GICOFF-Information - 1971 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF-INFORMATION
Issue: Nr 5
Date: September-October 1971
Publisher: Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål (GICOFF)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of GICOFF-INFORMATION, the member magazine for the Gothenburg Information Center for Unidentified Flying Objects, presents a collection of UFO sightings and investigations from Sweden and surrounding areas during 1971. The magazine emphasizes its commitment to exploring all theories that can offer a reasonable explanation for these phenomena and encourages members to form their own conclusions.

Editorial and Foreword

The editorial section, signed "SOF AT." (likely Sven-Olof Fredrikson), introduces the content of issue number 3, which featured photographs by Lars Thörn. It notes that further investigations into these photos are ongoing but that definitive conclusions are being withheld due to unresolved questions. The editors express gratitude to various individuals for their contributions, including editor Sven Magnusson for his work on the "Anten-fallet" (Anten case), and investigators John-Erik Pettersson and Nils-Erik Lind. The editorial also highlights a positive response to a call for member assistance in fieldwork and outlines the board's stance on UFOs: that each member is free to hold their own views, but the organization must present a unified front externally.

UFO Theories and Extraterrestrial Life

A significant portion of the magazine delves into the theoretical aspects of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It posits that UFOs represent phenomena that cannot be explained naturally. The article suggests that the movement patterns and credible witness observations point towards intelligently controlled craft, possibly of extraterrestrial origin. The reasoning is based on the high probability of intelligent life existing elsewhere in the universe, making Earth's uniqueness unlikely and life's existence in the cosmos potentially vast and varied. The possibility of advanced civilizations existing elsewhere, capable of interstellar travel, is presented as a logical extension of this premise.

"No One in Space is Dumber Than Us"

This section discusses the global scientific interest in searching for extraterrestrial civilizations. It highlights the consensus among Soviet and American scientists that humanity has a good chance of making contact with "neighbors" in space. The prevailing strategy suggested is to "listen" rather than actively transmit signals, in order to detect signals from other civilizations. The underlying assumption is that no other civilization in the universe is likely to be less advanced than humanity.

U Thant and the UN's Stance on UFOs

This segment addresses a previous report in GICOFF-Information (issue nr 2) regarding a statement made by U Thant, the former UN Secretary-General, about UFOs. The magazine publishes a letter from A. H. Abdel-Ghani, Chief of the Outer Space Affairs Division at the UN, dated May 28, 1971. The letter clarifies that statements attributed to U Thant in the press, suggesting UFOs were a major global problem or that governments were in secret contact with extraterrestrials, were incorrect. The UN, according to the letter, was not involved in UFO investigations, as no country had raised the issue in the UN committee for the peaceful use of outer space.

Himlafenomen över Huskvarna (Celestial Phenomenon over Huskvarna)

This article details a sighting on April 30, 1971, in Huskvarna, Sweden. A witness, Fru Frida Fastberg, observed a bright object with a fiery tail, emitting colored particles like fireworks. The object moved rapidly southeast, leaving a condensation trail. Initially mistaken for a rocket, the object later stopped, glowed intensely, and then ascended rapidly. The report includes a sketch and notes that the phenomenon was also observed in Denmark and Norway, though specific locations are lacking for those countries. The direction of the object's movement, as indicated by witness arrows, suggests it may have exploded over Lake Vänern-Vättern.

"Meteorite" Theory for the July 6, 1971 Sighting

This section analyzes the widespread sighting on July 6, 1971, across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The object was described as green and shimmering, with a luminous tail, and emitted colored particles. While some witnesses in southern Sweden observed it for up to 20 minutes, those in the north saw it for only 5-15 seconds. The article discusses the possibility of it being a satellite or a meteor. Sven Grahn, a satellite expert, stated it was unlikely to be a known satellite or rocket stage. The possibility of fragments from space debris causing the light phenomenon is considered. The "meteorite" theory is supported by the smoke trail and lingering smoke cloud, with reference to historical methods of studying upper-atmosphere winds using meteor trails. However, witness descriptions from northern Sweden do not entirely fit the meteorite theory, leading to the conclusion that the case remains unsolved, though the meteorite explanation is considered most probable. UFO-Information Norge suggested it was a "mother ship."

