. It states that groups and associations working for a cause often need funds, and UFO-Norge is no exception. Many tasks are postponed due to a lack of money, and the organization relies on its own resources, which are limited. The fund is presented as a way for interested members who may not have time to actively participate to still support the cause by donating any amount. Donations can be made to postgiro number 08 09 3 07 08 10, with the reference 'STØTTEFONDET' (Support Fund). The recipient is UFO-NORGE, Postboks 1155, 5001 Bergen.

Vinn en video!!! (Win a Video!!!)

This section announces a contest where readers can win a new video of the film "FIRE IN THE SKY". To enter, readers must answer six questions related to UFOs and the film. The film is described as being about a lumberjack named Travis Walton who was allegedly hit by a beam from a UFO and later recounted a fantastic story after regaining consciousness days later in the forest. The contest deadline is December 1st, with answers to be sent by mail or postcard to UFO-NORGE, Postboks 24, 3133 Duken.

The six questions are:
1. What does the abbreviation UFO stand for?
2. Name two US presidents who claim to have seen a UFO.
3. Did the late Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a pioneer of ufology, ever visit Norway?
4. How many people are in UFO-NORGE's daily leadership?
5. Is it true that there are too few women in UFO-NORGE, and are any in governing positions?
6. Which Norwegian singer has seen a UFO in the south?

Options for question 6 are Øystein Sunde, Lillebjørn Nilsen, and Finn Kalvik.

Objektiver selges! (Lenses for Sale!)

This is an advertisement for the sale of used camera lenses, including wide-angle, zoom, and telephoto lenses, at significantly reduced prices (down to 1/3 of new price). Interested buyers are instructed to call Dag Rune Markeng at Moto Foto Tønsberg at phone number 33 31 77 24.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the active involvement and financial support of its readership to further the goals of UFO-Norge. There is a strong emphasis on community building, information sharing, and raising awareness about UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy and research within the field of ufology, encouraging participation and contribution from its members. The inclusion of a contest and the sale of goods suggests a multi-faceted approach to engagement and fundraising.