GICOFF-Information - 1972 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of GIGOFF INFORMATION, published by Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål, covers the period of July-August 1972. The cover prominently features the GIGOFF logo, a grainy photograph of a luminous object in the sky, and headlines announcing the UN's engagement with the UFO problem, a photographed luminous triangle, and UFOs causing radio interference.

Editorial and Foreword

The editorial section, signed S-O F., discusses the "National Enquirer's" $50,000 reward for proof of UFOs as alien spacecraft, expressing skepticism about anyone claiming the prize. It also touches upon the peculiar incident of crop circles near Ängelholm being vandalized and fenced off. The editors note a low number of reports in June and July, followed by a significant increase in August. A key development highlighted is the UN's discussion of the UFO issue, initiated by Uganda's ambassador. The editors also thank illustrators Tage Jonsson and Rickard Lidblom for their contributions and mention a forthcoming report on mysterious triangular imprints in Northern Norway.

UFOs at the UN

A significant article details how the UFO issue was brought before the United Nations by Uganda's ambassador, Grace S. K. Ibingira. The article explains that Colman VonKeviczky, leader of the organization ICUFON, was instrumental in this effort. VonKeviczky, a former major in the Hungarian army with a background in film, optics, and chemistry, had previously worked for the UN's press department. His persistent inquiries led to the ambassador's attention, who was eventually convinced by VonKeviczky's evidence. The article includes excerpts from the ambassador's speech, emphasizing the need for a convention on the responsibility for space exploration and potential encounters with unknown intelligent life. The speech highlights that while governments have historically dismissed UFOs as natural phenomena, there is growing scientific belief in their potential extraterrestrial origin. Professor Herman Oberth and James McDonald are cited for their views on the nature and origin of UFOs.

Personalities and Organizations

Colman VonKeviczky is further profiled, detailing his background and his role in founding ICUFON. The magazine also mentions a visit from P Maximilian H Edwards, a Canadian UFO researcher, who was impressed by GICOFF's work. The editorial team includes Sven-Olof Fredrikson, Ingemar Hedenvik, Björn Högman, Siv Högman, Rickard Lidblom, Jörgen Karlsson, Göran Robertsson, Alf Tollhag, and Sten Eklöv.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Several UFO sightings are reported:

• Gällivare/Malmberget (August 13, 1972): A luminous, conical object was observed for over three hours. Air traffic controller Eno Malmros noted its independent movement from wind conditions and its ability to hover and accelerate rapidly.
• Hestra/Gnosjö (July 23, 1972): Henry Lundgren reported a mysterious, flaming, pulsating object that followed his car, caused radio interference with a "machine gun-like rattling sound," and moved at high speed.
• Falkenberg (August 12, 1972): Mikael Fernström observed three oval objects flying in formation at a constant speed.
• Nyköping/Tunaberg (June 25, 1972): A motorist reported being followed by a "flying saucer" that hovered low over the road.
• Aselby (April 13, 1972): Postman Lars-Åke Nolvik saw two elliptical, luminous objects moving rapidly.
• Öland (April 21, 1972): Orange-colored parachute lights were observed, possibly from military exercises.
• Åtvidaberg (July 23, 1972): Unidentified luminous objects were observed for three consecutive evenings.
• Northern Norway: Reports of mysterious triangular imprints were mentioned, though details were contradictory.

Space Exploration and Technology

The magazine also includes articles on space exploration:

• US-Soviet Space Cooperation: Details of a planned joint mission between a Soviet Soyuz capsule and an American Apollo capsule.
• Venus 8 Landing: The successful soft landing of the Soviet probe Venus 8 on Venus, providing data on the planet's atmosphere and surface.
• Mars Travel and Laser Fusion: American researchers believe laser fusion could enable a two-week round trip to Mars.

Other Reports

• Ship Captain's Disappearance: An account of Captain Mark G. Reids' disappearance from the ship "Argentina," with witness testimonies suggesting he may have been abducted by a UFO.
• Mysterious Lights over Öland: Reports of strange lights seen over southern Sweden, possibly related to military activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings across Sweden, the growing international attention to the UFO phenomenon (particularly through the UN), and advancements in space technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and open-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach. The magazine aims to inform its members about UFO-related news and scientific developments, encouraging readers to share their own observations.

