GICOFF-Information - 1974 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION, volume 5, number 2 from 1974, is published by Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål in Sweden. The cover prominently features a unique UFO photo series by Swedish researcher Åke Lejon and the headline 'The world's strangest weather balloon'.

Editorial and Association News

The editorial, written by Sven-Olof Fredrikson, notes the arrival of spring and an expected increase in UFO reports, though this year saw a concentration of observations between Stockholm and Uppsala, with some on the east coast. He expresses pleasure at the positive media coverage of UFOs, with many Swedish weekly magazines publishing articles on the topic. Fredrikson also addresses the phenomenon of Uri Geller, stating his personal belief that Geller is a skilled illusionist and not of extraterrestrial origin, clarifying this is his personal opinion and not GICOFF's official stance.

The editorial also provides an update on Project U.R.D., stating that while progress has been slower than hoped, the necessary materials are nearly complete, and the next step is to engage interested individuals for active research. A survey conducted in autumn revealed a significant number of interested parties, who will receive materials during the summer. An educational package is also in development.

The magazine lists its board members and contact information for various departments, including information and PR, photography, and foreign correspondents in Denmark, Finland, and Norway. It also announces upcoming meetings for GICOFF members.

UFO Sightings and Cases

Unique UFO Photo Series by Åke Lejon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the UFO photographs taken by Åke Lejon near Pänttäjä, Övertorneå, Sweden, on November 11, 1973. Lejon, a young researcher, captured a series of images showing a triangular object detaching from a larger, disc-shaped or 'limp'-shaped craft. The initial observation occurred around 11:10 AM, and Lejon took two photos of the triangular object as it flew past. Later, he photographed a larger object hovering over a lake. The observation lasted for 23 minutes. The larger object was described as oval, then flattening into a 'limp' shape, and eventually accelerating and tilting. The triangular object detached and moved towards the south-southwest. Lejon took a total of seven photos, though some negatives were damaged by chemical stains, possibly related to his mineral research.

The photos were analyzed by F 21 in Luleå and subsequently by FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency). While the investigation found the images interesting, no definitive explanation was provided. Laboratory technician Tage Eriksson at FOA suggested the possibility of a damaged weather balloon behaving erratically, a theory that the magazine's authors find unlikely given the visual evidence.

The magazine includes a detailed analysis of the photographs by G.J:son Bunker, who confirms the authenticity of the images after extensive laboratory tests, including microscopic examination and analysis of color negatives. He concludes that UFOs did exist in these instances and that the technical quality, while not perfect due to the equipment used, is sufficient.

The World's Strangest Weather Balloon

This section details a series of observations in Northern Italy in late November 1973, initially attributed to UFOs. Reports included a bright light moving among stars, described as a 'glowing metal sphere' or a flock of objects. Radar observers noted a luminous object moving slowly. A pilot reported seeing a color-shifting sphere that disappeared at high speed, leaving a red trail. Another pilot encountered an unidentified object with a brilliant red and purple glow, experiencing radio interference. Witnesses compared some objects to cigars.

However, the mystery was reportedly solved around December 12-13, 1973, when the press announced that a weather balloon launched from Lyon, France, had developed a leak and slowly drifted down, getting caught in a tree. The article implies public frustration with the secrecy surrounding such events by authorities and meteorologists.

Other Sightings

• Flying Object Pursues Police Officers: In Cameron County, USA, police officers Eddie Gonzalez and Frank Lopez reported being followed by a hovering object with red and yellow lights. Other police units also observed the object, which remained stationary for 30 minutes before ascending rapidly.

• Lysande Skiva Kretsade Runt Bil (Luminous Disc Circled a Car): Torbjörn and Monica Eklund observed a disc-shaped object with a tail near Bredåker and Vittjärvi, Sweden, on October 31, 1973. The object circled their car and appeared to be a 'turned-up tefat' (saucer).

• Ungdomar Skrämda av Ljusfenomen (Youths Scared by Light Phenomenon): Jonny Johansson and Tony Oveson reported seeing a triangular object in Mossgruvan, Sweden, on November 7, 1973. The object, described as a glowing, color-shifting triangle, hovered about 25 meters above the ground and was estimated to be 20 meters in size.

• Anknytningspunkter (Connecting Points): This section briefly mentions other related reports, including a schoolchild sighting in Vittangi, Sweden, on October 17, 1973, and previous reports of triangular UFOs in Norrland and Jämtland. It also notes the pursuit of a flying triangle by a Lansen plane on June 20, 1971.