Two V-formations Seen in Skåne

On the evening of July 17, 1971, near Arlöv, Skåne, Sweden, engineer Rezső Cseh reported hearing a signal in his ear, followed by the appearance of two V-formations in the sky. Each formation consisted of eight luminous objects, estimated to be the size of the full moon. The objects had blurry contours and were self-luminous. The observation lasted about 5 minutes. The magazine's comment states that no natural explanation could be found for this observation, characterizing it as a UFO sighting.

Spindle-shaped UFO Hovered Horizontally

On September 2, 1971, in Myre, Åmotfors, Sweden, Karl Johansson observed a luminous, yellow, spindle-shaped object hovering horizontally for over 5 minutes. It then rotated on its axis and moved west with a large flame, disappearing towards the Norwegian border. Johansson's wife also witnessed the event. The object was described as a solid body with sharp edges, and its speed increased suddenly. The magazine's commentary dismisses the possibility of fog as an explanation.

New Photos by L. Thörn

This article revisits Lars Thörn, who was featured in a previous issue for his UFO photographs. About a month later, he reportedly took more photos. GICOFF editors Björn Högman and Sven-Olof Fredrikson visited Thörn on July 2, 1971. Thörn, an avid "flying saucer" enthusiast, described observing "lights" moving away from a tower in Frostås towards the Kronoparken area. He went into the terrain to get closer, resulting in new photographs. He described seeing a larger object that disappeared into clouds, followed by three smaller discs near treetop height, and later two more objects and the larger one forming a triangle. These objects moved in synchronized circular paths at an estimated altitude of 70-80 meters. The smaller discs later moved vertically towards the ground with a flickering motion, exhibiting an oval underside and a flatter top, with something resembling a lock on the underside.

Mysterious Light Phenomenon Seen by Swimmers

On July 25, 1971, near Munsjön lake outside Alingsås, Sweden, Asa Alfredsson and others went for an evening swim. Amidst a dark and tense atmosphere, Alfredsson saw a strange object glide out from behind a bush and move towards the lake. She described it as a "silver-blue streak" that rapidly disappeared upwards. The experience left the witnesses very shaken. The article notes that the weather conditions in central and southern Sweden at the time were clear with weak winds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of GICOFF-INFORMATION revolve around detailed accounts of UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the ongoing efforts of GICOFF to investigate these phenomena. The magazine consistently presents evidence, including photographs and witness reports, while also exploring theoretical possibilities such as extraterrestrial visitation and the potential for life beyond Earth. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking and allowing for diverse interpretations among its members, while maintaining a professional approach to investigation and reporting. The publication aims to be a comprehensive source of information on UFOs for its Swedish readership.

Title: UFO-nytt
Issue: 29
Volume: 1971
Publisher: GICOFF
Country: Sweden
Original Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Lysande klot cirklade runt bil. (Glowing sphere circled car.)

This issue of UFO-nytt, published by GICOFF in 1971, delves into various unexplained aerial phenomena, featuring witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and investigative reports.

Article: Photography of UFOs

The issue extensively details an encounter where a witness, referred to as LTn, photographed three disc-shaped objects. The interview with LTn, conducted by BHn, covers the circumstances of the sighting and the photographic process. LTn describes the objects as small discs moving with irregular speed, sometimes smooth horizontally and jerky vertically. The sighting occurred in poor weather conditions, making it difficult to capture clear images. LTn managed to take photos over a period of about 5-10 minutes, with the entire observation lasting over an hour. The objects were described as metallic, possibly chrome-like, with a duller underside. They exhibited periods of hovering and sudden movements. LTn estimated the closest object to be about 20 meters away and less than a meter in diameter. A faint humming sound was detected, but its source was unclear. The smaller discs eventually merged into a larger object, which then disappeared.

Several photographs (Foto 1-7) are presented, with detailed captions explaining the observed phenomena. Foto 1 and 2 show the discs descending. Foto 3 highlights a larger UFO under clouds. Foto 4 and 5 show the discs in a clearing and moving towards the larger object, noting small black points on their surfaces. Foto 6 shows the discs to the left, and Foto 7 depicts two of the discs moving towards the larger object, with visible light points on their undersides. The article notes that the numbering in the photos does not match the magazine's numbering.

