GICOFF-Information - 1975 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION, Volume 6, Number 3 from 1975, focuses heavily on the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, presenting it as a captivating new article series. The cover prominently features a map of the region and the headline 'BERMUDA-TRIANGELNS GÅTA' (The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle), with a subtitle indicating that aircraft and ships continue to disappear without a trace in the area.

Editorial and Organization Information

The magazine is published by GICOFF (GÖTEBORGS INFORMATIONS CENTER FÖR OIDENTIFIERADE FLYGANDE FÖREMÅL), based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The editorial team includes Alf Tollhag as the editor-in-chief and Sven-Olof Fredrikson as the chairman of the association. Contact information for various departments, including information centers in Gothenburg and Stockholm, and URD (UFO Rapport Data) information, is provided. Membership in GICOFF includes a subscription, with options for annual and half-yearly subscriptions for non-members. The publication schedule is six issues per year. The editorial section, written by Sven-Olof Fredrikson, discusses the challenges of producing the magazine with limited resources and the need for suitable material. He also mentions the URD folder sent out with the previous issue and the ongoing URD course. Fredrikson highlights the importance of primary material for their Bermuda Triangle article, obtained through US contacts, and draws parallels between the URD project and the 'The Center for UFO Studies' in the USA, led by Professor J. Allen Hynek.

The Bermuda Triangle Mystery

The main article, 'Bermudatriangeln - Djävulstriangeln - Dödens triangel' (Bermuda Triangle - Devil's Triangle - Triangle of Death) by Alf Tollhag, explores the enigmatic region. It notes that the area is known for the mysterious disappearances of ships and aircraft. The article references Charles Berlitz's new book on the phenomenon, which has become a bestseller. It also mentions a $10,000 reward offered by an American cinema for solving the mystery of 'The Devil's Triangle.' The author suggests a connection between the Bermuda Triangle's mysteries and UFO incidents.

Historical Accounts

The article begins with an account of Christopher Columbus, who in 1492 observed a strange light under the water in the Sargasso Sea. It also notes that astronauts have reported similar strange light phenomena from space. A possible explanation offered is 'sea fire' caused by microorganisms, but it is not fully explained.

Notable Incidents

A significant incident recounted is that of Captain Don Henry in 1966 aboard the tugboat 'Good News.' While in the Bermuda Triangle, the compass spun erratically, the horizon became obscured, and all electrical systems failed. The tugboat was unable to move forward, as if held by an unseen force, before suddenly emerging from a dense fog into calm waters.

UFO Sightings and Analysis

UFO-frågans vetenskapliga analys (Scientific Analysis of the UFO Question)

This section discusses methods for analyzing UFO reports, emphasizing a scientific approach and caution against generalization. It outlines three approaches: scientific analysis to identify known phenomena (IFO), assuming all remaining reports are IFOs, and the less credible 'loose talk' method. The URD project aims to work strictly scientifically.

Field Reporter Information

Brief information is provided for field reporters, including a note on 'Headlights' (Flygstrålkastare) and details about URD courses. URD Course No. 5 was held in Stockholm on May 4, 1975, with 7 participants. Feedback from participants suggests the course is well-structured but could benefit from being longer. URD Course No. 6 had 6 participants and was held at the Esso Motor Hotel. The coordination for field reporters in the Borås region is managed through GICOFF. A total of 41 people have been trained in Sweden, with Course No. 7 held in Linköping on June 14.

UFO-nytt Sverige (UFO News Sweden)

Lada på drift (Barn on the move): This report details an incident on October 25, 1974, in Vallda Sandö, Kungsbacka, Sweden, where two witnesses observed a rectangular object, described as a 'miniature moon,' moving at a constant speed about 1.85-1.90 meters above the ground. The object was not self-luminous but appeared to be lit by the room's light and had sharp contours. It caused significant telephone interference. The witness had previously served as a radar observer without encountering anything unexplained.

Norsk "ballong" mot vinden (Norwegian "balloon" against the wind): This extensive report documents a series of observations on March 13, 1974, near Osbakken, Skumsjoen, Norway. The object, initially described as a luminous object, was observed for 5.5 hours. Three photo series were taken, a plane attempted to intercept it, and at least a dozen people made observations. The object was described as having a triangular shape that changed rapidly, shifting in color from yellow-white to red with blue tones. It moved rapidly from west-southwest and appeared larger than Comet Kohoutek. The object was observed from various locations within a 15-mile radius. The pilot Olav Gamme described the object as an 'unusually high and slender balloon' with visible ropes and a cylinder hanging below. It maintained a constant distance from the plane and exhibited a shimmering, colorful appearance. The object was photographed using an 800mm telephoto lens and a telescope.

