GICOFF-Information - 1977 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: Nr. 2, 1977 – ÅRGÅNG 8
Publisher: GÖTEBORGS INFORMATIONS CENTER FÖR OIDENTIFIERADE FLYGANDE FÖREMÅL (GICOFF)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0345-4053
Cover Headline: Pascagoula-fallet: LYFTES IN I ETT UFO! (Pascagoula Case: Lifted Into A UFO!)
Cover Description: The cover features a black and white illustration of two men fishing by a river, with a UFO hovering above them. The magazine title 'GICOFF INFORMATION' is prominently displayed at the top, along with the issue details and a headline about the Pascagoula incident.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The editorial section, written by Sven-Olof Fredrikson, the chairman of GICOFF, emphasizes the need for ufology to be taken more seriously and involve authorities and scientific institutions, not just amateur enthusiasts. He thanks members for their support and contributions.

Contact information is provided for various GICOFF departments, including information in Gothenburg, subscription and distribution, and advertisements. Membership is 75 SEK per year, including the subscription, or 45 SEK for subscription only. Advertising rates are also listed.

Key Articles and Features

Pascagoula-fallet: LYFTES IN I ETT UFO!

This prominent article details the Pascagoula UFO incident that occurred on the night of October 11, 1973. Two shipyard workers, Charles Hickson (32) and Calvin Parker (19), were fishing when a blue light approached. Hickson reported being paralyzed and lifted aboard a craft where he was examined. Parker, younger and less experienced, fainted and remembers little. The incident gained significant attention because authorities released some information, despite the witnesses being ordinary individuals. The article includes a translated transcript of a police interrogation of Hickson and Parker, with Colonel Derrington leading the questioning. Hickson describes a humming sound, a bright blue light, and three objects emerging from the craft. He describes the beings as having a human-like form but lacking hands, with claw-like appendages. He also describes being levitated into the craft, which was glowing internally, and seeing strange instruments. Parker recalls being pulled towards the craft by a magnetic force and then blacking out. Both witnesses were initially terrified and unsure how to convince others of their experience.

Ljusstråle från UFO fällde 19-årig yngling till marken (UFO Light Beam Knocked 19-Year-Old Youth to the Ground)

This article, translated from Finnish, recounts an incident on November 12, 1976, near Uleåborg, Finland. Seven teenagers were in a forest cabin when they saw a yellowish-blue light behind the treetops. After a few minutes, two light orbs appeared, hovering about 1.5 meters above the ground. Two of the boys, Eero Lammin (19) and Seppo Moilanen, approached the lights. Seppo witnessed a beam of light strike Eero in the chest, passing through him and exiting his back, causing him to scream and collapse. Eero's pulse dropped to 40 beats per minute. He complained of pain and saw red marks with small needle-like punctures on his chest and a general redness on his back. The marks faded over the next few days.

UFO – ett problem för ALLA (UFO – a problem for ALL)

This editorial piece by Sven-Olof Fredrikson argues that ufology should not be confined to amateur enthusiasts but should engage the wider society, including authorities and scientific institutions. He believes that 'amateurs' alone, lacking time, money, and expertise, cannot advance the field significantly. He calls for a collaborative effort to understand the UFO phenomenon.

TYSK SAMMANSTÄLLNING (German Compilation)

This section reviews Adolf Geigenthaler's book, "UFO's ausserirdische Weltraumschiffe existieren wirklich" (UFO's extraterrestrial spaceships exist really). The book, published in 1976 by Ventla Verlag, is described as a 'fact and textbook on ufology' written in German. Geigenthaler, a 70-year-old mechanical engineer with a background in expeditions to India and studies in psychology and parapsychology, argues that UFOs are extraterrestrial. He bases his claims on thousands of observations, statements from scientists and astronauts, and photographic evidence. He also proposes theories about universal physical laws differing and about de- and rematerialization and teleportation.

Bäst att huka sig... (Best to Duck...)

This article presents witness accounts from the Värmland region of Sweden, near the Norwegian border. Elbjörg Andreasson and Oskar Gustavsson reported seeing a gray object moving at high speed at low altitude, about a meter above their heads, which then shot upwards. They described it as about 50 cm in diameter and flat like a plate. Other witnesses in the area, including Karin Andersson and Allan Johansson, also reported strange humming sounds and sightings of mysterious flying objects. Fru Olsson and her husband Lennart also heard a humming sound while watching TV and saw nothing. The article notes that the Swedish National Defence Research Institute (FOA), police, and customs are concerned about these sightings, with speculation ranging from military activity to drug smuggling. The Swedish magazine 'SE' reported on these events, with the county police chief Johan Larsson stating that 'Operation Dacapo' aimed to find solutions but was unsuccessful in tracing the flights.

UFO OBSERVATIONER ÖVER SVERIGE (UFO Observations Over Sweden)

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports from various locations in Sweden during late 1976 and early 1977:

• Nyköping, 23/12 1976: Two men saw two oval lights moving erratically, with one ascending rapidly and the other moving in an arc. Later, two more similar objects were seen.
• Kiruna, 28/12 1976: A 65-year-old woman observed a bright light at low altitude in the north, which formed a square-shaped halo in a thin cloud layer.
• Borlänge, 6/1 1977: A large, cigar-shaped object was seen flying upright, white in color, reflecting sunlight, and estimated to be 100 meters long and 15-20 meters thick, moving at 400-500 km/h.
• Kramfors, 6/1 1977: A witness saw a luminous streak in the sky from a wingless object that shifted in color and accelerated rapidly. Another report from Kramfors described a strongly golden, jerky moving object resembling a flying saucer.
• Svanstein, 6/1 1977: Six people saw a luminous orb hovering slowly over a mountain for half an hour.
• Borlänge, 6/1 1977: Two witnesses saw a luminous rod in the sky, possibly the same object seen in Ludvika.
• Nyköping, 8/1 1977: Witnesses reported seeing a bright, lamp-shaped object that changed color and shape, followed by red oval objects and then two large disc-shaped objects with dome-like structures. No sound was heard.
• Aspö, 8-9/1 1977: Two blinking orbs were observed, one appearing and then another, both disappearing in a southerly direction. Flashes were seen around the objects.
• Fröskog, 14/1 1977: A football-sized red orb was seen hovering over treetops, illuminating the area. It disappeared in an arc. Neighbors reported TV interference.

