GICOFF-Information - 1972 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: January-February 1972
Publisher: Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål (GICOFF)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION, the member magazine for the Göteborg Information Center for Unidentified Flying Objects, presents a variety of articles related to UFO phenomena, space exploration, and scientific investigation.

Editorial and Content Highlights

Foreword

S-O Fredrikson, in the foreword, notes an increased understanding and interest in UFO issues, evidenced by numerous requests for lectures and discussion evenings. He thanks John-Erik Pettersson for an excellent report and Boris Jungkvist for organizing new questionnaires. A new contributor, Tony Ericsson, a 15-year-old "space expert," will be writing about NASA's space program, starting with an article on photos from Mariner 9's journey around Mars. Fredrikson also mentions GICOFF's portable exhibition, consisting of 8 screens, available for rent.

Reactions to the 'Russian Rocket Stage' Explanation

Björn Högman summarizes the reactions to GICOFF's explanation of a luminous phenomenon observed on New Year's Day as a 'falling Russian rocket stage.' Positive reactions came from daily newspapers and radio programs. Negative reactions originated from UFO groups and individuals who had previously insisted it was 'flying saucers in formation.'

GICOFF's Operations

The magazine details GICOFF's activities, describing it as an ideal association aiming to serve members' interest in information and explanations of aerial phenomena. As of December 1971, GICOFF had 130 members, mostly passive due to geographical spread. A core group of about 30 members in Göteborg regularly participates in meetings and investigations. GICOFF finances its operations through membership fees (39 SEK annually) and sales of material to the press. The magazine itself, GICOFF-Information, is distributed to members six times a year.

Swedish Scientists Filmed a UFO!

This prominent article details an event on June 30, 1954, when three SAS planes, carrying Swedish scientists, were en route to study a solar eclipse. At 14:17, at an altitude of 5000 meters over Lifjeld, Norway, two luminous discs were observed. E. Graham, a press ombudsman, recounts the event, noting that the objects were initially mistaken for something else before being identified as 'flying saucers.' John Björnulf managed to film the objects, which appeared to rotate and emit exhaust. The objects' size and speed were difficult to estimate, but they were perceived as much larger than human-made aircraft, with an estimated distance of 30 km. The film has been shown privately and in cinemas. GICOFF is attempting to identify the Swedish scientists involved.

UFO Detectors

Two articles detail the construction and function of UFO detectors. Detector B uses a compass, a flashlight lamp, and a photoresistor to detect magnetic disturbances. Detector C, a more advanced design, uses a coil and electronic amplification, powered by batteries, making it portable and more robust against vibrations.

Life on Mars?

This section discusses recent reports from scientists working with the Mariner 9 probe. They suggest that the possibility of finding life on Mars has improved due to the discovery of significant amounts of water in the planet's atmosphere. It is estimated that Mars loses 380,000 liters of water daily. Dr. Harold Masursky, the project's geological chief, highlights that findings of clouds, ancient riverbeds, and numerous volcanoes give the 'Viking' landing project a new dimension. The Viking mission is planned for a soft landing in 1976, potentially near a riverbed or in flat terrain with water. While Mariner 9's cameras could not detect life directly, the conditions are considered favorable. The probe identified about twenty volcanic areas, some significantly larger than Earth's volcanoes, indicating ongoing geological activity.

UFO Observations from Norway

Several reports from Norwegian newspapers are presented, detailing sightings from the New Year's period of 1971-1972. These include:

• Two luminous objects near Hovin and Stören: Observed by a 24-year-old man, described as 'clot-round' and moving at jet-plane speed, later appearing as multiple objects in formation.
• Cigar-shaped objects: Seen from Skarholmen and Florvåg, described as wingless cylinders with a bright front, a dark body, and a luminous, sparking tail, moving at high speeds.
• Three flying objects over Askøy: Observed from Laksevag, appearing as if one was towing the other, with bright front lights and shadow-like cylinders behind.
• Two objects dragging a third: Reported from Domsgårdsfjället.
• A 40-meter long UFO: Observed by taxi driver Roald Stensrud, whose car stalled under its presence. The objects were described as cigar-shaped with windows, emitting heat and a bright light.
• Two large 'spaceships' stopping a car: Similar to the previous report, involving cigar-shaped objects with windows.
• Luminous objects over Karmsundet: Two large objects observed hovering and then moving away.
• A luminous object over Ekebergåsen: Described as having five 'windows' or lights.
• Two luminous spheres: Seen moving towards Flöien and Ulriken.
• Two lights: Observed between Flesland and Haakonsvern, one stationary, resembling upside-down plates.

UFO Observations from Småland

An account from Hugo Abrahamsson and his family describes observing a bright object with color variations (orange, yellow, white) that appeared stationary. Later, two objects were seen, one larger and one smaller, with the smaller one emitting pulsating light. The objects descended and then moved away.