An investigation into the photographs was conducted by experts from Hultins foto, Udéhns fotoavdelning, and other photographic experts. They found no flaws in the negatives and were unable to identify the objects. A theory that the objects were clay pigeons was proposed and subsequently refuted by an expert on clay pigeon shooting, Lennart Augustsson, who stated that launching three clay pigeons in a triangular formation was impossible. The investigation also revealed that at least five, and possibly up to thirteen, photographs taken by Lars Thörn were missing. Thörn admitted to not submitting all his negatives but did not disclose what they showed.

Article: Orangefärgat klot sågs en timmes tid (Orange-colored sphere seen for an hour)

This report details an observation by Erik-Gunnar Rehnmark and his wife on August 21, 1971, in Häggvik, Nordingrå. The phenomenon was an intense orange light, described as a luminous object that circled and moved in a spiral, east-west direction, at low altitude. The observation lasted approximately 1.5 hours. The object had sharp contours, rotated on its axis, and was self-luminous, with a visible tail. The report mentions that the observation was made through a window, which could potentially distort the view, but the witness insisted the movements were too significant to be an optical illusion. The article also notes that a neighbor had seen a similar greyish object earlier that day.

Article: Egendomligt ljussken flyttade bil och fyrkantigt föremål syntes (Peculiar light phenomenon moved car and a square object was seen)

This case involves Sten Sture Ceder, a telecommunications engineer, who reported a strange experience on September 20, 1971, near Öjebyn. While driving, Ceder encountered an intense light, described as a strong aurora with vertical beams extending to the ground. Suddenly, an unnatural force pushed his car forward despite him braking. The surroundings turned completely black, like a thick, smoky mass. His car's headlights provided no illumination. Ceder continued driving and found himself about 20 meters from the intersection. He then saw a black mass rising from the ground, described as formless. Later, he observed a very dark, square-shaped object, compared to a kite or a flat sheet of paper, moving parallel to his car at a higher speed. The object crossed the E4 highway about 1 km ahead. Ceder noted that the object was much darker than the night sky and seemed to cover stars. He also mentioned a 'tail' which was blurry and not luminous. The object disappeared over the horizon. Ceder's car did not stall, which is unusual for vehicles that have encountered UFOs. He also reported that brake marks were not found at the location where he claimed to have braked hard. Two women from Rosvik also reported seeing a similar light phenomenon around the same time.

Article: Lysande klot cirklade runt bil (Glowing sphere circled car)

This report features an account from Karin Marie Smerud, who, along with her aunt, observed a glowing sphere on the evening of August 22, 1971, while driving near Jevnaker, Norway. The object, described as red and larger than a football, descended rapidly and approached their car. Smerud stopped the car out of fear. The sphere circled about twenty meters above the car before ascending back into the sky. It was described as having a sun-like appearance with rays extending outwards. The witness and her aunt then drove to the nearest house for safety. Later, people at Gardermoen airport also reported seeing a bright object crossing the sky.

Article: Märklig landning med humanoider i Lagoa Negra (Strange landing with humanoids in Lagoa Negra)

This section reports on an observation in Lagoa Negra, Brazil, in early January 1958. Five individuals witnessed a round object, 10 meters in diameter and 3 meters high, with a dome-like structure. The object landed and emitted a metallic, shiny light. The report mentions that the observers were reputable locals who had no prior interest in flying objects. The observation lasted for 20 minutes. The article does not provide further details about the 'humanoids' mentioned in the title, focusing primarily on the object's appearance and landing.

Other Sections

Meddelande (Announcement): An announcement regarding a collaboration between Stockholm UFO-Center and GICOFF, establishing a contact person and listing upcoming meeting dates for GICOFF in late 1971.

Kommentar (Commentary): The commentary section reflects on the Sten Sture Ceder case, highlighting its unusual aspects such as the car moving without apparent cause and the lack of brake marks. It also notes that vehicles in contact with UFOs usually experience engine failure, which was not the case here.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-nytt are unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the investigation of photographic evidence. The magazine appears to take a serious approach to these reports, presenting them with detailed accounts and expert analysis where available. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into UFO sightings, aiming to document and investigate these events without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for critical examination and the possibility of misidentification or natural phenomena. The inclusion of multiple international cases (Sweden, Norway, Brazil) suggests a broad scope of interest in the UFO phenomenon.

