GICOFF-Information - 1971 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of G.I.C.O.F.F. INFORMATION, published by the Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål (GICOFF), is designated as Nr 1 for January-February 1971. The cover prominently features the headline "Märkena vid Enebacken" (The Marks at Enebacken), suggesting a primary focus on this particular case. The magazine is in Swedish and appears to be a member publication.

Editorial and Content Focus

The editorial section highlights that the "Antennfallet" (Antenna Case) is the main subject, nearly doubling the issue's page count. GICOFF emphasizes the necessity of presenting the case in detail, based on firsthand accounts from witnesses. The magazine also addresses the long-standing criticism from UFO organizations and enthusiasts regarding the Swedish authorities' handling of UFO reports, specifically mentioning FOA (Swedish National Defence Research Institute) and laboratory technician Tage Eriksson.

An interview with Rickard Lidblom, a GICOFF member, revealed that FOA reportedly lacks sufficient resources for ground investigations and that Eriksson felt frequently misquoted in the Swedish press. The magazine thanks Eriksson for his cooperation and for providing information on UFO reports.

Additionally, the editorial acknowledges the thorough investigations conducted by John-Erik Pettersson in Dalarna during November and December 1970.

Key Articles and Reports

"Spöksbomberna" 1946 (Ghost Bombers 1946)

This section continues from a previous issue, discussing waves of UFO sightings in Sweden. It notes observations in 1909 where objects were described as airplane-like but also cigar-shaped. The author contrasts this with the 1934 wave, where numerous "ghost flyers" were reported, often described as ordinary planes but behaving unusually, particularly during snowstorms. The article questions who would have had the motive and capability for such flights in 1934, suggesting Japan as a possibility but deeming it unlikely. The 1909 and 1934 waves are considered less significant than the 1946 wave, with a call for more research into these historical sightings.

The Enebacken Incident (29.8 - 30.8.1970)

This is the central investigation in the issue. The incident occurred near Enebacken, by Lake Anten and Alingsås. The report details the discovery of three circular, burnt marks on the ground, forming a triangle. Soil samples were sent for analysis to Chalmers University of Technology. The analysis, using a Hewlett Packard Multichannel Analyzer, revealed gamma activity in the soil from the marks, but not in the reference soil taken 4 meters away. The activity was low, making definitive identification difficult, but the presence of Cesium-137 (Cs 137) was suggested as a possibility. Cs 137 is typically associated with nuclear reactors or explosions. The investigators considered two main explanations: a hoax using a substance containing Cs 137, or an unidentified flying object (UFO) that utilized such a substance. The report notes that the marks were 4 cm deep and likely caused by a combination of heat and pressure.

Witnesses to the event described a strong, pulsating red light, sometimes described as a "red ball" or "red glow," moving erratically above Enebacken. Some witnesses reported their car engines stalling during the observation. The marks themselves were described as being roughly equidistant, except for one which was further away. The investigators theorize that the marks were caused by some form of exhaust or light emission from the object, rather than landing gear, due to the heat-induced damage.

Several witnesses are interviewed, including the Johansson family, Andersson family, and others who observed the phenomenon from different locations. The report also mentions a newspaper, Borås-Tidningen, that offered a "flying saucer mystery" explanation involving "green men from Magra" using a hot air balloon and a T-spirit-filled can to create the marks. GICOFF refutes this explanation, arguing that the depth of the marks and the intensity of the light are inconsistent with such a scenario. They also note that the alleged perpetrators were contacted and expressed anger at being wrongly accused.

Other Sightings and Reports

• UFO Stops Car in Angermanland (31.12.1970): Two women driving near Ramsele reported their car stalling as a bright, pulsating yellow and green light appeared. The object was described as oval and hovered low over a marsh. The incident lasted several minutes.
• Mysterious Hole in Ice at Bodum Lake (30.12.1970): A loud bang was heard, and a nearly circular hole, 30-40 meters in diameter, was found in the ice of Bodum Lake near Rossön. The origin of the hole was questioned, with a connection to light phenomena in the area being considered.
• Light Phenomena in the Anten Lake Area: Several other observations around Lake Anten are reported from 1969 and 1970. These typically involve bright, strong lights, often red or orange, moving slowly or rapidly, sometimes pulsating or emitting beams. Witnesses include B.A., who lives by the lake, and the Karlsson family. One report describes a smaller object detaching from a larger one, likened to a rocket.
• Light Phenomena in Western Blekinge (04.11.1970): Anton Matsson and Alli Faråkra reported seeing a bright, self-luminous object, described as a red ball that turned white and appeared to have a tail as it descended. Matsson described it as a solid body with a "damaged" upper section.
• Light Phenomena in the Area (25.11.1970): Betty Sjölund and Edor Engström reported seeing a bright light that illuminated their surroundings. Engström's house sustained damage, with scorched plaster, which the magazine suggests is unlikely to be caused by a ball lightning phenomenon given the weather conditions.
• Bright Objects over Malung, Vansbro, Mora, and Orsa (28.11.1970): Multiple observers reported seeing bright objects moving from northwest to southeast, described as fireballs brighter than any star or planet.

