GICOFF-Information - 1977 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: Nr. 4, 1977 – ÅRGÅNG 8
Publisher: GICOFF (Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål)
Content: This issue is primarily dedicated to a detailed investigation and debunking of the famous Skillingaryd UFO photographs from 1971, alongside a survey on student attitudes towards UFOs and reviews of UFO literature.

The Skillingaryd Case Solved

The central article, "FÄRGSTARKT AVSLÖJANDE: 'Världens bästa fotografi av ett flygande tefat'" (COLORFUL REVELATION: 'The world's best photograph of a flying saucer'), details GICOFF's extensive work on the Skillingaryd case. The magazine highlights that the two photographs, taken in Skillingaryd in 1971 by a 25-year-old man and his son, had been widely published and considered among the best UFO photos globally. Initial analyses by multiple photo labs (Kodak, A-kopia, Hulténs) confirmed the photographic material was genuine, ruling out double exposure or copying. However, GICOFF undertook a rigorous reconstruction effort, including on-site photography and mathematical calculations.

Through this investigation, led by Lars-Erik Svennberg and Leif Nilsson, GICOFF determined that the object in the photographs was likely a hubcap from a 1950s or 1960s Chevrolet car. They acquired a similar hubcap and, using thin wires, suspended it in a manner that replicated the original photos. The article explains that the wires were so fine they disappeared in the negatives, especially when the photos were taken with a specific camera (Minolta 16) and lens, and under certain lighting and atmospheric conditions. The "flying saucer" was estimated to be about 40 cm in diameter and weighed around 1 kg. The characteristic "whining sound" reported by the witness was attributed to air currents passing through the small holes in the hubcap.

The investigation suggests the original witness may have been an amateur photographer who staged the event, perhaps for amusement, and that the widely accepted narrative was flawed. The article contrasts the genuine nature of the photographs with the likely fabricated context of the sighting.

UFO Attitudes at a Technical Gymnasium

Another significant section is "GALLUPUNDERSÖKNING OM UFO VID TEKNISKT GYMNASIUM" (Gallup Survey on UFOs at a Technical Gymnasium) by Zoran Maksic. This survey of 268 students (mostly male, aged 16-20) at a technical high school in Norrköping reveals a strong belief in extraterrestrial civilizations (71% believe in other civilizations, 75% believe they could develop technology for interstellar travel). A significant majority (71%) expressed a desire for more information about UFO phenomena, and 42% advocated for increased research funding. The survey also indicated that 50% of respondents considered UFOs to be extraterrestrial visitors, while other explanations included misinterpretations of known objects (41%) and psychological phenomena (39%). A notable finding was that 31% of students believed authorities were withholding information about UFOs.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section titled "Arbetsgruppen för ufologi" (The Working Group for Ufology), where Sven-Olof Fredrikson discusses the challenges and pitfalls of UFO research, emphasizing the need for scientific methodology and caution against premature conclusions or dogmatic beliefs. He criticizes those who immediately label UFOs as spaceships or dismiss evidence outright, advocating for a balanced approach that acknowledges uncertainty.

Reviews of several UFO-related books are presented, including works by K. Gösta Rehn, Sven Magnusson, Staffan Stigsjöö, and Boris Jungkvist, offering brief descriptions and prices. The magazine also features advertisements for GICOFF membership and back issues, as well as for photography services from A-Kopia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance, as expressed by Sven-Olof Fredrikson, is one of rigorous, evidence-based investigation. GICOFF aims to be objective and scientific, even when dealing with controversial topics like UFOs. The Skillingaryd case exemplifies their approach: acknowledging the authenticity of photographic evidence while critically examining the accompanying narrative and seeking rational explanations. The publication encourages open reporting of observations but stresses the importance of thorough analysis and avoiding sensationalism or uncritical acceptance of claims. The survey results suggest a public interest in UFOs and a desire for more scientific engagement with the topic.

This issue of PRESS-STOPP RYMD-TEKNIK FORSKNING delves into various phenomena and scientific advancements, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and space exploration. The magazine features reports from different countries, alongside articles on astronomy and technological developments.

Soviet UFO Report

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a Soviet UFO report concerning an event on September 20, 1977, near Petrozavodsk in Soviet Karelia. Witnesses described a large, luminous, jellyfish-shaped mass that appeared in the afternoon, emitting fine rays and a red glow. The phenomenon lasted for about 10 to 12 minutes. Scientists have differing opinions on how to interpret these optical events, with no single explanation being universally accepted.

UFO Wave Over Northern Spain

Reports from late September 1977 indicate a wave of UFO sightings in Northern Spain, particularly around Huesca. Despite official silence, speculation is rife among the population. On September 24, three unidentified luminous objects were seen flying in formation, and on September 26, a formation of four UFOs was observed. One witness, a teacher, described a "saucer" hovering over his house, emitting a strong light and causing him to feel "paralyzed with fear."

UFOs as Horse Killers?

Strange reports from the UK, specifically Dartmoor, detail the discovery of the skeletons of fifteen ponies. The skeletons appeared within a two-day period, with no possibility of the animals having died and decomposed on-site. Coincidentally, UFO phenomena were observed at low altitudes in the same area around the same time, leading to speculation about a connection.

