GICOFF-Information - 1974 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: NR 5, ÅRGÅNG 5
Date: 1974
Publisher: Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål (GICOFF)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on police observations and scientific approaches to the subject. The cover prominently features the headline: "Allt fler polisobservationer: Skall USA:s försvarsdepartement tillkännge 'tefatens' existens?" (More and more police observations: Should the US Department of Defense announce the existence of 'flying saucers'?).

Editorial and Introduction

Alf Tollhag introduces the issue, noting that Sven-Olof Fredrikson is abroad. He highlights the detailed presentation of the URD project and the upcoming meeting with the UFO Identification Working Group. Tollhag emphasizes the importance of collaboration between different UFO organizations and believes that the URD project will foster greater cooperation. He also addresses criticism regarding data processing in UFO research, presenting a model for the scientific process that includes data collection, hypothesis formation, and analysis, suggesting that URD aims to fill a gap in ufology by providing a structured method for data collection and objective interpretation.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO-fenomenet och polismyndigheterna (The UFO Phenomenon and Police Authorities) - Part 1

This article by Alf Tollhag discusses the increasing number of UFO reports from police officers, particularly in the USA. It argues that this trend is not due to increased police activity but rather a more serious approach to the UFO problem, more detailed observations, and possibly an actual increase in UFO events. The article notes that police are often the first responders to UFO sightings and that their reports are gaining credibility. It mentions Professor J. A. Hynek's suggestion for police cars to be equipped with cameras. The article outlines its structure, which will cover recent US incidents, followed by historical cases and Swedish events, and will conclude with a chronological list of police reports.

Reports (RAPPORTERNA)

This section details several specific UFO sightings involving police:

• I. Polismän förföljde och försökte fotografera UFO (Police pursued and tried to photograph a UFO): Two police officers in Los Angeles observed an unidentified flying object with blue-white light on November 12, 1973. They attempted to follow and photograph it but failed as it disappeared quickly. The object was described as large and round with blue-white light.
• II. Ett flygande föremål följer polismän (A flying object follows police officers): On November 14, 1973, police officers Eddie Gonzales and Frank Lopez in Cameron, Texas, reported seeing an object with red and yellow lights hovering about 15-20 meters above the ground. The object stopped when they stopped and followed when they accelerated.
• III. Massobservation av pulserande UFO (Mass observation of a pulsating UFO): In October 1973, 27 police officers and hundreds of residents in Ohio observed a glowing, pulsating UFO. Police in Union and New Lebanon, Ohio, reported tracking an unidentified object. Policeman Fred Shaner recounted an incident where he witnessed four UFOs being chased by six jet planes.

Apollo 17-Besättningen på Månen (The Apollo 17 Crew on the Moon)

This article by Tony Ericsson details the final Apollo mission to the Moon, which launched on December 7, 1972. It highlights unique aspects of the mission, such as the night launch and the crew composition, including geologist Jack Schmitt. The article recounts the launch sequence, the landing of the lunar module "CHALLENGER" in the Taurus-Littrow region, and the three 7-hour moonwalks. It mentions the crew's discovery of lunar rocks and the commemorative plaque left on the Moon. The mission concluded with a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 19, 1972.

Högenergipartiklar värsta hotet mot regelbunden rymdfart (High-Energy Particles: The Worst Threat to Regular Space Travel)

This article discusses the discovery of high-energy particles in space, initially referred to as "fireflies" by astronauts. These particles, composed of various elements, travel at incredible speeds and are registered as brief flashes of light. The article notes that these particles pose a significant threat to manned space missions, as evidenced by experiments with cress seeds and shrimp from the Skylab mission, which showed severe developmental abnormalities and deformities. It suggests that current shielding technology is insufficient to protect astronauts from this radiation.

Vad är att vänta? (What to Expect?)

This section briefly previews future content, including research into the formation of planetary systems, radio amateur communication using the Moon as a reflector, and the potential for manufacturing in space. It promises more information in upcoming issues of GICOFF-Information.

Enorm gammastrålning (Enormous Gamma Radiation)

Soviet scientists have detected powerful, short-lived gamma radiation from an unknown cosmic source outside our galaxy. This phenomenon, discovered by American researchers, has been mapped by Soviet scientists and occurs irregularly. The radiation is so intense that it cannot penetrate Earth's atmosphere, explaining why it was not detected earlier. Its source is believed to be a "grandiose" cosmic process.