Investigations and Methodology

GICOFF details its investigative methods, including site visits, interviews with witnesses (both in person and via phone/mail), and photographic documentation. The analysis of the Enebacken soil samples involved collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology, employing advanced equipment for gamma activity measurement. The magazine also consulted meteorological data for the Enebacken incident to rule out weather-related explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), physical trace evidence (burnt marks, holes in ice), witness testimony, and the challenges of official investigation and media reporting. GICOFF's stance appears to be one of thorough, evidence-based investigation, critical of simplistic explanations and media sensationalism. They aim to present detailed accounts and analyses, encouraging further research into these mysterious events. The magazine emphasizes that natural explanations are often difficult to find for the reported phenomena.

This document, titled "Synpunkter på UFO-observationerna på västra sidan av Bottniska Viken den 6 oktober 1969" (Viewpoints on UFO Observations on the West Side of the Gulf of Bothnia on October 6, 1969), is an analysis of UFO sightings that occurred on that date. The primary author of this analysis is Sven Graha, a civil engineer, who received extensive material compiled by Björn Högman and the organization GICOFF. The issue is dated October 6, 1969, and appears to be part of a larger publication, indicated by the page number '20'. The language is Swedish.

Analysis of UFO Observations on October 6, 1969

Sven Graha meticulously examines the collected witness reports, photographs, and drawings related to the UFO sightings. He focuses on three main hypotheses to explain the phenomenon:

1. Falling Satellite, Meteorite, or Debris: This hypothesis suggests the observed object was a re-entering satellite or a meteorite. Graha notes that while a falling object would appear as a bright point with a tail, the duration of the observation (18 minutes) and the specific trajectory reported by witnesses (ascending and then moving horizontally, rather than a steep descent) make this explanation less likely. However, the observation of fragments and varying brightness could align with this hypothesis.

2. Launch of Soviet Weather Satellite Meteor 2: This hypothesis posits that the UFOs were actually the Soviet weather satellite Meteor 2, launched from the Plesetsk spaceport. Graha presents calculations and data, including information from satellite observer Geoff Perry, suggesting that Meteor 2 was launched around 02:45 on October 6, 1969. His analysis indicates that Meteor 2 could have reached an altitude of approximately 125 km over Kramfors and followed a path consistent with some witness descriptions, including its appearance over the horizon and its direction of travel. The timing of the launch (around 02:47) and the reported UFO sightings (between 02:43 and 02:57) show a strong correlation. The calculated trajectory and altitude also seem to match some of the reported angles and directions.

3. The 'Flying Saucer' Hypothesis: This hypothesis assumes the existence of 'flying saucers' as described in UFO literature. Graha compares the witness reports to the typical characteristics of flying saucers as described by K. Gösta Rehn in his book "De flygande tefaten, dokument och teori" (Flying Saucers, Documents and Theory). While there are some superficial similarities, such as descriptions of egg-like shapes and exhaust plumes, Graha finds significant discrepancies. Notably, the presence of a large, persistent smoke or gas plume is not typically associated with Rehn's descriptions of flying saucers. The lack of a clear 're-docking' of a separated object also weakens this hypothesis in this specific case.

Conclusion on Hypotheses: Graha concludes that Hypothesis 2, involving the launch of Meteor 2, provides the most quantitative and consistent explanation for the observed phenomena. He states, "Jag håller alltså hypotes nr 2 som mest sannolik" (I therefore consider hypothesis no. 2 to be most likely).

Detailed Witness Accounts (December 1969)

The issue also includes detailed reports from numerous witnesses who observed UFOs on December 14, 1969, across various locations in Sweden, including Idre, Bunkris, Älvdalen, Tallhed, Rättvik, Malung, and Vallerås. These accounts, gathered through interviews and questionnaires by GICOFF, often describe similar phenomena:

• Jim Hjelte (Idre): Observed a bright object with a long tail, described as a meteor, moving across the sky with a 'hissing' sound.
• Ture Persson (Bunkris, Älvdalen): Saw a green and red object with a red tail moving horizontally, lasting 10-15 seconds.
• Nils Olsson (Tallhed): Described a bright, round object with a tail, resembling a light cloud, observed for 3-4 seconds.
• Lärkas Evert Olsson (Rättvik): Witnessed an intensely bright object with a yellow and red tail, shaped like a cone, moving southwest.
• Inga Halvarsson (Malung): Observed a yellow sphere with a red tail moving east-southeast.
• Erik Finnström (Vallerås, Malung): Saw a light phenomenon with a tail, described as a 'fire broom', moving from northwest to southeast.