Title: UFO-nytt
Issue: 180
Volume: 1971
Date: August 1971
Publisher: UFO-Jakobstad
Country: Finland
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-nytt delves into various UFO sightings and alleged encounters, presenting detailed accounts from different locations and time periods. The cover features the title 'DE MYSTISKA NEGATIVEN' (The Mystical Negatives) with a striking graphic design.

Detailed Reports and Sightings

Encounter Near a House:
A significant report details an event where a bright, reddish light, identified as a UFO, hovered about 2 meters above the ground at a distance of 390 meters from a house. The light was so intense it penetrated windows and doors. Two tall beings, approximately 2 meters in height, wearing white overalls with wide belts and high collars, and three smaller beings, around 1.40 meters tall, wearing brown suits, emerged from the object. The taller beings were described as having large feet, long hair, and large faces, resembling 'angels' according to a young girl. They moved stiffly. The smaller beings moved quickly. The beings interacted with a fence and gate before returning to the UFO, which then ascended with a slight rotating motion.

Antarctic Sighting:
In Santiago, Chile, on May 15, 1971, Air Force personnel observed a UFO that was three times brighter than the brightest star. It remained stationary for fifteen minutes, changing colors between green, red, and blue. The sighting occurred under clear, calm, moonlit conditions and did not significantly affect radio communications, except for a faint signal on 3200 kHz.

US Air Force Perspective:
A section titled 'Air Force says: Take UFOs seriously' quotes a US Air Force textbook, 'Introductory Space Science,' written by Major Donald Carpenter. The text suggests that UFOs are likely material objects, possibly manned or remotely controlled by beings alien to Earth, with some evidence supporting this theory. The article notes that this information is still being taught to cadets years after the Condon report.

• Historical and International Cases:
• The issue highlights several notable UFO cases:
• August 21, 1955: Witnesses in Kelly, Kentucky, USA, saw beings approximately 1 meter tall and fired at them. One being was hit but escaped.
• July 24, 1957: Russian anti-aircraft batteries fired at fast-moving UFOs without reported success.
• November 4, 1957: In Fort Itaipu, Brazil, a large object emitted a hot beam, injuring two people.
• September 19, 1961: Betty and Barney Hill in New Hampshire, USA, reported seeing a large UFO and experiencing memory loss, later recounting their experiences under hypnosis.
• April 24, 1964: Police officer Lonnie Zamora in Soccoro, New Mexico, USA, reported seeing a craft and a small being. The Air Force investigated and classified the case as unidentified.
• The article also mentions ancient phenomena, such as 47,000-year-old rock carvings in Hunan, China, 'demon ships' in Ireland in 956 AD, alien beings killed in France in the 900s, and a large spaceship seen in Kansas in 1897.

Finnish Sightings:

• Cigar-shaped Objects over Pyhäjärvi: On June 20, 1971, near Pyhäjärvi, Finland, witnesses observed a thick, dark grey, cigar-shaped object flying slowly at treetop level. A second similar object followed. The objects appeared to be heavily laden and moved unnaturally slowly.

• Yellowish-Red Triangle over Jakobstad: On August 30, 1971, in Vestersundsby, Jakobstad, Finland, a strong, yellowish-red, triangular object was seen for 2.5 hours. It pulsed with lights of varying colors and moved slowly downwards and to the west-northwest. The witness, Kerstin Haglund, described it as resembling an upside-down tub or a triangle with a broad base.

• Blue Ball over Purmo: On September 5, 1971, near Purmo, Finland, witnesses observed a large blue ball hovering motionlessly above the treetops. A brighter yellow halo surrounded the ball, with a dark area between the halo and the ball. The object disappeared downwards behind the trees after about 20 minutes.

Other Reports:

• UFO over Antarctica: A report from UFO-Nachrichten (August 1971) mentions a UFO sighting by Air Force personnel in Antarctica, described as three times brighter than a star and stationary for fifteen minutes.

• Electrical Disturbances: A report from Keski-Pohjanmaa newspaper details electrical disturbances that coincided with a sighting, lasting well into the evening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents reports of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters, aiming to inform readers about phenomena that the authorities, such as the US Air Force, are reportedly taking seriously. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and dissemination of information regarding unexplained aerial phenomena and potential extraterrestrial contact, encouraging readers to 'Take UFOs seriously.' The inclusion of historical cases and international reports suggests a broad scope of interest in the UFO phenomenon.