By Greg 18 Jan 2012
In December 1981, the Hessdalen Valley suddenly became famous when a remarkable run of anomalous lights in the sky was reported by locals and tourists, sometimes as many as 20 sightings per week. The following documentary gives a good overview of the history of the phenomenon, taking you on location and talking with many of those who have been involved in researching the 'Hessdalen Lights' in the decades since their appearance:
Unusual lights have been reported here since 1940s or earlier. Especially high activity of Hessdalen lights took place from December 1981 until the summer of 1984 when lights were observed 15 to 20 times per week. The frequency of the lights caused a gathering numerous tourists staying there overnight to see the phenomenon. Since then, the activity has decreased and now the lights are observed some 10 - 20 times per year.
The Hessdalen light most often is a bright, white or yellow light of unknown origin standing or floating above the ground level. Sometimes the light can be seen for more than one hour. There are several other types of unexplained lights observed in the Hessdalen valley.
Since 1983 there has been ongoing scientific research often nicknamed "Project Hessdalen", initiated by Dr. Erling Strand. In 1998, the Hessdalen AMS automated scientific research station was built in the valley. It registers and records the appearance of lights.
Later, the EMBLA program was initiated. It brings together established scientists and students into researching these lights. Leading research institutions are Østfold University College (Norway) and the Italian National Research Council.
