Documents:

in the WNW at about 10.30 pm (Norwegian summer time, i.e at 8.30 GMT or UT) on 12 July; rising in ENE at 4.20 on the local horizon on 13 July. During the summer at these latitudes (60 degrees North), the sky is never dark, especially not the northern part of it. Even if the sky were partially obscured by clouds, it should be relatively easy to recognize the faint twilight caused by the sun situated not far below the horizon. The moon was not visible during the time of observation, since it set at 00.10 am in the west (on the night between 12 and 13 July) and rose at noon some 12 hours later. None of the major planets were especially favorable between 01 and 03 am: Venus being above the horizon (in the south) only during daytime; Mars rising at ca. 11.30 pm.- south at 01.25 setting at 03.13 am (being very low above the horizon); Jupiter rising at 00.00 south at 05.40 setting at 11.17 am. Saturn should hardly be visible due to the sun-glare during the afternoon and set just before 2 am.

Among these planets only Jupiter might be a suspect candidate for the second object seen from Torpo. This planet was comparatively high in a southerly direction during observing time, together with the fact that it shone with a clear, distinct light (astronomical magnitude 2.6). But if the Kraekkja-based observers saw the same object in the opposite direction (ENE) at the same time as that of Tonnings', this precludes such an explanation.

Regarding the air-traffic in the area, a general air-way between Oslo and Bergen lies 40-80 km south of Torpo; going in a west-east direction. This route is used mainly by jet planes, having a rather high velocity (700-800 km/h) at this stage in their flight pattern, resulting in a swift apparent motion in the sky.

The altitude usually varies between 4500-8000 meters. The observed objects' stationary appearance may suggest a helicopter or some sort of a balloon, although this solution seems rather far-fetched at the moment. According to current information, no specific inquiries were forwarded to the Air Traffic Controllers of the area regarding any unusual air movements on the date in question.

Other parameters of prime importance are listed below:

1. Video camera: VHS Nordmende CV 155 (from 1986); equipped with a zoom lens of 6X magnification: 8-48 mm; f/l.2
2. Binoculars having a 12X magnification with an aperture of 50 mm
3. The relative dimensions of the primary object were estimated by Mr. Tonning as the size of a big pea at an arm's length

The verdict

The results from GSW's analysis are shown below in a copy of the report given to UFO-Norge. Clearly, it is stated that the case deserves further investigation, while many clues indicate an unknown source. However, common to most analyses of alleged UFO-photographs/movies, there is always a lack of substantial data; -information which could have given a conclusive answer if they had been present.

On the next pages we have given the GSW evaluation in extenso, together with selected photos from the image processing sessions. Although the quality of the photos may be somewhat deteriorated during several stages of copying, we hope that at least they are of some value to our readers.

[Sketch caption:] A drawing of the primary object, made by Mr. Tonning as seen through binoculars. The bright flashes which were emitted by the object are indicated.