GICOFF-Information - 1975 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: Nr 2, 1975
Volume: Årgång 6
Publisher: GICOFF (Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Astronauter ser också UFO:s – men mycket förtigs.... (Astronauts also see UFOs – but much is kept secret....)

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION delves into the intersection of space exploration and UFO phenomena, presenting a collection of articles that suggest astronauts have encountered unexplained aerial objects and that this information is often suppressed.

Editorial

"Redaktionellt" by Sven-Olof Fredrikson

The editorial addresses a critical article published in Göteborgs-Posten regarding Project URD. Fredrikson defends Project URD against criticism from Carl-Axel Jonzon (CAJ), chairman of UFO-Sverige. Jonzon is quoted as calling URD a "PR stunt" and suggesting that those involved are "so stupid." Fredrikson argues that the sheer volume of UFO observations necessitates a system for storing and analyzing data, and that datatechnology is crucial for this purpose, not to "solve the UFO problem" but to "help humanity solve the UFO problem." He emphasizes the need for comparative studies of observations and highlights that CUFOS, under Professor J. Allen Hynek, stores 45,000 observations in a simple data catalog. Fredrikson criticizes the idea that UFO research can be scientific without reliable data collection and storage. He also mentions Eugen Semitjov's book "De otroliga tefaten" (The Incredible Saucers) and the ensuing criticism, stating that they will publish a letter from Semitjov to allow him to defend himself.

UFOs and Space Missions

"UFO:s och rymdfärder" by Leif Nilsson and Alf Tollhag

This article compiles reports of astronauts witnessing UFO phenomena during space missions, often overlooked after the missions conclude. It draws material from American magazines "The Tattler" and "SAGA." The article notes that NASA admits that besides about twenty American astronauts, the crews of Skylab II and III also reported UFO sightings.

Apollo 12's Mysterious Encounter

The article recounts the Apollo 12 mission, detailing an encounter on November 14, 1969. Two bright, unknown objects were observed near Apollo 12 as it was en route to the Moon. Through large telescopes, one object appeared to fly ahead of the capsule, and another followed. Both objects blinked intermittently. On November 15, astronauts Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon, and Allan Bean reported to Houston that they had sighted two "bogeys" 210,000 km away. The astronauts described seeing a rotating object that had been following them since the previous day. The report notes that this encounter was not widely publicized.

Further details from the mission include a lightning strike shortly after a perfect launch, which caused the spacecraft's systems to momentarily fail. The article suggests this was unusual given the distance to the nearest lightning. Before landing, the astronauts reportedly:

• Were pursued by two brightly shining objects.
• Heard strange, unexplained sounds on their radio.
• Were startled by unexplained seismic disturbances on the Moon's surface.
• Sent back images of a mysterious blue halo around one of the astronauts.
• Observed a "ghostly light" over Burma upon re-entering Earth's atmosphere.

Observatories across Europe also saw two bright objects near Apollo's path. The objects blinked and could not be immediately identified. When the astronauts reported being followed by at least one object, a NASA representative stated they were "not worried but puzzled."

Possible explanations offered included a spent rocket stage. The article questions why NASA did not fully disclose the history behind this encounter.

Other Apollo 12 Observations

During the return journey, the Apollo 12 crew reported seeing a clear red light on Earth, described as being as large as Venus, located near their "nadir point" (directly below the spacecraft), possibly over Burma and eastern India. They could not explain the phenomenon.

Unexplained Sounds

Astronauts on various missions reported hearing a variety of unexplained sounds, including high-frequency giggling, a siren, and buzzing noises. Later, sounds resembling a train whistle and steam engine were heard. NASA could not locate the source of these disturbances, humorously suggesting Buzz Aldrin "not to exercise so vigorously." The article questions who is using reserved channels to transmit such sounds and noises to astronauts.

Silver-Blue Halo around Pete Conrad

Photographs taken during the Moonwalk appeared to show a silver-blue halo around astronaut Pete Conrad. Photography experts stated that there was no film defect that could explain this effect, leaving the halo unexplained.

