GICOFF-Information - 1974 No 6

Magazine Overview

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION, volume 5, number 6, from 1974, is published by Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål. The cover prominently features the headline "URD igång: Skall vår nya dator lösa UFO-gåtan?" (URD started: Will our new computer solve the UFO mystery?) alongside an illustration of early computer equipment. Another headline reads "Norrlands-Ufo:t än en gång....." (The Norrland UFO once again.....).

Editorial and Organization Information

The magazine begins with a "Redaktionellt" (Editorial) by Alf Tollhag, thanking readers for the past year and wishing them a happy new year. He discusses the eventful year of 1974 for UFO events and mentions the development of the URD system. Tollhag explains changes to the subscription and membership model for 1975, separating them and increasing the combined cost to cover rising expenses, particularly paper costs. He hopes for increased distribution through word-of-mouth and emphasizes that the increased revenue will fund the magazine and allow for more information and member meetings.

The "Föreningen" (The Association) section lists the board members, including Chairman Björn Högman, Vice Chairman Alf Tollhag, Secretary Sven-Olof Fredrikson, and Treasurer Siv Högman. It also details the Information and PR department contacts for Gothenburg and Stockholm, and the photo technical department. GICOFF meetings are announced to be held in their own premises in Sävedalen.

Contact information for foreign correspondents in Denmark, Finland, and Norway is provided, along with general foreign contacts. The issue also includes a notice that reprinting is forbidden without editorial permission.

Articles and Features

"MYSTIK UNDER SOLFÖRMÖRKELSEN" (Mystery Under the Solar Eclipse) by Leif Nilsson

This article discusses an observation made by two Belgian astronomers, F. Dossin and A. Heck, during the total solar eclipse on June 30, 1973, in Kenya. They reported discovering an object with a brightness of magnitude -2*, which was about 18 degrees south of the sun and 4 degrees from the galactic equator. The article questions why no other astronomers reported such a clear, new object, considering the number of astronomers observing the eclipse. Possible explanations like a comet, a weather balloon, or a local phenomenon are considered. The article also references a similar observation made by scientists on a Concorde over Tchad on the same date, flying at approximately 2000 km/hr. The author notes the proximity in time and location of these two observations and wonders why they were not connected.

"PROJEKT URD DRAR IGÅNG" (Project URD Starts) by Alf Tollhag and Lasse Svennberg

This feature provides an introduction to Project URD, described as possibly the first computer system in the world developed on a voluntary basis. Its purpose is to aid in the compilation and objective interpretation of UFO reports from various organizations, and to increase interest in the UFO subject among authorities and institutions. The article outlines the system's structure: training field reporters, a monitoring group, data entry by a data group, and subsequent compilation of reports. It addresses concerns about data technology and costs, stating that the initial hurdles have been overcome and that data storage costs are low, though computer time is expensive. The project is in its early stages, but the authors express optimism that it will contribute to solving the UFO mystery.

"Rymd-Teknik-Forskning" (Space-Technology-Research)

This section contains several short articles:

• "Många måna om måndata" (Many months on moon data): Discusses the analysis of lunar samples brought back by Apollo missions. It highlights the unique composition of lunar rocks compared to Earth rocks, including higher concentrations of iron, chromium, and titanium, and lower levels of alkali metals. The article mentions laser altimeters used to map the lunar surface and the use of X-ray fluorescence to determine surface composition. The age of the oldest lunar rock found (4.6 billion years) is compared to Earth's oldest known rock (3.7 billion years). The article notes that while much data has been gathered, interpreting it to understand the Moon's origin and internal structure remains challenging.

• "FABRIKER I RYMDEN PLANERAS REDAN" (Factories in Space Are Already Being Planned): Reports on NASA's serious consideration of capturing and directing small planets or asteroids into lunar orbits around Earth to build automated factories. The article highlights the advantages of space, such as anti-gravity and vacuum conditions, which are difficult to replicate on Earth. Potential resources from asteroids like iron, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, rare earth metals, gold, platinum, and silver are mentioned. The concept of superconductivity at near-absolute zero temperatures is also discussed as a key factor for efficient manufacturing in space. Specific asteroids like Eros and Toro are mentioned as potential targets, as well as the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

• "TACK" (Thanks): A brief note thanking individuals who contributed financially or by lending items to help finance the printing of an informational brochure and some advertising.

"Långkontakt på ultrakortvåg" (Long Contact on Ultra-Shortwave)

This article describes the capabilities of the orbiting satellite Oscar 7, designed for amateur radio communication. It explains that Oscar 7, weighing 29 kg, was launched into a 1460 km orbit and has a range of 8000 km, allowing communication with simple, portable equipment. The satellite was built by amateur radio operators in Australia, Canada, USA, and West Germany. It mentions Kjell Rasmusson and Yngve Persson from Staffanstorp, Sweden, who used the Moon as a reflector for UKV (UHF) signals, requiring large antennas and sensitive receivers. The article notes that contact with the Moon is only possible for about half of each month when it is visible to both sender and receiver.

