GICOFF-Information - 1978 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: Nr. 2, ÅRGÅNG 9
Date: 1978
Publisher: GICOFF
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0345-4053

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring an interview with a world-renowned ufologist, reports on sightings in the Middle East and other regions, and discussions on related scientific and historical topics.

ET-teorin på sophögen? (The ET Theory in the Trash Heap?)

This editorial by Sven-Olof Fredrikson reflects on the shifting perspectives within ufology, particularly the growing skepticism towards the Extraterrestrial (ET) theory. Fredrikson notes that more people are beginning to doubt the idea of intelligent beings visiting from other universes. He highlights the ongoing debate in mass media, including contributions from Allen Hynek, and mentions a discussion in Swedish UFO magazines. The editorial suggests that ufologists are exploring new explanations, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and critical source evaluation. It concludes that this exploration into the unknown is challenging but necessary, and the magazine will continue to cover the debate.

UFO:s i USA 1977 (UFOs in USA 1977)

This section presents statistics from the Centre for UFO Studies (CUFOS) in Evanston, Illinois, which received 903 reports in 1977. Of these, 83 (9.2%) could not be explained by conventional means. The reports are categorized, with 'Lights at night' (57) and 'Disc-like objects during the day' (17) being the most common. Reasons for excluding reports include incomplete or unreliable witness testimonies. The results are compared to those of Project Blue Book, showing similar patterns. A map illustrates the geographical distribution of sightings in the USA, noting that the concentration in the northeastern US might be due to CUFOS's presence there. The article also mentions that Ground Saucer Watch, Inc. in Arizona reported 29 sightings, with few from Illinois, suggesting that the total number of investigated UFO observations in the USA is likely higher than CUFOS statistics indicate.

UFO lekte katt och råtta med iranska jetplan (UFO Played Cat and Mouse with Iranian Jets)

This article details a significant UFO encounter that allegedly occurred in Iran on September 19, 1976. The report, purportedly from a US government document, describes an F-4 Phantom jet fighter pursuing a luminous object near Tehran. During the pursuit, the jet's electronic systems and radio communication were disabled. The UFO then appeared to land, emitting a bright light. A second F-4 was dispatched, and its radar detected the object. As the F-4 approached, the UFO moved away, maintaining a distance of about 50 km. A second, smaller object emerged from the first, then rejoined it. A third object then descended rapidly. The F-4 pilot's weapon systems and communication were again disrupted. The article lists several high-ranking US government agencies that received the report, including the State Department, CIA, and the White House, suggesting the incident was taken very seriously.

LUFTCIRKUS ÖVER HÖNEFOSS-OMRÅDET (Air Circus Over the Hönefoss Area)

This report describes a series of UFO sightings that occurred in the Hönefoss area of Norway on November 5, 1977. Multiple witnesses, including Willy Ruud (a lawyer) and Steinar Dalbu (an engineer), reported observing several intensely luminous, round objects performing rapid, erratic maneuvers that could not be attributed to conventional aircraft. The objects were described as emitting a strange light and moving vertically and horizontally independently. The witnesses, who had experience with aviation, were convinced they were not airplanes. The article connects these sightings to a previous UFO landing event described in GICOFF-INFORMATION nr. 5-6 1977, noting that drawings of the landed UFO by witnesses matched the descriptions of the objects seen in the 'air circus'. The number of observed objects varied between four and five.

INTERVJU MED VÄRLDENS MEST KÄNDE UFOLOG (Interview with the World's Most Famous Ufologist)

This is an interview with Professor J. Allen Hynek, a prominent figure in UFO research. Hynek, who began his UFO work in 1948 as a consultant for the US Air Force, spent 18 years attempting to explain away UFO phenomena. A turning point came in 1966 when he was publicly ridiculed for explaining a Michigan UFO sighting as swamp gas. This led him to question the authorities' approach. In 1973, he founded the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), which has become a leading UFO organization. Hynek states that CUFOS receives 3-4 reports daily, with about 95% having natural explanations, though he believes a more realistic figure for unexplained cases is around 10%. He notes that close-range observations often occur in isolated areas and that the phenomenon exhibits signs of intelligence. Hynek suggests that UFOs might be related to psychic phenomena and represent a shift in our understanding of reality, akin to past scientific revolutions like the acceptance of quantum physics or the heliocentric model.