Soviet Research Facility

The magazine reports on the Soviet Union's plans to build a massive particle accelerator, ten times larger than those in the US and Europe. This multi-billion project aims to achieve proton energies of 2000 to 5000 billion electronvolts using a 19 km long magnetic track. The facility will employ superconductors and advanced electronics for fundamental research in atomic physics. It is likely to be built in Serpukhov, near Moscow, and will be located deeper underground than CERN's facility for protection against radioactivity.

Giant Meteor Impact

An account describes a large meteor that entered Earth's atmosphere in late July, splitting into two parts over Tananarive, Madagascar. One half created a crater 240 meters in diameter, while the other part was observed by the capital's population.

When Were the Planets Discovered?

This section addresses a reader's question about the discovery dates of the planets in our solar system. It states that Earth has always been known, but the understanding of it as a planet is about 10,000 years old, and its position as not being the center of the universe is about 400 years old. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have been known for at least 6,000 years. Uranus was discovered in 1781 by William Herschel. Neptune was calculated by U.J.J. Leverrier and John C. Adams and found by the Berlin Observatory in 1846. Pluto was discovered by C.W. Tombaugh in 1930 based on Percival Lowell's calculations. The search for a tenth planet is ongoing, with a Mexican mathematician claiming to have calculated its orbit in early 1977.

Quick Calculation

An article mentions the US Army's request for a supercomputer capable of performing over ten billion calculations per second, costing $40 million. This machine would be nearly a hundred times more efficient than existing ones, enabling rapid analysis of radar signals for missile defense and potentially identifying UFO phenomena.

New Era in Space Conquest: Space Shuttle

The magazine highlights the beginning of a new era in space travel with the US Space Shuttle program. Landings were initiated on August 12, with nearly 600 space flights planned for the 1980s. The shuttle aims to make space travel more affordable through simplified procedures and reusable components. It will be used to deploy the European Space Laboratory (Space Lab) and facilitate international research. NASA has trained about 30 astronauts, with significant interest from qualified candidates. The article also mentions the possibility of older individuals participating in future missions and the potential for Swedish interest in experiments like crystal growth in zero gravity. A notable launch is planned for March 1979, featuring three astronauts.

Jupiter as a Sun?

An article discusses the findings of the Pioneer 11 probe in 1974, which revealed that Jupiter emits about two and a half times more heat than it receives from the Sun. This led some scientists to speculate that Jupiter might be a dying star. However, Soviet scientists propose a theory that Jupiter is actively forming into a sun, with its mass steadily increasing by capturing comets and meteors. The core temperature of Jupiter is estimated to be around 300,000 Kelvin. The long-term implications for the solar system and Earth are speculative, but it's suggested that in three billion years, a twin star system might exist with the Sun and Jupiter.

Jupiter and Saturn Visited

The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, launched in August and September respectively, are on a ten-year journey to explore Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. These advanced probes are expected to provide unprecedented photographic data and information about the formation and evolution of the solar system. Equipped with cameras, cosmic ray detectors, and infrared spectrometers, they are designed for greater autonomy. Voyager 1 is expected to reach Jupiter in March 1979, and Voyager 2 four months later. By the summer of 1980, they will reach Saturn, covering 2.2 billion kilometers.

Are These the First Color Photos of a Real UFO Phenomenon in Sweden?

This section presents the story of Helge Johansson, a 60-year-old farmer from Porsiberget, 10 kilometers north of Boden, Sweden. On January 3, 1975, he claims to have witnessed and photographed a luminous object. The observation occurred in near-total darkness, with only starlight visible. Johansson described the object as a "thing" that slowly descended, emitting a red glow and a humming sound. He managed to take several color photographs while the object hovered about 10 meters above the ground. The object reportedly turned and then ascended. The magazine notes that the location is far north, making immediate on-site investigation difficult for GICOFF. The article emphasizes Johansson's credibility and the unusual nature of the event, suggesting it cannot be explained by natural phenomena.

UFO Observations Over Sweden

This section compiles several UFO sightings reported across Sweden in July and August 1977:

• Odensvi (July 10-11, 1977): Three witnesses saw a bright object, followed by six more objects moving erratically.
• Mörrum (July 13, 1977): Two men observed a bright sphere that changed shape and moved at high speed.
• Ulvsmla (Eringsboda) (August 1, 1977): A family reported seeing three bright objects in the sky, changing colors and positions.
• Mycklaflon (August 7, 1977): A grey, delta-winged object, approximately 3 meters long, was seen passing over a lake and submerging. It emitted a whining sound and moved at an estimated speed of 200-300 km/h.

Where Neither Sun nor Moon Reaches...

This sidebar provides astronomical context for the Porsiberget UFO sighting on January 3, 1975. It notes that at the time of the observation (7 AM), the sun was below the horizon. The moon was in the southwest, about 15 degrees above the horizon and waning. Porsiberget is located in the northeast, thus ruling out the sun or moon as natural explanations for the observed phenomenon, even under unusual atmospheric conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and related eyewitness accounts. There's a clear interest in documenting these events, particularly those from Sweden, and in providing scientific context where possible, such as the astronomical data for the Porsiberget sighting. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and witness testimonies while acknowledging the lack of definitive explanations for many events. The inclusion of articles on space exploration and scientific projects suggests a broader interest in the frontiers of science and technology, often juxtaposed with the mysteries of unidentified aerial phenomena.