BIO: Erling P. Strand is a Norwegian engineer and long-time investigator of the unexplained aerial light phenomena in Hessdalen Valley, Norway. He holds an MSc in Physical Electronics and Telecommunications Technology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and has a professional background in research, measurement systems, and computer science education.
Strand is one of the founders of Project Hessdalen, established in 1983 to organize systematic, instrument-based study of the recurring anomalous lights observed in Hessdalen. He led early fieldwork in the mid-1980s, authored the technical report from the 1984 investigations, and managed long-term instrumentation efforts including the installation and operation of the automatic observation station known as the Blue Box.
For more than four decades, Strand has been engaged in data collection, scientific outreach, and international collaboration. He served as project manager of Project Hessdalen until early 2023 and is now chairman of its board. He has contributed to science communication through more than 100 television appearances, over 120 radio interviews, 30+ podcast guest spots, and over 180 presentations worldwide.
In parallel with his research work, Strand was a lecturer in computer science at Østfold University College from 1988 until his retirement in 2023. His career also includes scientific expeditions to Australia, Mexico, and the United States.
He continues to support Hessdalen research and broader anomalous phenomena inquiry, serving as a consulting scientist for UFOdata.net and representing Norway in international research groups focused on unexplained aerial phenomena.