UFO Observation from Dalarna

A tractor driver reported seeing an oval-shaped object in the sky near Orsa, Dalarna, on January 11, 1972. The object emitted pulsating blue-violet light and heat waves. It appeared to be about 30-40 meters in diameter and had a solid, slightly fuzzy appearance.

UFO Observation from Orsa

Another witness in Orsa reported observing an object that blinked with its half-lights, causing the object to stop. The object then moved in a triangular pattern before stopping again and ascending. The witness described a faint sound like a 'blowlamp.'

UFO Observations from Värmland

Reports from Värmland include sightings of a luminous object that blinked with its headlights, causing the object to stop. The object then moved in a triangular pattern before ascending. A faint sound, like a blowlamp, was also heard.

UFO Observations from Småland (Continued)

An anonymous witness reported seeing two objects, one larger and one smaller, with the smaller one emitting pulsating light. The objects descended and then moved away.

UFO Observation from Dalarna (Continued)

A tractor driver reported seeing an oval-shaped object in the sky near Orsa, Dalarna, on January 11, 1972. The object emitted pulsating blue-violet light and heat waves. It appeared to be about 30-40 meters in diameter and had a solid, slightly fuzzy appearance.

UFO Observation from Orsa (Continued)

Another witness in Orsa reported observing an object that blinked with its headlights, causing the object to stop. The object then moved in a triangular pattern before stopping again and ascending. The witness described a faint sound like a 'blowlamp.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO sightings as credible phenomena requiring further investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a desire to provide factual reporting and analysis. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony, scientific inquiry, and the dissemination of information to members. The magazine also highlights the challenges in identifying such phenomena and encourages continued observation and reporting. The inclusion of technical articles on detectors and discussions about space missions like Mariner 9 and Viking indicate a broader interest in related scientific fields.

Title: UFO-nytt
Issue: 2
Volume: 1972
Publisher: UFO-nytt Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Fyra jetplan jagade lysande objekt (Four jet planes chased a luminous object)

Article 1: Fyra jetplan jagade lysande objekt (Four jet planes chased a luminous object)

This article details an incident that occurred on November 30, 1971, at 14:30 in Northern Norway. A radar controller at a Norwegian Air Force radar station detected an unknown, luminous echo on the screen. Four Norwegian "Freedom Fighters" from the 36th squadron, usually stationed at Rygge but temporarily at Bardufoss, were on a training mission. The radar controller informed the pilots that the unknown object was at approximately 15,000 feet altitude, 160 km northeast of Bardufoss, and moving at an estimated speed of 70-80 knots. The pilots were instructed to descend and intercept the object's path. As the jets descended to 16,000 feet and approached the reported position, the object suddenly accelerated violently eastward. The pilots, who had not yet visually confirmed the object, later reported seeing something resembling a star, a strongly luminous object, possibly illuminated by sunlight at a high altitude. They could not pursue it due to insufficient fuel and returned to Bardufoss base. The Norwegian Air Force sought minimal publicity for this UFO observation, with the press officer declining to contribute to speculation surrounding the event. The article cites "Verdens Gang" (December 7, 1971) and "Ukebladet 'NA'" (January 15, 1972) as sources.

Article 2: Humanoiden i Kinnula (The Humanoid in Kinnula)

This article recounts an encounter that took place on Friday, February 5, 1971, near Kinnula, Finland, not far from Vaasa. Two forest workers, Petter Aliranta and Esko Juhani Sneck, were finishing their work around 15:00 when Aliranta spotted a metallic object descending rapidly through the treetops. He described it as looking like two plates stacked on top of each other, approximately 5 meters in diameter, with four thin landing legs (5-10 cm) on the underside. The object landed in an opening between trees about 15 meters from the workers. A round hatch opened on the underside of the craft, and a small, strange being emerged. The being was described as shorter than 1 meter, possibly around 90 cm, wearing a one-piece green suit. It had a lens on its "head," round hands without visible fingers, and green footwear. The being moved with short, stiff steps and did not sink into the snow. Aliranta started his chainsaw and approached the being, which then turned and moved back towards the craft. Aliranta attempted to grab the being, but had to release his grip instantly due to a burning sensation on his right hand, which remained for two months. Through the craft's windows, three more beings were visible. The being that emerged re-entered the craft, which then emitted a faint humming sound and lifted off the ground. Aliranta felt a slight gust of wind, but observed no smoke or light. The craft ascended rapidly and was out of sight in less than 15 seconds. The entire event lasted about 3 minutes, leaving the witnesses in a state of shock.

Traces of the Craft and the Being

After the craft departed, the workers examined the landing site. They found marks in the snow from the landing gear, which consisted of round plates (35 cm in diameter) forming a square with sides of 2 meters. The snow had melted 5-10 cm deep within the square formed by the legs. They also observed footprints from the being, which were approximately 15 cm large and round, spaced about 20 cm apart.

The article cites "Flying Saucer Review 5/71" and is translated by Sven-Olof Fredrikson.

Ordet är fritt (The Word is Free)

This section is designated for uncensored contributions, letters, and articles from readers. The editorial policy states that submissions represent only the author's views and do not necessarily reflect the organization's opinion. Only signed contributions will be published.