Senaste Jupiter-Nytt (Latest Jupiter News)

Information from the Pioneer 10 probe reveals that Jupiter has a higher internal temperature and a stronger magnetic field than previously thought. The atmospheric pressure is immense, and the surface is believed to consist of frozen ammonia crystals. Jupiter's "Great Red Spot" might be a massive, long-lasting storm. Some of Jupiter's moons exhibit temperature conditions that could potentially support life.

Två skogsarbetare såg flygande tefat! (Two Forest Workers Saw a Flying Saucer!)

This article recounts an incident from May 13, 1974, near Fredrika, Sweden, where two forest workers, Folke Engman and Hjalmar Strömberg, observed an oval, grey object hovering silently about 30 meters above the treetops. The object extended two legs and descended behind the trees. The report was filed with the police, who found no trace of the object. The article concludes that, in the absence of a natural explanation, this observation should be classified as a UFO sighting.

Amatörastronomer såg märkliga ljus (Amateur Astronomers Saw Strange Lights)

On April 28, 1974, a group of amateur astronomers in Borås, Sweden, observed several unusual lights in the sky. These objects exhibited peculiar movements, including sharp turns and irregular blinking. One object was described as slightly elliptical, and later, smaller objects appeared, some moving in parallel paths at high speed. The total observation involved six people.

UFO-besök på kräftskiva? (UFO Visit at a Crayfish Party?)

This report details an observation made by two brothers in Skrubbeboda Gård, Blekinge, Sweden, on August 18, 1974, during a crayfish party. They witnessed a large, elongated, "translucent" object in the sky, from which two smaller, round objects emerged. The object emitted bursts of light before disappearing. The GICOFF commentary expresses skepticism due to the context of the observation (a party) but acknowledges that if the witnesses are credible, a natural explanation might be difficult to find.

Projekt URD (Project URD)

This section provides details about the URD (UFO Report and Data) project, which began in September 1973. The project aims to create a systematic UFO reporting and data system by collecting detailed interviews and observations. URD seeks to provide a scientific basis for UFO analysis, maintain ideological independence, and define what constitutes a UFO. Training for field reporters is provided, and a database is maintained for scientific analysis. The project emphasizes the importance of collecting high-quality, statistically significant data.

Vetenskapsman i Atomenergikommissionen säger... (Scientist at the Atomic Energy Commission Says...)

Dr. Frank B. Salisbury, a scientist at the US Atomic Energy Commission, states he is "99 percent convinced" that Earth is visited by UFOs. He suggests that intelligent extraterrestrial beings might use isolated regions of Utah, such as the Uintah area, as UFO bases. His conclusion is based on an analysis of 70 UFO reports from the Uintah region, indicating that about 15 percent of the local population has had UFO experiences. He describes UFO sightings as typical examples of events occurring worldwide, where objects appear for a time and then disappear, possibly as a form of "show" or preparation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing number of UFO reports, particularly from law enforcement, the importance of systematic data collection and analysis (as exemplified by the URD project), and the potential for extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine maintains a stance of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging scientific investigation and critical evaluation of evidence while acknowledging the possibility of unconventional explanations. There is a clear effort to present UFO reports as credible phenomena worthy of study, contrasting with skepticism. The inclusion of articles on space exploration (Apollo missions) and scientific phenomena (high-energy particles, gamma radiation, Jupiter) suggests a broader interest in science and technology, often framed within the context of the unknown or unexplained.

Title: UFO-Nytt
Issue: 3
Volume: 1974
Date: 1974
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-Nytt focuses heavily on the alleged impending official acknowledgment of UFOs by the US government and the involvement of prominent figures in UFO research.

USA's Defense Department to Acknowledge UFOs

The main headline proclaims that the US Department of Defense has decided to announce that 'flying saucers' from other planets exist. This information is attributed to L.J. Lorenzen, the leader of APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organisation). Lorenzen believes the announcement will happen within the next few months, possibly sooner due to the increasing number of documented UFO incidents. He also mentions a similar statement made by UFO expert and author Ralph Blum in 'The National Tattler'.

