GICOFF-Information - 1978 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: GICOFF INFORMATION
Issue: Nr. 3, 1978
Volume: ÅRGÅNG 9
Publisher: GICOFF
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0345-4053

This issue of GICOFF INFORMATION, dated 1978, prominently features a dramatic UFO sighting in the Soviet city of Petrozavodsk, accompanied by a striking cover illustration. The magazine covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, space technology, and scientific inquiry, reflecting a growing interest in these subjects.

Jätte-UFO lyste upp Panik i rysk stad (Giant UFO illuminated a Russian city, causing panic)

The lead story details a remarkable event that occurred on a September morning in 1977 in Petrozavodsk, Soviet Union. Hundreds of people were alarmed by a massive, jellyfish-like object that hovered over the city for twelve minutes. The UFO emitted fine, golden light beams that reportedly made holes in window panes and pavement, causing panic among residents who feared it was the start of World War III or a nuclear attack. A scientific investigation was launched by the Soviet government, which then suppressed the details of the incident. The report draws on information from sources like the National Enquirer and a Russian scientist.

Key Witnesses and Details:

• Date: September 20, 1977, around 04:00.
• Location: Petrozavodsk, Soviet Union.
• Object Description: Large, jellyfish-like, approximately 100 meters in size.
• Phenomena: Emitted golden light beams that caused physical damage; bathed the city in light for 12 minutes.
• Reactions: Widespread fear, some believed it was a nuclear attack.
• Investigation: A special commission was formed by the Soviet Academy of Sciences. Reports confirmed holes in windows and pavement. Alexander Kazentsev, a ufologist, noted witness reports from a doctor, his assistant, and an ambulance driver whose vehicle stalled.
• Official Response: The government forbade publication of findings from the research group.
• Further Reports: TASS correspondent Nicolai Milov interviewed witnesses, confirming the object's shape and size. Window fragments were sent to Moscow for examination. Yuri Gromov, head of the meteorological station, described the object emitting thin, shimmering light beams and a smaller object detaching. Vladimir G Azhazha suggested it was either a craft with an intelligent crew or an energy field.
• Additional Information: The article notes that four color photos were taken of the UFO over Petrozavodsk, and a smaller 'comma'-shaped object detached from the main craft. Some residents reported perforated window panes.

Pilot förföljer glödande orange UFO (Pilot pursues glowing orange UFO)

This section recounts an incident from October 27, 1977, involving Italian Air Force pilots. Major Francesco Zoppi and Sergeant Corrade Gianella, along with other crew members, observed a glowing orange object with a violet ring while on a helicopter exercise near Cagliari, Sardinia. The object moved erratically, including backwards, and performed a 180-degree turn. The pilots were unable to explain the phenomenon, and their reports were classified by the Italian Ministry of Defence.

NORDISKT UFO-MÖTE I TÖNSBERG (Nordic UFO Meeting in Tönsberg)

This article reports on a meeting of major Nordic UFO organizations (from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden) held in Tönsberg, Norway, on May 13-14, 1978. Organized by Norskt UFO Center (NUFOC), the meeting aimed to foster cooperation and discuss common challenges. Key outcomes included the decision to form "Nordic UFO Groups" as an umbrella organization to coordinate information between Nordic groups and the rest of the world. A new English-language publication, "Nordic UFO Newsletter," was proposed to disseminate information internationally. The meeting emphasized the importance of better UFO investigations and collaboration.

RYMD TEKNIK FORSKNING (Space Technology Research)

Hur ska vi ha det? (How should we be?)

This article discusses current scientific paradigms, particularly cosmology, and suggests that the existing understanding of the universe, based on concepts like the Big Bang, may soon be insufficient. It introduces the ideas of physicist George Ellis, who questions the Big Bang theory and proposes a model of a finite universe with a central 'naked singularity' that absorbs stellar remnants and emits light elements. The article touches upon the concept of redshift as evidence for this model and highlights the limitations of human understanding in grasping the vastness and complexity of the cosmos.

UFO i FN? (UFO at the UN?)

Grenada has again requested that the UN General Assembly address the issue of UFOs. The article recalls Grenada's previous attempt in 1977, which failed to reach a vote. The current ambassador, Francis Redhead, has proposed creating a dedicated UN body to coordinate UFO research. However, some politicians prefer to dismiss UFO sightings as mere 'coincidences' or 'anomalies.' Grenada's Prime Minister, Sir Eric Gairy, has personally advocated for international investigations, criticizing authorities for dismissing or trivializing the phenomenon, which he believes fuels speculation and suspicion.

