GICOFF-Information - 1976 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: Nr 5, 1976 – Årgång 7
Publisher: GÖTEBORGS INFORMATIONS CENTER FÖR OIDENTIFIERADE FLYGANDE FÖREMÅL (GICOFF)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0345-4053

This issue of GICOFF Information delves into various UFO phenomena, featuring a cover story about police-photographed UFOs and a headline announcing a million-dollar reward. It highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers in Sweden due to organizational fragmentation and calls for unified research efforts.

Ny världsbild växer fram (A New Worldview Emerges)

This section features a letter from Benny Karlsson of Norrköping, who expresses concern about the competitive rather than collaborative nature of UFO research organizations in Sweden, specifically mentioning GICOFF and UFO-Sverige. He argues that this fragmentation hinders progress and discourages new researchers. Karlsson calls for a more unified approach to inform the public, politicians, and scientists about the UFO phenomenon.

USA-sergeant togs upp i UFO! (US Sergeant Abducted by UFO!)

This article details the experience of Sergeant Charles Moody, a decorated Vietnam veteran, who claims to have been abducted by a UFO near Alamogordo, New Mexico, on August 13, 1975. Moody, initially skeptical, describes a disk-shaped object that landed near his car, causing his vehicle's engine to fail. He recounts being taken inside the craft, encountering two alien beings, and experiencing a time loss of 1 hour and 20 minutes. His story was analyzed by a Psychological Stress Evaluator (PSE), which reportedly found no signs of deception. Moody describes the aliens, the interior of the craft, and a brief conversation about their propulsion system. He also mentions physical after-effects, including hair loss and increased irritability, and notes a strange, square-shaped mark on his back.

Vad såg folket i Tönsberg 1973? (What Did the People in Tönsberg See in 1973?)

This report covers a UFO sighting in Tönsberg, Norway, on January 11, 1973. A young couple witnessed a large, luminous, circular object with blinking protrusions that moved slowly towards an Esso refinery and then rapidly over the Oslofjord. The incident attracted significant attention, with multiple witnesses reporting similar observations. A journalist and a military officer investigated, with the military personnel unable to identify the object, stating it couldn't be confused with a helicopter or rocket. A photograph of the object was taken by a press photographer, and the event was confirmed by local police.

RYMD TEKNIK FORSKNING (Space Technology Research)

This section discusses advancements in particle accelerator technology, focusing on Super-CERN in Geneva and a planned Soviet accelerator. It touches upon the ongoing search for fundamental particles like quarks and the challenges in isolating them. The article also mentions that CERN laboratories are open to the public on Saturdays.

Det rör på sig... (It's Moving...)

This article explores geological phenomena, including earthquakes and continental drift. It references the work of Alfred Wegener and the science of plate tectonics, explaining how the movement of tectonic plates causes earthquakes. The article notes that while Sweden's bedrock is stable, other regions are highly susceptible to seismic activity. It also briefly mentions the Earth's core rotation and tidal forces.

EN MILJON DOLLAR I BELÖNING (One Million Dollar Reward)

This article details The Enquirer's offer of a one million dollar reward for irrefutable proof of extraterrestrial UFOs. The reward is to be evaluated by a "Blue Ribbon" committee of scientists and educators, with final judgment by two prominent jurists. The article also mentions that The Enquirer has doubled its annual prize for the best UFO evidence to $10,000. It recounts the case of Travis Walton, whose UFO encounter in 1975 was investigated and deemed credible by a polygraph test, with Walton and six companions sharing $5,000.

Vad har dom i Lissabon? (What Do They Have in Lisbon?)

This report describes several UFO sightings in the Lisbon area. In September 1976, a TAP flight was forced to take evasive action to avoid unidentified lights. Simultaneously, an American flight crew reported similar lights that disappeared towards the northeast. The article also references a 1974 incident where multiple aircraft crews observed what they perceived as a formation of UFOs. The cause of these sightings remains unexplained.

Astrologer spår... (Astrologers Predict...)

This piece discusses how astrologers are beginning to incorporate UFO phenomena into their predictions. Ten prominent US astrologers reportedly predicted UFO appearances and even potential contact with extraterrestrial civilizations by April/May 1977. The article expresses skepticism, noting past failed predictions of doomsday scenarios.

UFO:s förföljer raketuppskjutningar (UFOs Pursue Rocket Launches)

This article reports on alleged UFO sightings during Apollo missions to the moon. Professor James Harder of Berkeley University claims that Apollo 11 was followed by a UFO for half the journey to the moon, and Apollo 12 was circled three times by a UFO. Harder suggests that NASA may have suppressed this information to avoid public panic. The article also mentions that the objects' high speed made them unlikely to be rocket stage parts, as officially explained.

"ÖVERNATURLIGT" ("Supernatural")

This section reviews books that explore phenomena beyond conventional science, including UFOs and parapsychology. It critiques the historical tendency of science to dismiss unconventional ideas and highlights the challenges faced by researchers in fields like parapsychology, where evidence is often disregarded if it doesn't fit established paradigms. The article mentions Sven Magnusson's book "Det 'övernaturliga' och vår världsbild" and notes ongoing research into unexplained events by organizations like the Center for Short-Lived Phenomena.