Title: UFO-nytt
Issue: nr 3-72
Date: 1972
Publisher: UFO-nytt
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-nytt focuses heavily on investigations into UFO phenomena in Norway, particularly concerning unusual landing traces and the detection of radioactivity. It also touches upon humanoid sightings, a UFO conference in Finland, and a planned US television series about UFOs.

UFO Traces and Radioactivity in Norway

The magazine details several cases of mysterious triangular landing traces found in Norway. At Kjölsöya, samples were taken from these traces, but initial analysis by the Trondheim UFO-forening and a laboratory found no radioactivity, unlike similar traces found in Sweden at Anten. However, subsequent analysis of samples from Sundsöya, near Lyngen Fjord, revealed the presence of radioactive particles, a phenomenon previously unrecorded in Norway. These measurements, taken with sensitive instruments, indicated foreign radioactive particles. The radioactivity was exclusively found within the traces themselves, not in the surrounding soil, which is considered highly unusual.

Further investigations at Leirviksholmen also confirmed the presence of radioactivity in the traces, with analyses performed by Norsk UFO Center in Trondheim. Kolbjörn Stenödegård, the chairman, stated that the radioactivity must have been brought from an external source, as its rapid decay rate did not align with natural geological processes. The samples were taken two weeks after the initial observation, which might explain the relatively weak radiation levels, as radioactivity diminishes quickly, especially when mixed with water. Despite the lack of identified foreign particles in the samples, the results were deemed highly interesting.

Humanoid Encounters

The issue continues its series on humanoids, detailing two types observed. Type 8 has been reported in 24 cases, with individuals described as wearing a 'diving suit' and having heights between 0.90 and 1.20 meters. Some had helmets through which their skin could be seen, with descriptions of skin color varying from dark to white. Their behavior was generally evasive, though two cases reported a friendly attitude. In one instance, communication occurred in English. These beings were observed in various countries, including France, Brazil, USA, Canada, Chile, Italy, and Reunion Island.

Type 9 has been observed in 10 cases. These humanoids are also described as wearing 'diving suits' or 'luminous overalls', with heights ranging from 1.80 to 2 meters. In three instances, their helmets were transparent, revealing elongated faces with deep-set eyes, or faces described as Caucasian with pale skin. While generally non-aggressive, one witness was temporarily paralyzed by gas. These sightings occurred in Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Bolivia, the Philippines, Italy, and the USA.

UFO Investigations and Observations

An article discusses a planned US television series about UFOs, tentatively titled "Specialists," which will feature contributions from NICAP in Washington, including Dr. Allen Hynek, Dr. David Saunders, Dr. Berthold Schwarz, and Mr. John Fuller. Henry Morgan will be involved from the TV side. UFO films from "Gene Falls," "Montana," and "Tremonton" are mentioned as material to be used.

A report from the Norwegian UFO magazine FAKTA nr 3-72 is cited, describing an observation of a red-glowing disk in Haltdalen, Norway, by an anonymous father and son. Notably, their watches ran backward during the sighting. The article suggests that other witnesses in the area also reported similar observations.

UFO Conference in Abo, Finland

The magazine covers a UFO conference held in Abo, Finland, where approximately 300 UFO enthusiasts gathered. Reijo Sjögren noted a generally positive attitude towards the UFO phenomenon. A panel discussion explored the potential impact of humanoids on the future, with varied opinions expressed. Tapani Kuningas suggested that understanding UFOs could take centuries and that not all unknown entities are humanoids, also mentioning parapsychological phenomena. Kuningas also observed that UFO sightings occur in approximately five-year cycles, citing waves in the USA (1947-1952), Western Europe (late 1950s), and the Soviet Union (early 1960s). He anticipated the current year might be a "good UFO year." The article mentions the lack of a unified international UFO organization but notes an upcoming worldwide UFO congress in West Germany. Research is described as fragmented, but enthusiasts hope for UNESCO involvement.

Other Mentions

An advertisement promotes "Tefaten är Här!" (The Saucers Are Here!), the third book by Gösta Rehn, available for purchase. Another section highlights "Sökaren," a magazine for worldview issues that also covers UFOs, mentioning an interview with Professor J. Allen Hynek and providing subscription details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFO-nytt consistently reports on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena, with a strong emphasis on scientific analysis and witness testimony. The magazine appears to maintain an open but investigative stance, presenting findings from various sources, including official reports, witness accounts, and research by UFO organizations. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and the ongoing efforts to understand their nature, origin, and potential implications for humanity. The detailed reporting on the Norwegian radioactivity cases suggests a focus on evidence-based investigation.