GICOFF-Information - 1978 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: Nr. 1, ÅRGÅNG 9
Date: 1978
Publisher: GICOFF (Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0345-4053

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION, dated 1978, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, particularly a sensational landing event on Gran Canaria. It also includes a review of a book on space exploration, an article on Isaac Newton, and reports on other UFO sightings.

Editorial Introduction

The editorial, titled "Nr 1, 1978 – Äntligen!", notes an interesting period for UFO phenomena due to increased media attention, partly influenced by the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The editor expresses hope that this increased media respect for ufology will continue. The issue acknowledges a delay in publication and welcomes subscribers and members to what is hoped to be an interesting UFO year.

Book Review: "Bortom tid och rum" by Eugen Semitjov

Sven-Olof Fredrikson reviews Eugen Semitjov's book "Bortom tid och rum" (Beyond Time and Space), published to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Sputnik 1. The book provides a historical overview of space exploration, including Soviet and US plans for the future, and is praised for its engaging writing style and rich illustrations. It covers early space missions, the drama surrounding Yuri Gagarin's flight, and addresses the myth that astronauts are psychologically altered by space travel, citing Semitjov's chapter on moonwalkers' later lives. The review highlights the book's detailed account of space history up to the 1975 handshake between a Russian and an American in space, and its forward-looking perspective.

Feature Article: GRAN CANARIA 1976

This article, translated by Sten Eklöv, revisits a highly unusual UFO landing that occurred in June 1976 near the village of Galdar on Gran Canaria. The event was witnessed by a large number of people, including qualified observers, and photographs were taken. The article notes that many serious newspapers were hesitant to cover the story, often dismissing such events as "under." However, for the witnesses, the experience was profoundly life-altering.

Several witnesses, including a doctor named Padrón León, describe a large, luminous object that hovered silently for about 20 minutes. They observed "beings" inside the craft, described as wearing helmets resembling divers' helmets. The object's "majestic" and "perfect" curved form impressed the witnesses. The event caused significant fear, with one witness describing a "cold dread" and another's chauffeur trembling. The car's radio and nearby TVs reportedly went dead during the sighting.

When the car's headlights were turned on, the object seemed to move away slightly, possibly to avoid detection. The witnesses observed a transparent tube emitting a bluish gas that rotated around the object, which then appeared to grow to the size of a house. The object then ascended, changing shape into what was described as a "flying saucer" and departed at high speed towards Las Nieves y Tenerife. Some witnesses reported the beings as blue, while others perceived them as red.

Dr. Padrón León's account is presented as consistent and credible. He emphasized the object's immense power and majesty, noting that the beings inside had suits that were not wrinkled and appeared taller than normal from the waist up. Another witness described the hair on his head standing on end, feeling as if he were dreaming.

Further evidence includes a report of a circular area in a onion field in Galdar, approximately 30 meters in diameter, where the plants were burnt, suggesting high temperatures. This incident occurred shortly after the main sighting and raised questions about whether it was caused by a helicopter, a meteorite, or was related to the UFO event.

Document from the Spanish Ministry of the Air Force: "Report on UFOs"

This section details a significant document handed over to journalist Juan José Benitez by a lieutenant general in the Spanish Air Force on October 20, 1976. The 78-page document, titled "Report on UFOs," contains 12 UFO cases, many of which are confirmed by military personnel. The cases span from March 20, 1964, in Sevilla, to July 22, 1976, over Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.

The article highlights the Gran Canaria case (case #8 and #12), noting that previous reports had already indicated that key witnesses were asked by an "authority" not to make statements. The official documents, however, provide crucial details that elevate the Gran Canaria landing to a top-tier case within the Spanish UFO collection due to its unique characteristics and the credibility of its source.

The report lists the 12 cases chronologically, including dates, locations, and brief descriptions, such as sightings in Sevilla, Madrid, Palma-Barajas, Gerona, and over Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.

UFO Sightings in the Canary Islands

This section details the trajectory of a UFO observed from Fuerteventura to the northern part of Gran Canaria and then towards Tenerife. The observations occurred in three main locations: the southern part of Fuerteventura, the northern part of Gran Canaria, and west of Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera, and Hierro.

On June 22, 1976, at 21:27, the Spanish naval corvette "Atrevida" observed an intense yellow-blue light ascending from the ground near Fuerteventura. The object, initially mistaken for an aircraft with landing lights, stopped at an altitude of 15-18 degrees and remained stationary for about two minutes. It then produced a larger, intense yellow-blue light that persisted for forty minutes even after the object disappeared. The object then split, with a smaller lower part forming a bluish cloud, while the upper part ascended in a spiral, irregular motion and vanished. The halo remained visible, illuminating the land and sea, suggesting proximity.

Astronomers at the Astrophysical Observatory on Monte Izana, Gran Canaria, also witnessed a large, shiny, spherical object with a spiral-like center. They described it as definitively not a planet, balloon, or smoke, and Francisco Sanchez stated he had no scientific explanation for it. The object moved towards the observatory, stopped, made a sharp 90-degree turn, and disappeared rapidly. The phenomenon was visible for about 3-5 minutes.