"PLANETSYSTEMS FÖDELSE STUDERAS" (Formation of Planetary Systems Studied)

This piece discusses theories about the formation of planetary systems. One theory suggests that our solar system formed when another sun came close, causing massive protuberances that condensed into planets. The article notes the unlikelihood of such an event. An alternative theory proposes that planet formation is a gradual process of accumulation over millions of years, with the asteroid belt possibly being a planet in formation. This increases the probability of encountering civilizations similar to our own. The article also mentions research by Docent Gösta Gahm at Stockholm University, studying the star RU Lupi, and the ongoing efforts to conduct measurements from airplanes in 1975 to avoid atmospheric disturbances when observing distant stars.

"VÄRLDENS STÖRSTA TELESKOP" (World's Largest Telescope)

This brief report announces the operational status of the world's largest telescope, built by Soviet scientists. It has a six-meter mirror, weighs 42 tons, and is located in a 53-meter high aluminum dome on a slope in the Caucasus Mountains.

"Specialerbjudande" (Special Offer)

An offer for the complete 1973 issue of GICOFF-Information, including postage, with a note that the supply is limited.

"ETT UPP OCH ETT I MINNE" (One Event and One in Memory)

This section focuses on UFO reports, particularly from Sweden and the USA.

"UFO-fenomenet och polismyndigheterna" (The UFO Phenomenon and Police Authorities) - Part 2

• "UFO:s observerade över Kentucky av polis och invånare" (UFOs Observed Over Kentucky by Police and Inhabitants): This part details several sightings in Kentucky, USA. Fru Thompson reported being chased by a glowing red, elongated object. Police officer Robert Baird confirmed seeing a round, orange object. The incident occurred near an area where a military plane reportedly exploded 20 years prior while pursuing a UFO. Another report from Franklin, Kentucky, describes police officers David Powell and Donald Pinson photographing a triangular formation of lights. They observed the object moving erratically before disappearing. The article also mentions Johnny Drake, who reported seeing a round object with red, white, and blue lights multiple times.

• "17 polismän i New Hampshire såg orangelysande UFO i luftcirkus" (17 Police Officers in New Hampshire Saw Orange-Luminous UFO in Aerial Circus): This report describes an event on November 4, 1973, where 17 police officers and civilians in New Hampshire witnessed an orange, pulsating light that danced in the sky for about five minutes before disappearing and reappearing. The sighting was preceded by a loud explosion.

"Norrlands-Ufo:t än en gång....." (The Norrland UFO Once Again.....)

This article details UFO sightings in northern Sweden. It begins with the translation of an English telegram from the freighter "La Colina" (MYBG) dated August 30, 1974. The ship's crew reported seeing a large luminous ball descend to the sea surface and then rapidly ascend into the sky. The object was visible for about a minute and had no discernible color or shape. The sighting was confirmed by two sober crew members. The article then presents witness testimonies from Sweden:

• Stig Lindqvist (Sundsvall): Reported seeing a luminous object hovering over a forest, emitting a strong beam of light. The object later ascended rapidly, and all nearby lights were extinguished and then relit.

• Johannes Menzel (Utansjö): Reported seeing a round, luminous object with a light beam directed downwards while driving near Finsvik. The object was described as being as large as the moon and disappeared into a cloud.

• Stuart Åström (Luleå archipelago): Observed a luminous ball that stopped in the sky, emitted light beams, and then moved upwards and disappeared.

• Kenneth Berg (between Töre and Kalix): Saw a bright orange object with a light beam that pulsed and then disappeared rapidly.

The article notes similarities between the reports from Lindqvist and Menzel regarding the hovering, light beam, and disappearance into a cloud/mist. It also compares Kenneth Berg's and Stuart Åström's drawings, noting some similarities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and investigations, the role of technology (computers, telescopes, satellites) in understanding phenomena, and astronomical observations. The editorial stance, as expressed by Alf Tollhag, is one of continued dedication to the UFO subject, aiming for a more scientific and organized approach through projects like URD, and seeking to legitimize the field through rigorous data collection and analysis. There is a clear emphasis on voluntary, dedicated work and the importance of reader support. The magazine also highlights international aspects of UFO research and astronomical discoveries.

This issue of GICOFF, identified as 'inf' (information), focuses on unexplained phenomena and historical scientific mysteries. The cover prominently features a stylized image related to the book 'VI VAR INTE FÖRST' by Andrew Tomas, which explores ancient scientific knowledge and its potential connection to modern understanding. The issue promises a unique, three-dimensional photo of a UFO discovered by their research team.

Police and Military Observations of UFOs

United States Sightings

The magazine details several UFO sightings by law enforcement officers in the United States. In Somersworth, police officer Robert Adams reported seeing a very bright, orange object, the size of a full moon, which appeared suddenly and moved erratically. He described it as possibly an explosion followed by the object's appearance and disappearance. In Exeter, police officers Merill Rinfret and Edmund Bressler described a large, orange object similar to a half-moon, which they observed in multiple locations. They noted the absence of sound and expressed their belief that it was something inexplicable.