Project URD and Field Reporters

"Finns där något?" (Is there anything there?)

This section introduces Project URD (UFO Rapport o Data), an initiative by the Arbetsgruppen för UFO-Identifiering (AFU) in Stockholm. The project aims to use modern data technology to identify UFO phenomena. Trained field reporters are tasked with collecting essential information from sightings across the country. The collected data will undergo serious analysis without preconceived notions. Known phenomena like aircraft, balloons, stars, meteors, and rocket launches will be filtered out, focusing on remaining unexplained observations. The project emphasizes a non-fanatical approach, free from political, religious, or commercial interests. Results will be published in GICOFF-Information.

"Att fundera över" and "Praktiska anvisningar"

These sections offer advice to field reporters. They stress the importance of thorough information gathering, maintaining a respectful and non-judgmental attitude towards interviewees, and planning interviews in advance. For children, short sentences and alternatives are recommended. Reporters are advised to use an extra notebook for notes and to ascertain the interviewee's willingness to dedicate time. Distinctions are made between recognizing something and recalling it, and between assumptions, accounts, and statements. Unexplained phenomena should be noted in supplementary reports.

"PRESSRELEASE"

This press release from Project URD states that the problem of "flying saucers" requires new approaches, moving beyond dismissing them as fantasies. It highlights the collaboration between AFU and other organizations. The system is ready for use, with trained reporters gathering data for serious analysis. Interest has been shown by scientists and authorities, and field reporter training has begun. Specialists in various fields are contributing to the interpretation of incoming material. The project aims to filter out known phenomena and concentrate on the truly mysterious. It explicitly rejects fanaticism and external influences.

UFOs and Police Authorities

"Militärpoliser blev jagade av UFO" (Military Police were Chased by a UFO) - Part 4

This article details an incident on January 20, 1975, where two military police officers in northern Sweden had a close encounter. While driving near Kiruna, they observed a yellow-brown glowing sphere descend towards them. As it passed, they saw three "legs" or sprongs, approximately three meters long, extending from its underside. The object's size was estimated at 40-50 cm in diameter. The witness, Veikko Grundell, initially thought it was a meteor but changed his mind when he saw the "legs." He estimated the object landed near Mertainen. The object's brightness was compared to molten steel. Grundell, who had previously doubted UFO reports, was left questioning his beliefs after this experience. The weather was clear at the time of the observation, which lasted about two minutes. The object was described as a solid body and appeared to have a landing angle of about 30 degrees, moving at a speed comparable to a helicopter. GICOFF's comment suggests a resemblance to Sputnik 1 but dismisses it due to Sputnik 1's operational period. They conclude that no direct natural explanation is apparent and classify it as a UFO phenomenon pending further details.

"Stort glänsande UFO observerades nära New York av tre poliser" (Large Shining UFO Observed Near New York by Three Police Officers)

This report, from the National Enquirer, describes a spectacular UFO sighting near New York, considered one of the best reports by American UFO experts. The investigation yielded the following facts: The object was large and shining. The report is considered highly credible.

UFOs and Government

"NASA har satt munkavel på astronauterna" (NASA has Muzzled Astronauts)

Dr. Henderson, a top scientist in space research at General Dynamics, claims that NASA has instructed astronauts to never discuss their UFO experiences. He suggests that NASA possesses numerous photos and film footage of these craft, but fears that public disclosure could lead Congress to reduce funding for space programs. Henderson implies that the silence is due to NASA's concern about the implications for the space budget.

"CIA har bevis för UFO:s existens" (CIA has Proof of UFOs' Existence)

An alleged CIA representative confirmed to a source within the USIA (United States Information Agency) that the CIA possesses evidence proving UFOs are real, intelligently controlled objects. Around the same time, Dr. James E. McDonald, a senior physicist, stated he had seen a classified CIA order mandating the denial of all UFO incidents. McDonald claimed to have seen this order during a visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and was allowed to read it. When he later attempted to obtain copies, the report was classified, and the CIA stated that denying UFO reports was to prevent a decline in public interest and fewer reports. The CIA document also reportedly labeled organizations like Tucson-based APRO as subversive.