Subsequent observations were reported in Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife) and by passengers on a ferry to La Palma. The article mentions that many witnesses on Gomera and Hierro also reported their observations.

UFO at Akita Airport, Japan

On October 17, 1976, at 10:40 AM, a shiny, disc-shaped UFO, described as a miniature sun, was observed over northern Japan near Akita Airport. It was seen by a pilot, air traffic controllers, and about 50 onlookers. Kenichi Waga, a traffic controller, described the object as disc-shaped, smaller than an airplane, with a luminous yellow-golden color and white lights, stating it could not have been an aircraft. He issued a warning to all pilots.

Captain Masaru Saito, a pilot with Toa Domestic Airlines, also spotted the object about 5,000 feet above the ground and received a radio warning about a UFO. He expressed newfound belief in UFOs after this experience.

Tazawa Takumi, another traffic controller, described the object as an unusual shape, like two plates joined at the top. A warning was issued to all incoming and outgoing planes. The object disappeared towards the sea after about five minutes.

TV reporter Masaki Machida of Akita Broadcasting Co. also witnessed the event, describing the object as disc-shaped with white lights and a yellow-golden color, about the size of his thumbnail at arm's length. His photographer was unable to capture clear images due to the distance.

The UFO flew towards the sea at high speed after hovering for approximately five minutes. The reporter called it the most incredible event of his career.

Short UFO Visit in Slovenia

On January 11, 1977, in Gaberku, Slovenia, a luminous, multi-colored object was observed by Slavka Gorsek and her son. The object descended towards their house but landed behind a barn and disappeared from sight. The light in the house went out for a few minutes and then came back on. The object then lifted off and vanished. Ground investigation by the Ljubljana NLO (UFO association) revealed geometric footprints and a substance resembling gravel, not found in the vicinity. An experiment involving planting seeds in soil from the landing site, nearby soil, and soil mixed with the found substance showed abnormal growth in the third pot, suggesting a unique property of the substance.

Important Matters at the UN

Grenada's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Eric M. Gairy, advocated for open discussion and a UN General Assembly resolution on UFOs. He noted that the two superpowers were collaborating on Bermuda Triangle research and discussing extraterrestrial life. Gairy recalled that psychic phenomena and UFOs were discussed at the UN in 1975 and 1976, and a proposal for an investigative commission was not implemented. He shared his personal UFO sighting, emphasizing his political rather than scientific interest. Gairy proposed three main areas for investigation: studying UFO reports to understand the origin and nature of observed objects, interpreting this information, and fostering a constant flow of UFO observation data within the UN framework, hoping for a breakthrough in research.

Article: Newton and Our Worldview

This article discusses the life and work of Isaac Newton, calling him "the greatest genius of natural science." It highlights his professorship at a young age and his groundbreaking work in physics and astronomy, culminating in his 1687 publication, "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica." The article explains Newton's law of universal gravitation and touches upon the anecdote of the falling apple. It also mentions Newton's development of fluxional calculus (calculus) and the priority dispute with Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.

The article notes that Uranus was discovered during Newton's lifetime, and its orbital anomalies led to discussions about the accuracy of Newton's laws, ultimately leading to the prediction of Neptune. A quote attributed to Paul Valéry about Newton is included: "One must be a Newton to realize that the moon falls when everyone can clearly see that it does not fall."

It details Newton's later life, including his presidency of the Royal Society and his shift from exact sciences to religion, mysticism, and alchemy. The article suggests that Newton's extensive writings from this period are largely speculative and difficult to understand.

It commemorates the 250th anniversary of Newton's death in 1977 and posits that he would still be a leading scientific figure if he visited the present day.

A quote from Isaac Newton expresses his humility: "If my research has yielded any useful results, it is only due to my work, to patient thinking... I keep the subject of my research constantly before me and wait until the first rays of light appear, slowly and step by step until they turn into full and total clarity."

Article: A Diproton, Please!

This short article reports on the discovery of a "diproton" by researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory in the USA. A diproton is described as a new elementary particle composed of two protons, carrying a double positive charge. The existence of the diproton challenges current theoretical models of elementary particles, which suggest protons are made of three smaller units called quarks. The diproton appears to be composed of six quarks, adding a new dimension to the search for the fundamental nature of matter.

Article: UFOs as Entertainment

Bertil Nilsson reviews the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," describing it as a must-see for UFO enthusiasts. He praises the film's high production values and its ability to appeal to a broad audience, not just ufologists. The article suggests that the film, while entertaining, also prompts viewers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial life and humanity's place in the universe. It touches upon the film's technical execution, noting that some scenes might seem out of place but contribute to the overall experience. The review highlights the film's depiction of the "mother ship" as a "magnificent aesthetic experience" and notes the effective use of sound to create tension. It contrasts the film's speculative themes with humanity's own space endeavors and poses questions about how people react to the unknown, suggesting that the film could have explored psychological reactions more deeply. The article defends speculative fiction as a valuable part of human creativity and a potential glimpse into the future, arguing that many past "fantasies" have become reality. It addresses common scientific objections to UFOs, such as vast interstellar distances, by questioning whether extraterrestrial civilizations would perceive time and space in the same way humans do, and concludes that our understanding of time and space is likely to change significantly with scientific progress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, landings, and investigations, with a particular focus on the Gran Canaria incident. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the collection of evidence, including photographs and official reports. The magazine also explores the scientific and societal implications of UFO phenomena, as seen in the articles on Isaac Newton and the review of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFO reports, encouraging serious consideration and investigation, while also acknowledging the scientific challenges and the need for credible evidence. The inclusion of a Spanish Air Force report and witness accounts from various countries suggests an international perspective on UFO research.