Space Exploration: Apollo 14 Mission

This issue includes a detailed account of the Apollo 14 mission, which took place in January and February 1971. It describes the launch, the docking procedures (which experienced initial problems), the lunar landing in the Frau Mauro region, and the astronauts' activities on the Moon. The report highlights Alan Shepard's golf shot on the lunar surface, which he claimed resulted in golf balls traveling for kilometers. The mission successfully repaired the damage and setbacks encountered during the Apollo 13 mission, paving the way for future Apollo missions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, and official investigations. There is a clear emphasis on detailed reporting and analysis, even when the explanations are inconclusive or speculative. The editorial stance, particularly from Sven-Olof Fredrikson, is one of cautious skepticism towards sensational claims (like Uri Geller's) while remaining open to the possibility of genuine UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to inform its readers and encourage active participation in UFO research, as evidenced by the call for volunteers and the development of educational materials. The inclusion of space exploration news, like the Apollo 14 mission, suggests an interest in related technological and scientific advancements. The magazine also highlights the challenges of official investigations and the potential for misinterpretation of natural phenomena as UFOs, as seen in the weather balloon case.

Title: Ufologen
Issue: Nr 6
Date: 1972
Publisher: Arbetsgruppen för ufologi
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of "Ufologen" focuses heavily on UFO sightings reported in South Africa during July 1972, alongside discussions on parapsychology and the nature of reality.

UFO Sightings in South Africa (July 1972)

The magazine presents a series of detailed reports from various locations in South Africa:

• Florida, Johannesburg (July 16, 1972): Numerous people witnessed a UFO moving rapidly from south to north over Witwatersrand. A photographer from the Rand Daily Mail was unable to capture it due to its speed.
• Franschoek, Cape Province (July 13, 1972): Three individuals observed a brilliant, radiant ball of light near Du Toits Kloof early in the morning. It was described as being low and resembling a shining sphere.
• Malmesbury, Cape Province (July 16, 1972): Ten people reported seeing an object that changed color and moved erratically up and down in the sky with great speed for about 15 minutes.
• Odendaalsrus, Oranje (July 16, 1972): Police officer J. P. Myburgh and others observed a flat, rotating disk emitting yellow light with blue rings. The object descended towards their patrol car and hovered for 15 minutes before moving rapidly towards Welkom and then Johannesburg. Other police officers also witnessed the object.
• Pieteritzburg, Natal (July 20, 1972): A woman described a reddish, circular object with a star-like pattern, which appeared to be about the size of a flat plate. It moved from the direction of Durban, had a faint white condensation trail, and seemed to dissolve as it descended.
• Pieteritzburg, Natal (July 21, 1972): Professor Owen Williams and his wife observed a cone-shaped UFO with a solid red light at the bottom, which they viewed through binoculars.
• Pine Lands, Cape Province (July 21, 1972): A woman saw an object hovering low to the ground, described as large and red in the center, with yellow and orange hues towards its edges. It moved rapidly towards Paarl.

Negative Proofs and Police Beliefs

• Negative Proofs: A report from Pretoria News on July 26, 1972, stated that analyses of soil samples from Fort Beaufort by C.S.I.R. were negative, showing no evidence of foreign object contact that would alter soil composition. The reports also noted that no witnesses suggested the object behaved like a rocket.
• Police Chief Believes: In contrast, Police Chief G. C. Bester of Odendaalsrus and Welkom, who had previously defended his subordinates, reported personally seeing a UFO. He described it as larger than a star, shining for five minutes, and moving east towards Bethlehem.

Book Review: 'BORTOM HÄR OCH NU'

Bertil Nilsson reviews the book "BORTOM HÄR OCH NU" (Beyond Here and Now) by R. De Witt Miller. The book, translated by Roland Adlerberth and published by Larsons, is 225 pages long and was available for a low price.

• UFO Chapters: Three chapters, comprising 25 pages, deal with UFOs. The author suggests UFOs originate from 'higher realities' and that humanity is not alone in the universe. He posits that encounters between humans and 'flying saucer pilots' have occurred.
• Broader Themes: The book explores the idea of a common origin for humans and 'flying saucer beings,' suggesting Earth might not be the sole origin point. It also delves into parapsychological material, offering practical advice on experiencing the transition after physical death and discussing the possibility of encountering spirits.
• Scientific and Philosophical Questions: Miller touches upon the missing link in human evolution and the potential for preconceived patterns in development. He also raises questions about when research into the unknown and parapsychology will break through and be integrated into mainstream understanding.

Other Mentions

• Sunday Times Feature: A full page in the Sunday Times on July 9, 1972, covered UFO stories, including an undated account of a luminous object seen at a drive-in, a 'broom-like' object over Johannesburg, and photographs of a UFO that may have been lens flares.
• Elisabeth Klarer: An interview with Elisabeth Klarer is mentioned, who believes 'spaceships are watching us'.
• Peter Pollock: An article by Peter Pollock is referenced, concerning meteorologists at Port Elizabeth airport who used radar to track a UFO but received no signal.
• Fort Beaufort: The article briefly mentions Fort Beaufort's other claim to fame: its collection of fossilized vertebrates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the prevalence and variety of UFO sightings in South Africa during a specific period. The magazine presents these reports without overt skepticism, often quoting witnesses and officials directly. The inclusion of the book review on "BORTOM HÄR OCH NU" indicates an editorial interest in exploring broader concepts of reality, consciousness, and potential extraterrestrial contact beyond simple sightings. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion within the ufology community, encouraging readers to consider the 'unknown' and 'paranormal'.