Budskap 1972 från Filosofiska Föreningen 966-Linköping (FF-966) (Message 1972 from the Philosophical Association 966-Linköping)

This section contains a strong accusation against "Ufonauts," referred to as Lucifer-Satan, for allegedly causing chaos on Earth through "reckless planning." The author, Sten Sundqvist from Linköping, accuses these Ufonauts of:

• Creating earthly chaos and increasing political and criminal violence.
• Encouraging the construction of unsuitable housing, faulty transport, and technical articles leading to accidents and diseases.
• Concentrating people in "concentration camps" (cities) while increasing population growth, leading to starvation, hardship, and crime.
• Influencing people to waste natural resources, polluting and destroying the environment.
• Burdening parents with unnecessary work, hindering child-rearing, and exposing children to an incomprehensible world.
• Conducting "dissolving indoctrination" through mass media and schools that fail to create free-thinking individuals or teach right from wrong.
• Breaking down individuals' ability and desire to uphold the "AUTHENTIC, the GOOD, and the FREE," replacing it with promiscuous living and hindering the development of enterprising and gifted individuals.
• Exhibiting "insidious unwillingness" and a lack of contact with the real world and Earth's people, as well as with their own UFO movement.

Sundqvist takes full responsibility for these accusations and challenges the Ufonauts to answer for their actions.

Humanoiden (The Humanoid) - Continued

This section continues a series describing different types of humanoids encountered. It details Type 3, with sub-classifications:

• Type 3 variant 2 (6 cases): Characterized by male appearance with long hair. Height varies between 1.65-1.72 meters. Blond hair, yellow face, normal or white complexion, strong build. One case mentioned missing heels. They wear chestnut-colored overalls and are generally friendly, with no reported aggression or use of weapons. In one case, they spoke in the witness's native tongue. A total of 9 such beings have been seen in Brazil and Argentina.
• Type 3 variant 1 (5 cases): These beings are described as very small, between 1.25-1.50 meters tall, with blond or brown hair reaching their shoulders. Some had protruding chins and white skin. Their attire resembles overalls with a wide belt. They showed indifference, except in one case where a paralyzing weapon was used. They are believed to possess telepathic abilities. A total of 18 such beings have been seen in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and England.
• Type 3 variant 3 (3 cases): These beings are very tall, around 2 meters. They have blond hair reaching their shoulders, full faces, white skin, and strong bodies. In one case, arms and hands appeared unusually long. Their suits were one-piece, sometimes described as rubber, and in one instance, they were barefoot. No conversations or weapons were reported. A total of 5 such beings have been seen in Brazil and Argentina.

The source for this section is GEPA, nr 24-25 of 1970, translated by Ruth Fernström and Lena Fors.

Bokmalen (Book Review)

This section features reviews of books by members. Staffan Stigsjöö reviews Erich von Däniken's books: "Spår efter "tefaten" och "varelsen"" (Traces after "flying saucers" and "the being"), "Olösta gåtor ur mänsklighetens förflutna" (Unsolved riddles from humanity's past), "Tillbaka till stjärnorna" (Back to the stars), and "Var Gud Astronaut" (Was God an Astronaut?).

Däniken's theory posits that Earth was visited by extraterrestrial astronauts between 40,000 and 10,000 BC, who artificially initiated human intelligence. Stigsjöö notes that while some scientists dismiss Däniken's theories as impossible, others find them plausible. He criticizes Däniken for a factual error regarding the known history of the period 40,000-10,000 BC, pointing out that Däniken is not a scientist. The review also mentions that Däniken's theories are challenged by the impossibility of interstellar travel. The reviewer expresses anger at how Däniken, through the editor Khoun, portrays ufologists negatively, claiming the Condon Committee found no evidence for UFOs, which the reviewer disputes. The review also criticizes Däniken for not mentioning scientists who believe in UFOs or the work of Hynek and McDonald's observation that 30% of UFO sightings have no natural explanation. The reviewer questions Däniken's motives, noting his past imprisonment for fraud, but acknowledges that his theories about extraterrestrial visits initiating civilization are intriguing. The review also points out that Däniken overlooks legends of beings from Earth's interior, which could weaken his theory.

Despite potential financial motives, the reviewer believes Däniken's theories might be true, as they describe phenomena that exist and are inexplicable. The reviewer suggests that if Däniken's theories are proven true, he might be seen in the future like Kepler and Galileo, who helped humanity understand the truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers reports of UFO/UAP sightings and humanoid encounters, presenting them as credible events that warrant investigation. There is a clear interest in physical evidence, such as radar data and trace evidence left at landing sites. The publication also engages with the broader context of ufology, including critical analyses of prominent figures like Erich von Däniken and discussions about the scientific and public perception of UFO phenomena. The "Ordet är fritt" section indicates an openness to diverse reader contributions, while the "Budskap" section highlights a more critical and accusatory perspective on perceived negative influences, attributing them to "Ufonauts."