20 ÅRS RYMDTEKNIK PÅ 2000 KVADRAT (20 Years of Space Technology in 2000 Square Meters)

This piece reviews a large exhibition at the Tekniska museet (Technical Museum) in Stockholm showcasing Soviet space technology. The exhibition, titled "Kosmos - äventyr i rymden" (Cosmos - Adventure in Space), covered the development of Soviet space technology since the launch of Sputnik in 1957. It featured exhibits on communication and weather satellites ('Molnija-2', 'Meteor-2'), research probes ('Prognos-2'), the Vostok spacecraft, the first woman in space (Valentina Tereshkova), lunar missions ('Luna 16', 'Lunokhod-2'), Mars probes ('Mars 4-7'), and Venus landers ('Venus 9', 'Venus 10'). The article also mentions the first experimental space station built from docked Soyuz spacecraft and touches upon future energy sources.

UFO OBSERVATIONER ÖVER SVERIGE (UFO Observations Over Sweden)

This section compiles several recent UFO sighting reports from various locations in Sweden:

• Gävle (March 11, 1978): An anonymous witness reported a slow-moving object shifting between red, white, and green, visible for five minutes.
• Uppsala (March 11, 1978): Three objects flying in a triangular formation at high speed were observed. They emitted a yellow light and appeared round and thick in the middle.
• Grano (March 19, 1978): Fru Olga Andersson saw a fast-moving, multi-colored object that appeared half the size of the moon.
• Hede (March 20, 1978): Seven people witnessed six bright, disc-shaped objects hovering over a marsh. A larger object was seen above the treetops. The objects disappeared westward.
• Blidö (March 20, 1978): Ami Karlsson reported a large, glowing ball-shaped object, yellow on the outside and yellow/blue inside, moving at high speed. The object's light illuminated the ground, and her dog reacted fearfully.
• Långsele (March 23, 1978): A family reported seeing a bright light and the distinct outline of a flying saucer, with colors shifting between green and pink.
• Gajemåla (March 27, 1978): Tommy Olofsson observed three lights in a triangular formation with red, white, and yellow radiation. The lights moved silently and disappeared with a faint whistling sound.

Krigsförklaring mot UFO-tro! (Declaration of War Against Belief in UFOs!)

This article discusses the growing movement among scientists in the USA, organized under the "Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal," to combat what they term 'pseudoscience,' including ufology, astrology, and parapsychology. The committee aims to expose fraudulent claims and seeks support from colleagues worldwide. The article notes that pseudoscientific industries are becoming a major economic force in the US, and that universities are receiving funding for research in these areas, which critics argue is nonsensical.

Nu smäller vi av (Now we're exploding)

This short piece revisits the topic of sonic booms, referencing a previous article. It explains that the loud noises heard by people, previously dismissed as ordinary sonic booms, might be caused by supersonic aircraft like the Concorde. The article notes that Concorde's sonic booms can travel hundreds of miles and cause vibrations detected by seismographs, even when the aircraft is not directly overhead.

INGET TRIANGELMYSTERIUM! (No Triangle Mystery!)

Soviet researchers have concluded that there is no inherent mystery or danger associated with the Bermuda Triangle. A year-long investigation noted ten severe storms with cyclones in the area. The article presents this as a calming, scientific explanation for the disappearances.

Bäva månde underjorden! (Tremble, underworld!)

This brief item refers to a previous report (GICOFF-Information nr 5, 1975) about a deep drilling project near Saatly, Azerbaijan, aiming to reach 15 km depth. It also mentions American researchers planning to drill a 1.6 km deep hole in the seabed to study earthquake patterns using electrical sensors.

Yngst i Vintergatan? (Youngest in the Milky Way?)

Physicist Nils Mustelin proposes that humanity might be the youngest civilization in the Milky Way, suggesting that other advanced civilizations may have overcome existential crises. However, Mustelin believes UFOs are unlikely and contact with humanoids in distant solar systems is improbable, asserting that Earth must wait for contact. He advocates for a more systematic and active listening approach to potential extraterrestrial communication.

Solen svalnar en smula (The Sun cools a little)

Astronomer William Livingston of Kitt Peak Observatory has observed a slight decrease in the Sun's surface temperature since January 1977, a reduction of one-thousandth over a year. This cooling coincides with the rising phase of the Sun's eleven-year sunspot cycle. While such small variations are not expected to significantly impact Earth's climate, scientists note that a 2% temperature drop over 50 years could trigger a new ice age.

Blixt hitåt! (Lightning here!)

This article tells the story of Roy Sullivan, an American who has been struck by lightning seven times between 1942 and 1977 and survived each instance. The article details the circumstances of each strike, highlighting the unusual frequency and the physical effects on Sullivan. Despite his experiences, Sullivan expresses a degree of acceptance and even superstition regarding his 'lucky number' seven.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of GICOFF INFORMATION include detailed reports of UFO sightings, particularly the significant event in Petrozavodsk, and the challenges of scientific investigation and governmental secrecy surrounding such phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on international cooperation among UFO organizations, as evidenced by the report on the Nordic UFO meeting. The magazine also explores broader scientific and philosophical questions, such as the nature of the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, while also covering advancements in space technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging the collection and dissemination of information, and fostering a critical yet curious approach to unexplained events.