Giordano Bruno, 1548-1600

This section briefly introduces Giordano Bruno, an Italian philosopher and astronomer whose name was given to a lunar crater. It mentions his controversial ideas about an infinite universe with countless worlds, which contradicted the prevailing geocentric model and led to his condemnation and execution for heresy in 1600. His pantheistic views are noted as influencing later thinkers like Spinoza and Goethe.

Pang i planeten – Månen i gungan (Bang on the Planet – The Moon in a Swing)

This article discusses evidence suggesting the Moon was significantly impacted by a large meteor approximately 800 years ago, creating the Giordano Bruno crater. French researchers Odile Calame and Derral Mulholland have studied lunar vibrations using laser reflectors left by Apollo and Soviet missions. Preliminary measurements indicate the Moon oscillates by eight to ten meters over three years. The article suggests that the debris from the 1178 impact, which was observed from Earth, might have been analyzed from lunar samples returned by the Soviet Luna 24 probe, potentially providing further evidence for this event.

Bermuda än en gång... (Bermuda Once Again...)

This short piece touches upon the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle and mentions rumors that author Charles Berlitz may have disappeared in the area. It notes that Berlitz was reportedly well in January 1978 and was continuing his research into a peculiar pyramid discovered on the seabed in the region, which he believes is connected to the lost continent of Atlantis. The article questions whether this pyramid could be related to the electromagnetic disturbances often reported in the Bermuda Triangle.

Liv under Mars? (Life Under Mars?)

This brief section reports that while no life has been found on the surface of Mars, some Antarctic researchers believe life may exist beneath the planet's surface. They have discovered micro-vegetation under the surface of porous rocks in areas previously thought to be devoid of life.

GRÄNSLÖSA TANKAR (Boundless Thoughts)

This article delves into the Olbers' paradox, which questions why the night sky is dark if the universe is infinite and filled with stars. It explains that modern cosmology addresses this by suggesting the universe is not infinite, or by referencing the 'Big Bang' theory and Einstein's theory of relativity. The article highlights a potential contradiction in cosmological models: one suggesting an infinite universe with low mass, and another a finite universe with high mass that will eventually contract. It also mentions recent research from China suggesting that distant quasars might indicate a finite universe, challenging the long-held belief in an infinite cosmos. The author suggests that contemplating a finite universe might be a welcome change from the vastness of an infinite one.

Lite om teleskopens historia (A Little About the History of Telescopes)

This section traces the history of the telescope, starting with early conceptual descriptions by Roger Bacon and Leonard Digges. It credits Johan Lippershey with announcing the invention of a telescope in 1608, though Galileo Galilei is often considered its primary popularizer and exploiter. Galilei used telescopes for astronomical observations and published his findings in 'Siderus Nuncius' in 1610. The article clarifies that Galilei used lead tubes and ground lenses, dispelling a myth about him using organ pipes. It concludes by noting the ongoing development of optical telescopes, including plans for space-based instruments, and the increasing importance of radio telescopes.

Officer skriver brev... (Officer Writes a Letter...)

This section contains a letter from a Captain N.N. to Major VonKeviczky, discussing UFOs. The letter, written from Brussels on October 25, 1976, references a NATO officers' conference where the topic of UFOs and their strategic surveillance of Europe and the USA was discussed. The captain states that many officers, including a colonel, agreed with the views presented, suggesting that information about UFOs is being suppressed. The letter then recounts an incident at a NATO base in the Mediterranean where a UFO engaged in a 'firefight' with the base. Rockets fired at the UFO were reportedly dissolved by a laser-like beam emitted from the craft, which was described as a large, disc-shaped object with a dome. A detailed report was submitted to the Pentagon.