Title: UFO OBSERVATIONER ÖVER SVERIGE
Issue: 1978
Publisher: GICOFF
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of 'UFO OBSERVATIONER ÖVER SVERIGE' from 1978 is dedicated to documenting UFO sightings and related phenomena across Sweden. It features a collection of witness reports from late 1977 and early 1978, alongside articles discussing future space exploration and a promotional section for the magazine itself.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The core of the magazine consists of detailed accounts of UFO observations. These reports are presented with dates, locations, and witness testimonies, often citing local newspapers as sources.

• Kalmar, October 6, 1977: A woman reported seeing an unnaturally bright, sharp light in a band-like shape hovering horizontally above the horizon for about half an hour.
• Åkero, October 11, 1977: A metalworker observed two moving lights ascending at a 45-degree angle. Suddenly, a third object appeared with a luminous tail, and the entire observation lasted about 20 seconds.
• Västervik, October 18, 1977: Ingrid Valfridsson witnessed a bright light illuminate her living room. Upon closer inspection, she saw a giant luminous sphere moving at high speed towards the horizon and disappearing in a straight line.
• Hemliden, October 18, 1977: Kurt Nilsson reported seeing three strange figures emerge from a craft near Hemliden. One figure carried an object resembling a military spade. The craft was described as about one meter in diameter. When Nilsson turned on his car's headlights, the figures and the craft vanished, only to reappear later, causing his car's engine to stall and lights to go out.
• Strängnäs, October 22, 1977: A woman saw a large, round, clear yellow object outside her kitchen window, hovering about 10 meters above the ground. The object illuminated the kitchen before quickly disappearing. It was estimated to be about 10 meters in diameter, resembling a large lemon.
• Sörby, January 8, 1978: Seven people traveling on the eastern road towards Ölands Lindby observed a strong luminous object. It moved at varying altitudes, sometimes to the east and sometimes to the west of the road, before turning north. The object had a blue light underneath and a yellow light on top. When it slowed down, the blue light dimmed. No sound was heard.
• Åkershagen, January 8, 1978: Several families in the Åkershagen area of Borgholm saw a white luminous object pass from the northeast to the west of the castle ruins. This event caused significant disruption to TV broadcasts. Shortly before, the object had stopped over Före-Alböke, causing a power outage and making people believe it was a fire.
• Luleå, January 12, 1978: Five schoolboys in Luleå observed a peculiar, pinkish, elongated object that seemed to waddle in the air before disappearing. Urban Eriksson, 12, described it as a point of light that grew larger and closer, becoming an elongated object that moved strangely.
• Grimsåker, January 26, 1978: Henry Melin reported that his wife noticed a luminous object over nearby farms. The object had a red core and a yellow outer glow. It stopped over Grimsåkersviken. Initially thought to be a helicopter, it was later observed to ascend slowly in a southeasterly direction, eventually resembling a star in the clear, cold night sky.
• Boda, January 29, 1978: Two women observed a yellow, football-sized sphere at treetop height. A black smoke trail was seen rising from the top of the object, even as it moved at high speed.

Future Perspectives and Technology

The magazine includes a section discussing the future plans of the USA and the Soviet Union for the next 20 years, drawing from Eugen Semitjov's book "Bortom tid och rum" (Beyond Time and Space).

• USA's Plans: The article highlights ambitious US projects, including plans to use massive solar sails (640,000 square meters) for comet research, with the first launch expected in 1982. It also mentions plans to build and deploy large solar power stations in space by around 1990. Furthermore, the US is reportedly planning to construct the first artificial space habitat by the year 2000, capable of housing up to 10,000 people within a rotating cylinder 1.5 km in diameter, built from lunar materials.
• Advanced Radio Astronomy: The US is also planning a giant radio astronomy facility to search for extraterrestrial civilizations, with a sensitivity capable of detecting local radio broadcasts from planets in other solar systems. The fully developed facility is estimated to cost 25 billion dollars.
• Jules Verne Quote: The section concludes with a quote from Jules Verne: "Everything that humanity can imagine in its fantasy, other people will be able to realize..."

Promotional Content

The magazine features a promotional offer for a T-shirt with a UFO print, available in various colors and sizes, sold by FIRMA JANTEX. Additionally, there is a coupon for purchasing back issues of the magazine from 1974, 1975, or 1976, with discounts for buying multiple years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness accounts, and the potential for advanced technology and space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these phenomena and ideas, encouraging readers to consider future possibilities and the unexplained. The inclusion of future-oriented articles suggests an interest in the broader implications of scientific and technological advancement, alongside the primary focus on UFO reports.