This issue of Wermlands Tidningen, dated March 29, 1978, focuses heavily on UFO sightings reported across Sweden in early 1978. It also includes articles on advancements in aerospace technology, specifically the US space shuttle program and fusion energy.

UFO Sightings Across Sweden

The magazine presents a series of detailed accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena observed by various individuals. These reports span different regions of Sweden and describe a variety of objects and events:

• Värmlandsbro, March 29, 1978: Kent Johansson reported seeing a large, fuzzy ball of light, like a 'fireball', moving northwest. The object illuminated the sky and made no sound. After it disappeared, the sky remained red.

• Säffle, March 1978: A younger couple observed an object near a riding school. It had two green and two red lanterns arranged in a cross. The object moved with varying speed, sometimes stopping, and emitted a humming sound. It performed a rapid dive and activated three spotlights.

• Östra Fågelvik, March 30, 1978: Fru Astrid Olsson described a two-meter-long, egg-shaped object hovering over the road. It had internal flames that flickered, and she perceived a swirling motion within. The object then elongated like a balloon before disappearing. The incident was witnessed by her friend as well.

• Bohus, April 7, 1978: Greta Lundgren and her family observed a mysterious object over EKA towards Rödbo. It was described as boat-shaped at times and spherical at others, rotating and changing colors between green and blue. The sighting lasted about ten minutes, and neighbors reported their TV signals disappearing during this time.

• Kavelmora, April 16, 1978: Bo Gustavsson observed a yellow, flaming object moving slowly up and down above the horizon without making any sound. It remained stationary between movements.

• Äppelbo, April 15 and 17, 1978: Signe Halvarsson reported seeing an object 3-4 times larger than the largest stars, shifting in color (blue, red, yellow). It moved erratically, disappearing behind trees and reappearing. The same phenomenon was observed on Monday evening.

• Gärdslösa, April 17, 1978: A woman observed a bright, stationary, disc-shaped object emitting beams of light. The sky behind the object glowed a blue-purple color.

• Ramsjö, April 16, 1978: Five young people saw a brand-yellow light in the sky that followed them before veering off and disappearing over the mountains.

• Skene, May 1, 1978: A man and his son observed a light that moved rapidly, then turned and moved over a bog. They exited their car to observe it, but its contours were unclear. The experience frightened the son.

• Arlöv, April 18, 1978: Per-Ola Björborn and friends saw a small, bright sphere that diminished as it moved away. It then reappeared, flared up, and ascended into the sky.

• Krylbo, May 14, 1978: A woman and her son observed a pink light in the sky behind the railway station, which slowly descended behind a goods shed.

• Karlstad, May 21, 1978: The Larsklint family witnessed a beautiful phenomenon described as a fireball with a diameter of about one meter, surrounded by colorful spikes and a smoke-like tail. It descended behind houses and reappeared.

• Enköping, April 18, 1978: Ann-Louise Jansson observed a grey, cloverleaf-shaped object with red lights around its body. It moved in a circle about 100 meters away, near a three-story building, before disappearing in a northerly arc.

Aerospace Technology and Future Prospects

The issue also delves into technological advancements:

• Fusion Energy: An article discusses the potential of fusion reactors, describing them as a 'tamed form of the hydrogen bomb' capable of providing energy for millions of years with minimal safety risks and waste. It highlights the Russian Tokamak-type reactor and the challenges of achieving the necessary high temperatures and pressures. The potential for recycling all forms of waste is also mentioned.

• Space Shuttle Program: The magazine reports on the US space shuttle 'Enterprise', noting delays in its launch. The initial premiere was planned for March 1979 but was pushed back to September, with further uncertainty. NASA's request for additional funding is mentioned. The shuttle is described as being able to launch like a rocket and land like an airplane, crucial for building large space stations.

• Skylab Satellite: The Skylab satellite is discussed as a potential light phenomenon in 1979 due to its impending fall into the atmosphere. While hoping it would land in the oceans, the lights might be visible from high altitudes. The article notes that Skylab did not have a nuclear reactor, thus posing no radioactive risk. Efforts to adjust its orbit were made, but delays in the space shuttle program might impact its fate. The satellite weighed between 77 and 85 tons and orbited at an altitude of 370-430 km. The article attributes its descent to increased atmospheric density caused by solar activity.

Other Content

• UFO Bibliography: A mention of a bibliography of UFO articles published between 1946 and 1975, available from the 'Arbetsgruppen för ufologi'.

• Advertisements: The issue includes advertisements for UFO-themed T-shirts, a book recommendation ('GICOFF'), and a sale of used UFO books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, presented as factual accounts from witnesses. The magazine also shows an interest in future technological possibilities, particularly in energy and space exploration, while acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties associated with these advancements. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena and a forward-looking perspective on science and technology.