Skumsjoen: On March 13, 1974, at 17:30, Kari Myhre and three others observed a silver-colored object moving slowly to the left from Skumsjoen.

Klockan 18.10, Nesbyen: Sverre Gulbrandsen and his friend observed a large, luminous object near Nesbyen. Gulbrandsen described its shape as triangular, changing rapidly, and its color shifting from yellow-white to red with blue tones. It moved rapidly from west-southwest and disappeared around 19:00. Gulbrandsen took 12 photographs of the object using an 800mm telephoto lens and a telescope, noting that the object appeared to be illuminated by the sun.

Gol: Hans Buöen observed a 'star' in the northeast, which was unusually bright and moving slowly. He later saw a similar object, now red, to the south-southwest.

Lilleström klockan 18.25: Hans Andreasen and his family observed a luminous object. Erik Fjeldberg described it as two round discs close together, later changing shapes. The object was tracked for 55 minutes, changing direction and color from yellow-white to red before disappearing behind light clouds. Photographs were taken, but the images were not ideal due to the bright sky.

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

This section reports on UFO sightings involving police authorities. In Walla Walla, Washington, two guards and a radio announcer reported observing a UFO described as a 'miniature moon' with bluish lights and a pale blue glow underneath. The object had small windows and emitted a clear white light from its center. In Eastern Oklahoma, five police officers and about 50 other individuals witnessed a UFO for over 5.5 hours. Officer Dennis Steele described it as having two sharp lights, one white and one amber, and moving at high speed. Patrolman Robert Shelton also observed a similar object, noting its clear, flashing light and high speed.

Astronomy and Space

Hålögda astronomer "ser" mycket i svart (Hollow-eyed astronomers "see" a lot in black)

This article discusses the astronomical phenomenon of black holes. It explains that black holes are difficult to observe directly as light cannot escape them. The concept was theorized by Pierre Simon de Laplace and later discussed by Einstein. The article describes the process of stellar collapse leading to the formation of neutron stars or black holes, depending on the initial mass of the star. It mentions that millions of black holes may exist within our galaxy and that astronomers search for them by studying binary star systems that emit intense X-ray radiation. Cygnus X-1 in the constellation Cygnus is mentioned as a potential black hole candidate.

Inka-kulturens guldstad - ELDORADO-funnen? (Inca Culture's Gold City - Eldorado Found?)

This section reports on the alleged discovery of a lost Inca city in Bolivia by British anthropologists David Davies and Ross Salmon. They claim to have found a city containing millions of pounds worth of gold, evidenced by gold artifacts and hundreds of photographs and film footage. The discovery could significantly enhance our understanding of the Inca culture.

Ny besättning på gammal rymdstation (New Crew on Old Space Station)

This report details the docking of cosmonauts Pjotr Klimuk and Vitalij Sevastianov aboard the Soviet space station Saljut 4 on May 26, 1975. They were to continue scientific experiments initiated by the previous crew of Sojus 17. The article mentions the successful mission of Sojus 17, which lasted nearly a month, and the earlier unsuccessful launch of Sojus 18. It suggests that Saljut 4 may become a permanently manned laboratory in the future, with scientific experiments focusing on Earth's surface for mineral and ore deposits.

Går tiden baklänges i spegeluniversum? (Does time go backward in a mirror universe?)

This article explores the theoretical possibility of time travel and the existence of tachyons, particles that travel faster than light. It references research from the University of Adelaide, Australia, suggesting the detection of such particles. The article discusses the implications for the concept of time, potentially reversing its linear progression. It also mentions the phenomenon of Cherenkov radiation and the theoretical properties of tachyons, noting that they would accelerate as they lose energy. The skepticism of Professor Bertel Laurent from Stockholm University regarding tachyons is also presented.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, UFO sightings from various locations (Sweden, Norway, USA), and astronomical phenomena like black holes. The editorial stance, as expressed by Sven-Olof Fredrikson, is one of cautious scientific inquiry, emphasizing the importance of reliable data and analysis. GICOFF aims to present well-documented cases and encourages reader participation in their research efforts, particularly through the URD project. The magazine also touches upon broader scientific and historical topics, such as space exploration and ancient civilizations, reflecting a wide-ranging interest in the unexplained and the frontiers of knowledge.