RYMD TEKNIK FORSKNING (Space Technology Research)

• Semestermål? (Holiday Destination?): Announces the opening of a modern planetarium in Stuttgart, West Germany, in March 1977.
• VETENSKAPLIG UTMANING (Scientific Challenge): Reports on a survey by Professor Peter Sturrock at Stanford University, where 80% of astronomers surveyed believed the UFO phenomenon required serious study. Many were willing to participate but lacked concrete methods. The article notes that 13% of astronomers had personally observed or registered UFO-related events. It also touches upon disagreements within the Condon project regarding the existence of UFOs.
• God afton stjärnljus... (Good evening starlight...): Mentions the discovery of a new star, Nova Sagitta 1977, by a 27-year-old amateur astronomer, Graham Hosy, in Huddersfield.
• LITEN VELA (Little Vela): Reports that Australian and British astronomers have photographed the smallest pulsar ever seen, a neutron star located 1,600 light-years away, discovered in 1968.
• Riktigt i gasen... (Really in the gas...): Discusses a theory by American scientists Carl Sagan and E.E. Salpeter, published in New Scientist's Magazine, suggesting the possibility of enormous, gas-like creatures living in Jupiter's dense atmosphere. They propose these beings might be visible as red dots from Earth or aboard space probes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious scientific investigation. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and detailed reporting of sightings. The editorial stance is that ufology is a significant issue that should involve official bodies and scientific institutions, moving beyond the realm of mere amateur interest. The magazine also highlights advancements in space technology and astronomy, suggesting a broader interest in the cosmos and the unknown. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena and the ongoing efforts to understand them, often highlighting the challenges faced by researchers and the public in gaining acceptance and official recognition for the subject.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated May 1977 (Issue 2, Volume 1977), is primarily focused on a detailed account of a UFO abduction and includes reports on a significant international UFO congress.

The Pascagoula Abduction

The central article details an alleged UFO abduction experienced by a witness (referred to as 'H') while fishing near Pascagoula, USA. The witness recounts being taken aboard a craft, describing the beings encountered and the examination process. The beings are described as having a different form than human limbs, with 'crab-like' appendages. The craft itself emitted a 'zzzzp' sound and was observed to glow with a bluish light from the outside and a light-like luminescence from the inside. The witness states they were unable to move during the experience and felt no temperature changes.

Following the incident, the witness and their companion ('P') were disoriented and initially hesitant to report the event. They eventually contacted the sheriff and military authorities, expressing a desire for the military to be aware without public attention. The witness also mentions that Calvin, who was with them, had no memory of the events.

Witness Testimonies and Interrogations

The article includes extensive dialogue between the witness ('H'), their companion ('P'), and interviewers (D, Huntley, Major Winans, Winans, Överste Amdall, Hanson, Colingo, Rudolph). These interrogations aim to clarify the details of the experience, including the appearance of the beings, the craft's characteristics, and the emotional and physical state of the witnesses. The witnesses deny having consumed alcohol or drugs prior to the incident, though 'H' admits to having a drink afterward to cope with the stress.

Physical evidence mentioned includes a burn mark on the witness's finger, described as from hot steel and unrelated to the incident, and small scratches on Calvin's right arm, noted by Huntley, which were potentially from the beings' claws.

UFO Congress in Acapulco, Mexico

A separate section reports on the first international UFO congress held in Acapulco, Mexico, from April 17-24. The event featured numerous well-known figures in the UFO field, including Kenneth Arnold, Allen J Hynek, Carl Sagan, John Keel, Jacques Vallée, and Erich von Däniken. Despite the ambitious program, the congress was met with disappointment from the press. Journalists accused the speakers, including Erich von Däniken, of seeking publicity rather than presenting evidence for their claims about flying saucers.

Other Mentions and Book Reviews

The issue also briefly mentions other UFO sightings, including one by a constable named Broadus who reported seeing blue lights, and another by a gas station owner named Larry. A review of Staffan Stigsjöö's book, "Tefatsfolket har landat!" (The Saucer People Have Landed!), is included. The book is described as covering the entire field of ufology, analyzing the Condon report, and presenting numerous cases. Critic Roland Adlerberth praises the book as a "gold mine" for those interested in UFOs.

Another section, "Tysk sammanställning" (German Compilation), highlights UFO cases discussed in German UFO publications, such as the Pascagoula case, the Trinidad UFO, Apollo 8 observations, and a UFO formation over Norway-Sweden in 1972. It also references the Gösta Carlsson UFO landing near Ängelholm in 1946 and discusses theories about why UFO occupants do not make more direct contact with humans. The "Nagora color photo series" from Austria in 1971 is presented as significant evidence, with analyses by German and English photo experts reportedly confirming its authenticity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a stance of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting detailed witness accounts and critical analysis of events and publications. The editorial section emphasizes the need for ufology to be taken seriously by scientists, politicians, and the public, advocating for objectivity, moderation, and an understanding of the scientific and military establishments. The magazine aims to foster an 'ideological rearmament' within Swedish ufology and promises future critical content.