Lorenzen states that although the government has recently denied the existence of UFOs, a program is underway that will reveal the authorities' changed stance on the UFO issue. He predicts that within the next three years, the government will publicly disclose all its knowledge about UFOs. Furthermore, the Defense Department is reportedly collaborating with a film company, Allen Sandler Productions, to release a film about UFOs in January 1975, which will contain uncensored information and photographic evidence. Other films and a special TV news program are also planned to address UFO questions seriously.

Lorenzen suggests that the reason for this potential acknowledgment is the fear that another country, like France, which has a serious approach to UFO matters, might reveal information first. He speculates that the US government might already possess strong evidence about the nature, origin, and purpose of UFOs.

The article notes that the government's announcement will be carefully managed to avoid losing face or authority. It is also suggested that the public will be assured that UFOs pose no threat to Earth or its population. Lorenzen believes the decision to acknowledge UFOs was made 18 months prior, but the announcement was delayed due to the vast amount of data needing compilation.

Senator Barry Goldwater Joins NICAP

Another significant piece focuses on Senator Barry Goldwater, a conservative senator from Arizona and former presidential candidate. He has accepted a leading position within NICAP, a globally known UFO research institution. John L. Acuff, chairman of NICAP, explains that Goldwater was invited to join the board due to his long-standing interest in UFOs.

Goldwater, a former Air Force general with extensive flying experience, states his conviction that Earth has been visited multiple times by beings from outer space and that intelligent life is unlikely to exist solely on Earth. He also mentions receiving unusual signals on his radio amateur apparatus, which he believes both the US and Soviet Union have investigated without finding a reasonable explanation. He has heard reports from pilots about UFOs flying meters away from their aircraft before disappearing at incredible speeds.

As a senator, Goldwater attempted to access UFO research archives at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base but was reportedly denied by General Curtis LeMay, former chief of strategic air defense, who simply said, "No, for God's sake, and don't ask me again." Goldwater suspects that secret UFO investigations are being deliberately withheld.

Acuff praises Goldwater's courage and willingness to take a stand on the controversial UFO topic, highlighting his past role as a general and his current interest as highly valuable for UFO research.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue includes details of a UFO sighting in New Lebanon, where brandchef Bernard Waldorf reported seeing a large, oval, orange object with red, blue, and green lights rotating counter-clockwise. Policeman Terry Brombaugh also witnessed the object, describing it as moving faster than any airplane and having blinking lights. Policeman Robert Bales also encountered a frightened crowd staring at the sky, and he too saw a UFO.

Policeman Stanley Kavy from Dayton reports a high volume of UFO calls, with between 60 and 80 reports on a single evening. A spokesperson for a nearby airbase denies any knowledge of these objects originating from their base.

Book Review: "De otroliga tefaten" by Semitjov

Alf Tollhag reviews Semitjov's book "De otroliga tefaten" (The Incredible Saucers), published by Askild & Kärnekull. The review contrasts Semitjov's work with Stigsjöö's "Tefatsfolket ser oss," describing Semitjov's book as being for skeptics, while Stigsjöö's is for the convinced. Tollhag suggests that Semitjov's book will likely not be popular among UFO enthusiasts due to its critical stance.

The book is characterized as a "murderous critique" of ufology, dissecting numerous cases and providing credible natural explanations or exposing them as hoaxes. Tollhag notes that while many UFO enthusiasts might find the book offensive, more serious ufologists may recognize it as a challenge to improve their work. He sees it as a refreshing contribution to the debate, potentially helping ufology to shed old ideas and explore new avenues.

However, Tollhag points out some flaws in Semitjov's book. He criticizes the author for barely mentioning Swedish UFO research, which he believes has developed significantly. He also finds Semitjov's natural explanations for some cases to be overly hypothetical, placing him in the same category as ufologists who rely on unproven theories. Furthermore, Tollhag observes that while many cases are explained away, some significant events remain unresolved, suggesting that Semitjov himself may not be entirely certain of his conclusions. The review also notes a lack of comprehensive source citations and footnotes in Semitjov's book, similar to a book by Stigsjöö.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly leans towards reporting on potential government disclosures regarding UFOs, highlighting the involvement of influential figures like Senator Barry Goldwater. There is a clear interest in the official recognition of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. While the magazine presents a skeptical book review, the overall tone suggests an openness to the UFO phenomenon and a belief that official acknowledgment is imminent. The inclusion of sighting reports and the emphasis on the US government's alleged shift in policy indicate a focus on the more sensational and potentially groundbreaking aspects of UFO research.