POLISER FÖRBLUFFADE UFO FLÖG ÖVER SÖDRA CALIFORNIEN MED 19 200 KM/TIM (Police Astonished: UFO Flew Over Southern California at 19,200 KM/H)

This article reports on multiple UFO sightings in Southern California in March 1978. Two police officers, Ray Davis and Ted Roach, observed a bright, orange-shifting light that accelerated to an extremely high speed and disappeared. They described it as a burning object falling from the sky. Two other officers, Lonnie Hicks and Robert Carr, described two bright lights moving in tandem horizontally. A security guard at March Air Force Base, Guy Wilson, estimated the speed of the objects to be around 19,200 km/h. Another witness, Mark O Hogan, along with his supervisor Paul R. Till, observed orange lights moving at speeds estimated to be at least 3,200 km/h, with one object covering 48 km in 10 seconds.

Vädret på Venus (Weather on Venus)

This short piece mentions that NASA is sending several instrument packages to Venus in 1978 to study its climate and weather. The data gathered is expected to provide insights into factors affecting Earth's weather, which is considered more complex. The article also hints at potential future expeditions to Mars and Jupiter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of GICOFF INFORMATION include the evolving nature of UFO research, the questioning of established theories like the ET hypothesis, and the reporting of specific, often high-speed, UFO sightings. There's a clear emphasis on scientific investigation, critical analysis of evidence, and the potential for UFO phenomena to challenge our understanding of reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging a rigorous approach to the subject while acknowledging the profound implications of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine aims to keep its readers informed about the latest developments in ufology and related scientific fields.

This issue of "UFO OBSERVATIONER" from 1978 focuses on numerous UFO sightings reported across Sweden. The magazine presents a collection of witness testimonies, detailing various aerial phenomena observed during early 1978. The cover features a striking image of a UFO hovering over a Swedish landscape with a police car in the foreground, under the main headline "UFO OBSERVATIONER ÖVER SVERIGE."

Witness Accounts from Across Sweden

The magazine details several specific incidents:

Borås, February 6, 1978 Two individuals driving on the highway towards Gothenburg at 17:05 witnessed a lightning-fast, phosphorescent glare moving south. Approximately two weeks prior, another person in Tullen saw a long, red streak of light in the western sky.

Stora Levene, February 11, 1978 Lars Höglund reported seeing an elongated, flaming red light in the sky around 04:30 while walking his dog. He described it as larger than the brightest stars and moving from north to south. He and his wife observed the object for about 15 minutes before it disappeared. Höglund is certain it was not an airplane or helicopter.

Ås, February 1978 Several people observed a luminous object at night moving over the Jämtland sky. The object was described as umbrella-shaped on top and triangular underneath, disappearing in a south-westerly direction.

Strängnäs, February 17, 1978 A woman in Strängnäs reported seeing a large, gold-shimmering, rotating object resembling a gramophone record over Sundby hospital at 19:00. The object remained stationary and rotated for several minutes before disappearing at high speed. Its size was estimated to be similar to an ordinary car.

Lessebo, February 17, 1978 Shortly after 22:00 on a Friday evening, several people in Lessebo observed a steady, blinking light in the sky east of the town.

Lima, February 18, 1978 On a Saturday evening, people traveling by bus from Lima to Venjan saw a large, bright sphere approaching the bus directly. After stopping the bus, they observed the object for a long time before it turned east and disappeared. A resident of Heden also saw the object.

Ölandsbron, February 19, 1978 At 20:30, two individuals driving from Borgholm to Kalmar, north of Ölandsbron, observed two objects at low altitude. The objects blinked with a very sharp light and circled slowly at different heights. After about 15 minutes, they formed at the same height and disappeared north. No sound was heard. That same evening, a family in Borgholm reported seeing two brightly lit objects of different sizes moving towards the north-northeast.

Rottne, February 20, 1978 Peter Bernesson and Göran Niklasson were driving from Rottne to Växjö around 22:30 when they saw a large, bright sphere about 500 meters ahead. They stopped the car and observed the object approaching them, estimating it to be about 150 meters away at its closest. The object maintained a constant speed for a minute before descending and disappearing into the forest near Helgasjön. They described the object as having a very strong white light, similar to the sun, and one of them heard a faint humming sound.

