Lights of unknown origin are frequently observed in the remote Hessdalen valley, and similar light phenomena have also been reported at several other locations around the world. We are aiming at discovering the physical mechanisms behind the generation of these lights, and the energy source that powers these phenomena.
Since the light-generating mechanisms and the nature of the lights themselves are not known, a multidisciplinary team of researchers are working together to gain a better understanding of the phenomena. The multidisciplinary field-work involves astrophysicists, geophysicists, physicists, chemists as well as electro and data engineers.
We are utilizing a combination of different detection systems to record the lights and to examine the local environment for possible light generation mechanisms. In addition to visual observations, photographs, and films, the phenomena have also been detected by RADAR. Attempts to record the phenomena by other methods have so far resulted in ambiguous results.
The research group operates 3 permanent research stations in the Hessdalen area, Røros, Norway. The first station was made operational in 1998. In addition, field trips to record the phenomena are usually conducted 1-2 times each year.
We have recently started a survey of the geological features in the region.
In 2018, Hessdalen Observatory was established on the mountain top SKARVAN at 975m altitude. The observatory consists of 3 containers equipped with suncells and methanol fuel cell for power supply. It has kitchen, toilet and accommodation for 4 researhers at all seasons. In this subarctic area, temperatures can fall below -30 Celcius and wind speed can pass 32m/s during winter storms. This remote and isolated mountaintop is ideal for observation of the nightsky and the aurora borealis. The Hessdalen phenomena are often observed in combination with Aurora Borealis.
Cooperation
- COST action CA15211 - Atmospheric Electricity Network
- https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15211/#tabs+Name:Management%20Structure
- https://dataspace.atmospheric-electricity-net.eu/
- Medicina Radio Astronomical Station, National Institute for Astrophysics, INAF, Italy
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Observatorie de Physique de Globe, CNRS-OPGC, France
- https://lmv.uca.fr/en/
- Aristotle University of Thesaloniki, School of Geology