"Rött objekt med grön svans sett över Australien" (Red Object with Green Tail Seen Over Australia)

During a Mercury mission, Gordon Cooper reported seeing a red object with a green tail from the capsule window while passing over Australia. He described it as larger than himself and not near the horizon, suggesting it was not a star or natural object. Cooper later expressed his belief that there might be intelligent life beyond Earth, citing numerous unexplained UFO sightings as evidence.

"Gemini-kapsel förföljdes av 4 UFO:s" (Gemini Capsule Was Followed by 4 UFOs)

According to Major Donald E. Keyhoe, former chairman of NICAP, the first Gemini capsule was followed by four UFOs. Information from scientists at Cape Kennedy, who tracked GT-1, indicated that four objects joined the capsule's course and followed it in orbit before departing. Keyhoe claims this information came from multiple scientists involved in the Gemini mission.

"Gemini 4:s besättning såg tre UFO:s under färden" (Gemini 4 Crew Saw Three UFOs During the Flight)

On June 3, 1965, astronauts James McDivitt and Edward White reportedly saw three UFOs during their 97-hour mission. McDivitt described the first UFO as cylindrical and flying over Hawaii, capturing five frames of film showing it with a long tail. He described it as egg-shaped. Later, mission control reported that McDivitt had sighted another object with "large arms sticking out." McDivitt took some photos but lost sight of the object due to the sun. The closest object was estimated to be about 1,920 km away. The article also mentions communication difficulties and "black-outs" experienced by astronauts, suggesting they were followed by unknown craft.

Gemini 4 Conversation Transcript

A transcript details a conversation between Gemini 4 and Cape Kennedy regarding an unknown object. Gemini 4 estimated the object to be about 16 km away, describing it as large and rotating. Cape Kennedy could not provide an explanation, noting that Pegasus was approximately 1,920 km away. Gemini 4 took a photo of the object. Later, the distance was revised to between 16 and 32 km. The object was described as a clear star moving at high speed, but Houston claimed McDivitt was unable to take a photo.

Gemini 7 Encounter

The Condon report, often criticized by UFO logists, acknowledged an unexplained UFO with small particles seen near Gemini 7. The transcript reveals Gemini 7 reporting a "bogey kl 10 högt" (bogey at 10 o'clock high), which was confirmed as a real observation, not a rocket stage. They described hundreds of particles to their left, forming a "tail" to a craft at 90 degrees. The objects were estimated to be 5 to 7 km away and were seen moving in a path around the poles. Gemini 7 described seeing a "clear body in the sunlight against a black background with trillions of particles."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION strongly suggests that UFO phenomena are not only real but have been observed by astronauts, including during highly publicized missions like Apollo and Gemini. The magazine implies a pattern of government and NASA secrecy, aiming to downplay or conceal these encounters, possibly due to funding concerns or a desire to maintain public interest in space exploration. Project URD is presented as a serious, scientific effort to investigate these phenomena, contrasting with what the editorial perceives as unwarranted criticism from other UFO organizations. The overall stance is one of advocating for open investigation and disclosure of UFO-related information, particularly concerning space missions.

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 2
Volume: 1975
Date: 1975
Publisher: GICOFF
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, dated 1975, focuses heavily on UFO sightings, particularly those reported by astronauts from various space missions, alongside accounts from law enforcement and individuals with parapsychological interests.