Skrämda hundar, kusliga ljud och kvinna från rymden (Scared Dogs, Creepy Sounds, and Woman from Space)

This article compiles several unusual reports. It mentions strange occurrences in Clapham Woods, England, where dogs were reportedly terrified, and people were affected by strange sounds. It also covers reports from Warminster, England, of eerie vibrations and animal deaths. The most striking part is the claim of a "woman from space," Semjase, who allegedly contacted Eduard Meier in Switzerland. Photos purportedly of Semjase are presented, and the article notes the growing phenomenon of unexplained sounds being heard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of GICOFF Information revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and the scientific and public response to these events. There's a strong emphasis on documenting sightings, investigating cases, and promoting awareness. The magazine appears to advocate for a more open-minded and collaborative approach to UFO research, criticizing the fragmentation within the Swedish UFO community. The editorial stance seems to be one of presenting evidence and encouraging further investigation, while acknowledging the skepticism and challenges involved in studying such phenomena. The inclusion of astrological predictions and discussions on geological anomalies suggests a broad interest in the unusual and unexplained.

This issue of UFO-Nachrichten features a cover story with the headline "Nog bäst att inget säga" (Best not to say anything), focusing on a significant UFO report from two anonymous German policemen. The issue is dated April 14, 1976, and includes reports from May/June 1976.

UFO Report from Policemen (Wiesbaden, West Germany)

This section details an extraordinary report received by DUIST (Deutsche UFO-Studiengesellschaft) from two anonymous policemen in West Germany. The report, dated April 14, 1976, describes an event that occurred on August 8, 1974, around 6 PM. While on patrol, the two officers observed a bright object in the northern sky with unusual fluttering movements. Initially, one officer dismissed it as a reflection, but the object grew larger and its light became less intense, revealing a disc-shaped body. The officer managed to take three photographs with his car camera.

The object then stopped above a large meadow and descended slowly. It was silver-colored with a dome-like structure on top and surrounded by a shimmering green ring that rotated, accompanied by a high humming sound. No people were visible. The object landed in the meadow, about two hundred meters from the road. A hatch opened underneath, and a humanoid figure, resembling a man, emerged. The figure inspected the exterior of the UFO before disappearing back inside. Shortly after, the object ascended rapidly.

Approximately half an hour later, the officers examined the landing site and found a burn mark about 3.40 meters in diameter. Due to the nature of their profession and the potential repercussions, they decided not to file an official report, but the photographs were provided to the magazine. The report is translated by Åke Nilsson.

UFO-Nachrichten Commentary

The commentary praises the two officers for their presence of mind and sees their report as an encouragement to their colleagues, many of whom may have had similar experiences. It argues that such facts should not be forgotten but added to ufological records and made public. The commentary criticizes the current situation where civil servants are afraid of reprimands from ignorant superiors and therefore conceal important events. It cites the French government and the national gendarmerie as a model for their openness to UFO experiences.

USA Sergeant Report

This brief section mentions Sergeant Arthur Wright, who vouches for the truthfulness of a report by "Moody." Sergeant Wright states that Moody is in a position within the air force that requires a "human reliability program," involving psychiatric evaluation, and that Moody has been found to be free of any "unsuitable characteristics." Wright asserts that Moody is a reliable, truthful man and can be believed.

West German Policemen Sighted UFO

This article details a sighting that occurred on the night of Saturday, June 12th. Patrol officers Heinz-Werner Nösler and Ulrich Roschlaub were on duty when, at 01:45, they observed a mysterious "Flying Saucer" at an altitude of only 50 meters and a distance of 200 meters. They described it as a sharply luminous fireball with a diameter of approximately 20 meters. The object hovered for twenty minutes over a small forest, surrounded by a strong light, and emitted blue-white light beams from its underside. Suddenly, the object departed with extreme speed.

Police reinforcements were called, but the object was gone by the time they arrived. A paramedic from "Johanniterhjälpen" also witnessed the UFO. An inquiry to the air force yielded the response that no reports of any unknown aircraft had been received for the specified time and location. The report is translated by Åke Nilsson.

What Did the People See...

This section discusses recurring sightings in the district. The author recalls an incident with colleague Eidsten on the E18 highway at night, where they observed a large, bright object in the sky that was neither the moon nor a star. It had a bright core about four times the size of a normal football, surrounded by a large coronal light. The object was visible for a long time and was also reported by other witnesses.

Meteorologist Åsmund Rabbe from Fornebu Airport in Oslo provided weather conditions for the night of January 11-12, 1973, stating it was a normal winter night with weak wind. However, hundreds of people saw something they had never seen before.

A Trip to America in Gothenburg

This article, written by Sven-Olof Fredrikson, reports on a meeting held at Björngårdsvillan on October 23rd, where Harald Thuresson from Stockholm shared his experiences from a trip to the USA. Approximately 35 people attended the meeting, which was not widely advertised.

Harald Thuresson spoke about his visit to Ray Stanford in Texas and their "Project Starlight International" (PSI), noting the impressive amount of equipment used in their UFO research. He also mentioned meeting J. Allen Hynek in Chicago, who might visit Sweden the following year.

Following Thuresson's presentation, Lasse Svennberg discussed a new investigation into famous UFO photographs taken at the Skillingaryd shooting range in 1971. The meeting concluded with a discussion about the organization and suggestions for improvement.

The magazine plans to report on UFO work in the USA and the new investigation into the Skillingaryd photos in future issues. They also intend to organize similar meetings with more long-term planning and advertising.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights UFO sightings reported by credible witnesses, particularly law enforcement officers, emphasizing the need for serious investigation and public awareness. There is a strong stance against the suppression of information and a call for a unified and serious approach to UFO research. The articles promote the idea that the established worldview is incomplete and that open-mindedness is crucial for understanding phenomena like UFOs. The editorial stance is one of encouraging the reporting of such events and advocating for their inclusion in ufological studies, while respecting the anonymity of witnesses when necessary.