Many of these witnesses explicitly state that the objects were not stars, meteors, or satellites they were familiar with. The descriptions often include a luminous point or body, a tail or plume, and varying colors. Some accounts mention sounds, while others do not. The duration of these observations was generally very short, ranging from a few seconds to about a minute.

Soil Analysis from 'Antenna-fall'

A separate section reports on the analysis of soil samples from an "Anten-fallet" (Antenna-fall) site. Two soil samples, 'provjord' (sample soil) and 'referensjord' (reference soil), were analyzed for radioactive nuclides using a multichannel analyzer. The reference soil showed no unusual gamma activity. The sample soil exhibited weak gamma activity at 660 keV, which persisted for two weeks. This activity might originate from Ba-137, a decay product of Cs-137. However, the report concludes that a full radiochemical analysis of a larger sample would be required for confirmation, and the origin of the gamma activity is not fully clarified.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the document is the investigation and explanation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as presented by Sven Graha, is one of rigorous scientific inquiry, attempting to explain sightings through known physical phenomena. The author prioritizes quantitative data and logical deduction, favoring the Meteor 2 launch hypothesis due to its strong correlation with witness reports. The inclusion of multiple witness accounts from different locations on a single date (December 14, 1969) suggests a pattern of similar sightings, further strengthening the need for investigation. The document also highlights the challenges in accurately estimating object characteristics like altitude, speed, and direction, especially for fleeting aerial phenomena. The analysis emphasizes the importance of comparing witness testimonies with established scientific events, such as satellite launches, to find plausible explanations for UFO reports.

Title: UFO
Issue: 4
Volume: 1
Date: September/October 1970
Publisher: GICOFF
Country: Sweden
Original Language: Swedish

This issue of the magazine "UFO" delves into several intriguing UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports from various locations, alongside a detailed scientific analysis of a peculiar magnesium sample. The publication aims to investigate and present findings related to unexplained aerial phenomena, often questioning conventional explanations and exploring possibilities of extraterrestrial origins.

Investigation into Dalarna and Flatön Sightings (December 14, 1970)

The magazine presents a case study of observations made in Dalarna and Flatön, Sweden, on December 14, 1970. Initially, the phenomena were theorized to be bolides (fireballs) due to their appearance, including a 'klet-like' shape with a tail, a consistent observation time of 08:00, and a short observation period. However, several details contradicted this theory:

• Auditory phenomena: Many witnesses reported hearing a 'hissing' sound, suggesting the object was not moving exceptionally fast.
• Illumination: Some witnesses stated that the terrain around the object was illuminated.
• Passage under clouds: Several witnesses reported the object passing under the clouds.

Further investigation with meteorologists revealed that a significant cloud front was present at the time of the observations, with cloud heights ranging from 300-600 meters. Heavy snowfall had also occurred in the area just before the sightings. This meteorological data invalidated the fireball theory.

The observed path of the object(s) followed a straight line from Idre to Älvdalen and Tallhed, a distance of 12 miles. Witnesses (except for the one in Idre) reported that the object passed under or through gaps in the clouds, moving horizontally. This horizontal trajectory over such a distance is highly inconsistent with a falling meteor.

Additional sightings were reported in Lima and Vallerås, near Malung. The witness in Idre claimed to have seen two objects, suggesting multiple objects passed over Dalarna. The simultaneous sightings over Idre, Älvdalen, Tallhed, and later over Lima and Vallerås, all on a straight line and at the same time, support the idea of multiple objects.

Near Orbergstjärn, 4 miles south of Tallhed, witnesses also reported seeing an object. It is speculated that after passing Tallhed, the object changed course to the southwest, aligning with witness reports.

At the same time (08:00), two witnesses near Flatön observed a ball-shaped object with a tail, and one heard a sound. The magazine questions if this was the same phenomenon observed in Dalarna, concluding it is unlikely due to the distance.

Through collaboration with UFO-Information in Oslo, it was discovered that a similar object was sighted by numerous witnesses in southern Norway, near Kristiansand and Gjevinge, described identically. This object passed at a low altitude and disappeared eastward, a direction consistent with the Flatön sighting. The question remains: where did it go?

Conclusion: GICOFF finds no reasonable natural explanation for these events and characterizes them as "3 UFOs over Sweden."

The issue includes a drawing by Lärkas Evert Olsson of an object seen near Rättvik, and a description based on information provided to Ragnar Birgersson from UFO Mora. GICOFF offers a composite drawing as a possible representation of the object.

Magnesium Analysis (Ubatuba, Brazil)

The magazine revisits the mysterious magnesium fragments found in Ubatuba, Brazil, in 1957. Previous investigations, including one by the UFO-Project at the University of Colorado, led by Dr. Roy Craig, had concluded that the magnesium was similar to that produced by Dow Chemical Co. and exhibited no unique extraterrestrial characteristics.