Two veteran Pennsylvania State Troopers, Robert Bugje and Paul Cautrufello, reported a sighting on October 4, 1973, at 02:15 AM over Delaware. They observed a peculiar, heart-shaped object with 12-15 red lights. The object hovered silently for about a minute before the lights extinguished and it disappeared. Bugjo described it as approximately 400 meters (1,300 feet) up, silent, and unlike any aircraft. He noted a beam of light directed towards the ground from its front. Investigations confirmed no aircraft were in the area at that time.

Canadian Sighting

The issue also covers a two-week period in 1973 in a Canadian city (New Brunswick) where police and residents observed UFOs. Police officers Neil Trites and Glen Esterbrooks witnessed a strange, blinding UFO that appeared to 'dance' in the night sky. It changed color from reddish-orange to white and exhibited unusual movements, including hovering, backing up, and moving sideways. They followed the object for approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) at 100 km/h. Esterbrooks described it as a searchlight-like beam moving close to the ground without sound, ruling out aircraft or helicopters. Trites reported seeing the object three more times over subsequent nights and was convinced it was not a natural phenomenon but a controlled object. The UFO was first reported nine days prior to the police sightings, on November 2, 1973. Other witnesses described it as having two flashing blue-white lights and a red light underneath, hovering about three meters above the ground. One witness described it as a clear, blue-shining metallic object shaped like an inverted cross with a rounded top, moving with incredible speed and changing orientation. Another described it as a flame from a blowtorch, too large and bright to be a star, pulsating with increasing and decreasing intensity. The report also mentions that 50 soldiers on exercise also observed the phenomenon.

Historical Astronomical Mysteries

Disappearing Celestial Bodies

Under the heading 'Saker försvinner ibland...' (Things disappear sometimes...), the magazine delves into historical astronomical observations that have puzzled scientists. It recounts the story of G.D. Cassini, director of the Paris Observatory, who discovered four moons of Saturn and the division in its rings. In 1672, Cassini observed a small moon near Venus, which appeared to have phases like the planet itself. This observation was reportedly confirmed by at least seven astronomers between 1759 and 1761. However, this 'Venus baby' reportedly disappeared for over a century, only being seen again in 1886 and 1892. The article questions why astronomers have been unable to find it since.

The Planet Vulcanus

Another historical anomaly discussed is the planet Vulcanus. In 1859, Dr. Lescarbault observed an object near the sun's disk. The chief of the Paris Observatory, Leverrier, concluded that a new planet had been discovered within Mercury's orbit, estimating its mass at 1/17 of Mercury's and its orbital period at 19 Earth days. It was named Vulcanus. However, it could not be found again. In 1878, Professor J. Watson of Michigan University and amateur astronomer Lewis Swift reportedly saw two Vulcanus planets. The article speculates whether these observations might have been of a large 'space platform' gliding over the sun's disk or even a 'space state' cruising through the galaxy.

Ancient Scientific Knowledge

The book 'VI VAR INTE FÖRST' by Andrew Tomas is reviewed, highlighting its exploration of ancient scientific and technical ideas that predate modern discoveries. It questions how figures like Aristarchos knew the Earth's orbit was elliptical and how Erathostenes accurately measured the Earth's circumference centuries before Christ. The review suggests that humanity may go through periods of decline where scientific progress stalls, contrasting with periods of advanced understanding in ancient times. The book presents a table of scientific and technical ideas known in antiquity and when they were rediscovered.

Other Content

Letters and Commentary

A section titled 'KOMMENTAR:' discusses the unusual nature of the sightings reported by the young girls in Finland, suggesting that their decision to report to a newspaper rather than buy candy indicates the extraordinary nature of their experience. Another section, 'LJUSKVAST' (Light Flash), recounts a sighting near Bergö ferry of a luminous object that ascended rapidly, leaving a fiery trail and a faint smoky ring, observed on September 1, 1974.

Book Review

The 'BOKMALEN' (Bookworm) section features a review of Andrew Tomas' book 'Vi var INTE först', which examines ancient scientific knowledge and compares it with modern scientific understanding. The review notes that the book presents a wealth of information from older times, challenging the notion of modern scientific superiority.

Future Content

The 'GICOFF-inf.' section announces that the next issue will feature a unique, three-dimensional photo of a UFO, presented as a sensational discovery by their research team.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly UFO sightings reported by credible witnesses like police officers and military personnel. There is a strong emphasis on historical accounts of anomalous observations, suggesting that advanced knowledge or phenomena existed long before modern science recognized them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these mysteries, questioning established scientific narratives and highlighting the potential for discoveries in ancient records and contemporary unexplained events. The magazine positions itself as a source for unique evidence and critical examination of these topics.