Skylab Crews Saw UFOs

The cover story highlights that Skylab II and III crews, along with other American astronauts, have observed UFOs. Owen Garriott and Alan Bean from Skylab II reportedly saw a mysterious red-glowing object for ten minutes before it disappeared. Edward Gibson, Gerald Carr, and William Pogue from Skylab III also reported being pursued by 'small red lights'. Dennis Williams, a PR man for Mission Control, confirmed that the Skylab II and III astronauts saw UFOs but stated that the exact nature of these objects is unknown. Bob Gordon, another Mission Control spokesman, also confirmed the sightings and that photographs were taken, though these have not been publicly released. Owen Garriott described the object as a large, red 'star' brighter than Jupiter, with a red hue and a variation in brightness. He estimated its distance to be no more than 55-90 km and noted its slow rotation. The object moved little over ten minutes, suggesting a close proximity to the astronauts' path. Despite these observations, NORAD radar did not detect the object, and no significant efforts were made to identify it.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an expert on UFOs, stated that the Skylab II observations must be classified as UFO observations due to the lack of a satisfactory explanation. He noted that it was strange for NORAD not to detect it if it were space debris or part of the Skylab I carrier. Hynek suggested that this unidentified object could be key to understanding what genuine UFOs are.

Gemini and Apollo Sightings

The issue also mentions earlier sightings. The Gemini 7 crew observed an object and particles alongside their rocket stage, which could not be explained by the launch, especially if they were in a polar orbit. Astronauts Borman and Lovell reportedly brought back unusual photos showing two bright objects against the Earth's silhouette, similar to a photo taken by James Lucci in Pennsylvania in 1965. The Apollo 10 mission also had two observations: two unexplained objects flying with the crew, and a bright object seen north of Orion, which Houston controllers could not explain.

Police Encounter on Long Island

A detailed account is given of an incident on November 6, 1973, involving policemen Gary Steinberg and Thomas Brown in Freeport, Long Island. They observed a large, disc-shaped object, estimated to be about 20 times larger than a helicopter and about 30 meters in diameter, with strange blue, white, and yellow lights. The object hovered, and a smaller object emerged from a desolate area and joined the larger one. The lights on the larger object dimmed, and it then accelerated southwards at an estimated speed of 13,000 km/hr. Another policeman corroborated this account anonymously. The object left behind a flattened circle of grass approximately 18 meters in diameter.

Olof Jönsson: Parapsychology and UFOs

The magazine features an article about Olof Jönsson, known in Sweden in the late 1940s and early 1950s as the 'Varberg engineer' for his parapsychological abilities, including telepathy, clairvoyance, and telekinesis. Now residing in the USA, Jönsson has been tested by prominent researchers. In August 1970, while in Wisconsin, Jönsson, along with author Brad Steiger and their wives, observed a bright, multi-colored object that hovered and then moved rapidly away. Jönsson believes that human life may not originate on Earth and that humans are part of an experiment on a giant laboratory planet, with UFOs possibly manned by cosmic scientists monitoring the results. He suggests that the increase in UFO observations indicates Earth is undergoing a period of civilizational collapse, and these beings are ready to help humanity evolve to a higher state of consciousness, leading to peace, love, and brotherhood.

Jönsson also recalls experiencing the presence of other beings in his early childhood, which he believes were real, not just imaginary. These beings were about 150 cm tall with large heads, and had blue-green to golden-brown skin. As an adult, he heard about landing saucers and humanoids. He feels he has never truly belonged to this world.

Editorial Stance and Future Content

Eugen Semitjov, author of "DE OTROLIGA TEFATEN" (The Incredible Saucers), discusses his views on ufology, emphasizing the need for better work and challenging sensationalist stories. He believes in the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors but stresses that assumptions should not overshadow logic. He praises GICOFF for its healthy skepticism and useful debunking of false claims. Semitjov quotes Allen Hynek: "To believe is not scientific. Belief has nothing to do with research."

The magazine also announces future content, including details about photographs of the moon taken by Apollo 11 astronauts, which are claimed to be an original color film officially presented by NASA and have caused great attention.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are astronaut sightings of UFOs, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the intersection of science and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and expert opinions while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards sensationalism, as exemplified by Eugen Semitjov's commentary and the inclusion of Dr. Hynek's cautious assessment of the Skylab sightings. The magazine aims to explore the mysteries of UFOs, encouraging critical thinking and further investigation.