However, in 1969, APRO commissioned Dr. Walter W Walker, a metallurgical consultant, to perform non-destructive structural analysis on the remaining magnesium. This was the first time a metallurgist had examined the Ubatuba magnesium, and the first time a structural analysis was conducted.

Dr. Walker, assisted by Dr. Ed Benn, conducted hardness studies, X-ray diffraction analysis, microstructure analysis, and dislocation studies through etching. Their findings, later evaluated by Dr. Robert W Johnson (head of Advanced Materials Division at Materials Research Corporation), revealed significant details:

• Manufacturing Technique: The Ubatuba magnesium was found to have been produced using a casting technique with directional solidification. This method was not commonly used as early as 1957, leading Dr. Walker to suggest it might indicate an "advanced culture."
• Mechanical Properties: The Ubatuba samples were found to be more creep-resistant than terrestrial materials. The report states, "The Ubatuba samples showed significantly better high-temperature properties (4), possibly due to the absence of marked boundary layers between the crystals. The effect of high temperature is less on the Ubatuba material than on terrestrial polycrystalline material of the same purity."
• Comparison with Dow Magnesium: While the low hardness of Dow magnesium was matched, the Ubatuba material excelled in high-temperature properties.

APRO chemists expressed surprise that the Condon report described the magnesium as "probably not fabricated," despite noting it appeared to have undergone a casting process.

Significance: Dr. Walker and Dr. Johnson noted that "nowhere in our current technology is there any use for oriented cast coarse-crystalline metallic material, which was present in this case. That it could have been used for some kind of propulsion system is pure speculation. Indirectly, this could possibly be presented as an indication of extraterrestrial origin."

Technical Notes:
1. X-ray diffraction studies: Analyze crystal structure by observing how X-rays scatter.
2. Dislocation studies: Examine defects in crystal structure to determine material strength.
3. Creep properties: Refers to a material's resistance to deformation under prolonged stress.
4. High-temperature properties: Indicates the material's ability to withstand heat without significant degradation.

Other UFO Reports

• UFO following passenger plane: An unknown flying object reportedly followed a passenger plane on the route Helsinki-Kuopio, Finland, on November 29th. It was also observed near Kuopio as the plane landed.
• Unidentified objects in Finland: Over the past two weeks, several reports of UFOs were received. A group in a car saw a clear object for ten minutes north of Jyväskylä, and attempted to photograph it.
• New UFO Observations (January 11):
• A family in Kuusamo, Finland, saw a formation of 16 luminous objects.
• A cigar-shaped object was seen over Saomusalmi, Finland.
• A blinking object was observed for several hours over a mountain in Pudasjärvi, Finland.
• UFO Incident in Brazil (August 30, 1970): Almiro Martins De Freitas, a guard at a power station near Rio de Janeiro, reported seeing a rectangular object after hearing an explosion and experiencing a power outage. He fired his pistol at the object, which then emitted a light beam towards him, causing temporary blindness. He later regained his sight after 14 days. Authorities reportedly showed great interest in the case, and NASA allegedly requested information.
• UFO near Cortez, Colorado, USA (October 13, 1970): Two youths on a motorcycle were followed by a long, oval object. Later, the object was seen ascending from the ground by their parents.

Meteorites and Meteorites

The magazine announces a future article detailing the composition and properties of meteorites. It also provides information for readers interested in purchasing meteorites or meteorite fragments from a German firm, with prices ranging from 1 DM to 27,000 DM. Contact information for Dr. F. Krantz in Bonn, West Germany, is provided.

• Literature recommendations:
• F. Heide: "Meteoritenkunde"
• M.H. Hey: "Catalogue of Meteorites"
• S.L. Krinov: "Principles of Meteorites"
• F.L. Boschke: "Erde von anderen Sternen"

Readers are also informed that genuine meteorites can be sold for a relatively high price if they weigh 100 grams or more.

Table of Contents

The issue includes a table of contents listing articles such as "Spökbomberna" (Ghost Bombers), "UFO-Nytt från Sverige" (UFO News from Sweden), "Anten-fallet" (The Anten Case), "Rysk raketuppskjutning" (Russian Rocket Launch), "3 UFOs over Sverige 14.12.70" (3 UFOs over Sweden 14.12.70), "Magnesium," "Jorden runt" (Around the World), and "Meteorer och meteoriter" (Meteors and Meteorites).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions conventional explanations for observed phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, by presenting detailed eyewitness accounts and scientific data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, seeking to uncover the truth behind unexplained events, with a particular interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial origins, as highlighted by the detailed analysis of the Ubatuba magnesium and the dismissal of natural explanations for the Swedish sightings. The publication encourages reader participation in reporting new observations.