Munksjö, February 22, 1978 A person observed a football-sized, fiery red sphere descending slowly for about 3 minutes towards the ground before disappearing silently behind an industrial building. The object left a smoke trail and was heading in a south-westerly direction. The witness investigated the presumed landing site but found nothing unusual.

Laino, February 24, 1978 Two women saw something unusual in the sky around 23:00. One witness, Aino Strandelin, initially thought it was someone with a strong spotlight. She then saw the object at treetop height; it was round with an antenna at the front and a fin at the back. The light was so strong it was blinding. The object was visible for a few minutes before disappearing north. Her dog became so frightened it hid under the bed. Another neighbor had seen the same thing.

Further Information and Subscription Offer

The issue includes a section titled "MEDDELANDE" (Message) offering free GICOFF information for 1978 to those who recruit three new annual subscribers. Contact details for Jörgen Karlson are provided.

Article: "FLERA VITTNEN TILL LJUDFÖST UFO" (More Witnesses to Silent UFOs)

This article expands on witness testimonies, including:

• Lars Edler, Bergvik, Gällö: Described an intense, red light from an object at 100-150 meters altitude. The object moved silently, changing altitude with the terrain but maintaining its height. He estimated its apparent size to be between that of the moon and stars and was certain it was not a plane or helicopter.
• Anna Person, Hackås: Ten minutes after Edler's observation, Anna Person and her 15-year-old son witnessed the same mysterious object gliding silently through the air. From their elevated position, they saw a strong light from a round object moving at 100-150 meters altitude towards Östersund. A treeline 600-700 meters away was illuminated as if by a spotlight from the object.
• Inez and Bengt Rehnstedt, Gällö: This couple also observed the phenomenon while driving. They saw a brightly lit cone of light passing at low altitude over Gällö in a north-easterly direction, at airplane speed. They stopped to get a better look and noticed a smaller, also luminous object beneath the main one.
• Åke Olsson, Grönviken: Olsson is convinced that the phenomenon he observed was not a helicopter, airplane, or star.

Norwegian UFO Observations

• Ruud: Reported seeing four pale yellow objects in formation, which changed color to red during course changes. He described one object as cone-shaped underneath, with a circular midsection and a round top. They observed the objects for about 30 minutes before they disappeared at high speed. Ruud expressed feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, stating that the phenomena lacked a natural explanation and were UFOs.
• Per Gjerdalen, Hönefoss: Witnessed three bright, spherical lights that moved after each other. One passed directly over his house, and he observed it through binoculars, noting a reddish hue. Later, he saw five spheres in the southeast sky. He and his wife were certain it was not an airplane.
• Hans Jakob Bergsland: He, his wife, and their 29-year-old son observed spherical objects for about 10 minutes around 20:00. They described the objects' lightning-fast movements and estimated their altitude to be about 1.5 km from Alms skola.
• Odderbö and Ryghseter families: Observed lights for over two hours. Carl Ludvig Odderbö described the lights as very strong, making it impossible to discern details. The objects moved silently, performing vertical and horizontal maneuvers, and sometimes hovered. They estimated the altitude to be about 200 meters when closest. They concluded the phenomena were not airplanes.

The article notes that additional witnesses reported similar observations, characterized by rapid course changes and the absence of sound, with no one believing they were airplanes.

Article: "NÄRKONTAKTER av olika slag..." (Close Encounters of Various Kinds...)

This piece discusses the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," noting its large advertising budget and high production cost. The author questions the reality behind UFO phenomena, contrasting the extensive media coverage of the film with the apparent lack of reporting on significant, real-life UFO landings, such as one on Gran Canaria. The article suggests that newspapers are hesitant to report on credible UFO observations, perhaps fearing they are too "good" or too unusual to be taken seriously, implying a reluctance to inform the public about tangible UFO events compared to fictional portrayals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the prevalence of UFO sightings across Sweden, with a particular emphasis on the silent and unusual nature of these phenomena. The magazine seems to adopt a stance of documenting these events seriously, presenting witness testimonies without immediate skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging the reporting of such events and questioning the media's selective coverage, particularly the contrast between sensationalized fictional accounts and the underreporting of credible, real-world UFO incidents. The publication aims to inform its readers about UFO activity and encourage further investigation and reporting.