This issue of "Flygande tefat..." (Flying Saucers...) from 1976, published by Zindermans, focuses on UFO phenomena and their scientific interpretation. The cover headline, "Flygande tefat... vad säger vetenskapen?" (Flying Saucers... what does science say?), sets the tone for the content, which includes detailed eyewitness accounts, analysis of observations, and a review of a book on the subject.

Weather and Observations

The issue begins by detailing the weather conditions during various UFO observations, noting clear skies, light clouds, calm winds, and temperatures between 0 and -5 degrees Celsius. Specific wind data from Gardemoen at high altitudes (16,000m, 18,000m, 21,000m) is provided, suggesting the object might have moved against the wind. The report also discusses the possibility of two distinct objects being observed, with differing timings and locations from Nesbyen and Lilleström.

Lilleström and Gol Sightings

Detailed accounts from Lilleström describe photographic evidence of the object(s). Six photos were taken, with the first three being unusable due to shutter speed. Photo 4 shows two objects (lights) at different degrees of elevation. Photos 5 and 6, taken at 18:40, show a single luminous object at 15 degrees. A witness in Gol reported seeing a completely red object at 90 degrees, southwest direction, around 18:45. The objects were reported as red by other witnesses between 19:00 and 19:20.

Object Characteristics and Size Estimation

An analysis of the object's movement suggests a rapid acceleration, possibly making it invisible to witnesses during its transition from point F to point G. Based on a sighting from Nesbyen at point G, calculations using photographic data (800mm lens, 0.8mm negative) and estimated distances and angles suggest the object's size was approximately 39 meters. The object was described as a "remarkably high and slender balloon with a cylinder hanging underneath," though this might have been two objects merging.

FEM POLISOFFICERARE (Five Police Officers)

This section, continuing from page 15, discusses observations by police officers. It dismisses the possibility of the phenomena being conventional aircraft like planes or helicopters. Police Chief Tom Bright from Vestville reported seeing a clear white light that turned red as it descended to about 100 meters. His colleagues, Darrell Rector and JR Berger, were astonished by its speed. The object then disappeared but reappeared minutes later over Jay. Over 50 people reportedly witnessed the event, which concluded with the object disappearing towards the southwest at 05:30. Notably, the nearby Vance Air Force Base reported no planes in the air at the time.

UFOs Taken Seriously by Spanish Military

An article reports that for the first time, older officers in the Spanish Air Force are treating UFO cases with the same seriousness as political matters. On the night of January 2nd, an unidentified flying object was reported to have landed on a bombing and shooting range near Zaragoza, a site used jointly by Spain and the USA. Following consultations, the military commanders in the third air defense area decided to appoint an investigator. This information was confirmed by spokesmen for the US Air Force. The article also mentions sensational but contradictory accounts from locals.

Book Review: "Flygande tefat... vad säger vetenskapen?" by Sven Magnusson

This section reviews Sven Magnusson's book, which compiles material on the UFO problem. The reviewer, Bertil Nilsson, categorizes scientific attitudes towards UFOs into four groups: fanatical rejectors, those who ignore it, the skeptical, and those who see it as a scientific challenge. A fifth group, the fanatically believing laypeople, is also mentioned. Magnusson's approach is described as modest and open, emphasizing that scientific possibilities are often underestimated while impossibilities are often overestimated.

The review highlights specific cases discussed in the book, including the Anten case with its burn and pressure marks, and its "weekly magazine exposé." It also touches upon the "Lunatic fringe" and those claiming to know, often through deception. The Condon Report is critically examined, noting its surprisingly negative conclusions and apparent contradictions regarding the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation.

Key points from the book include an interview with J. Allen Hynek, who advocated for chronological ordering and data processing of UFO documents. The review notes the establishment of UFO databases in the USA and the initiation of the URD project in Sweden for serious investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for a scientific approach to UFO phenomena, while also presenting detailed eyewitness accounts. There's a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations like "dust in the eye" and a critique of those who dismiss the subject without proper investigation. The magazine seems to lean towards the view that UFOs represent a genuine mystery that warrants serious scientific inquiry, rather than being easily explained away by conventional means. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the limitations of current scientific knowledge while encouraging further research.