UFO Information - 1979 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Information, dated NR 3 1979, is a Swedish publication focusing on unidentified flying objects. It features a cover headline of "UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS" and includes an article about UFO researcher Todd Zechel's efforts to uncover CIA involvement in UFO phenomena. The magazine is published by UFO-Sverige and has an ISSN of 0346-3540.

Key Articles and Content

CIA's Evidence of UFOs

The lead article, "Ett slag i ansiktet på skeptikerna: CIA har bevisen... UFO-fenomenen existerar!" (A Blow to the Skeptics: CIA Has the Evidence... UFO Phenomena Exist!), reports on the claims of former NSA agent Ted Zachary. Zachary alleges that the CIA has evidence of UFOs and that the agency has been actively involved in collecting, analyzing, and registering UFO data since 1948. The article highlights how UFO organizations, using the Freedom of Information Act, have forced the CIA to release documents. These documents reportedly detail numerous encounters between American aircraft and unidentified flying objects, suggesting they originate from another planet and are on reconnaissance missions.

FBI's Engagement in UFO Matters

Another significant section, "FBI:s engagemang i UFO-frågan" (The FBI's Engagement in the UFO Question), details the FBI's historical involvement in UFO investigations. It draws from research by Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, who obtained thousands of pages of FBI documents. The article reveals that the FBI was officially involved from July to October 1947, with Hoover instructing agents to investigate UFO observations. However, the FBI's role shifted, and they eventually transferred their investigations to the Air Force. The documents suggest internal conflicts and a desire by the FBI to distance itself from UFO matters, particularly after 1955, with a notable halt in their UFO documentation around the 1964 Zamora incident.

Historical Incidents and Investigations

The issue also revisits specific UFO incidents. The Deerwood Nike Base incident in Maryland (September 29, 1957) is mentioned, where ground personnel allegedly fired at a UFO. The case of two retired colonels testifying about retrieving alien bodies from a crashed UFO near the US-Mexican border in May 1954 is also recounted. A detailed account of the 1976 incident over Tehran, where Iranian F4 Phantom jets encountered a UFO that disabled their electronic weapons systems, is presented. This incident is highlighted as a significant event that forced the US Department of Defense to study UFOs, despite their official stance that investigations concluded in 1969.

UFO-Sverige's Activities and Publications

The magazine also provides information about UFO-Sverige, the Swedish organization for UFO enthusiasts. It details their support fund ("UFO-Sveriges stödfond") and their publication, "UFO-Information," which is described as a journal for current UFO events and knowledge. The editorial section discusses the upcoming "Handlingsprogram" (Action Program), a 48-page publication offering tips for field researchers and information on UFO-Sverige's goals. The editorial also addresses the irregular publishing schedule of the magazine due to its volunteer-based nature and mentions receiving threatening letters from readers impatient for issues.

International UFO Activity

Reports from abroad are also featured, including a mention of a "bright underwater object in Torshällaån" and UFO sightings over California and in the vicinity of Kelly-Hopkinsville. A significant claim is made about the Tunguska explosion in 1908 being caused by a spaceship, attributed to a Russian scientist. The issue also touches upon ancient flying technology being researched by a German student.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly suggests a government cover-up of UFO phenomena, particularly by the CIA and FBI. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for transparency and the release of information, supporting the idea that UFOs are real and that governments possess knowledge they are not sharing with the public. The magazine aims to inform its readers about UFO events, research, and the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind these phenomena, often highlighting the perceived skepticism and obstruction from official channels. The publication relies on volunteer efforts and emphasizes the importance of UFO research as a means to understand potential extraterrestrial presence.

This issue of the Swedish UFO magazine, identified as Vol. 3, No. 3, 1978, features a prominent cover story detailing a primary report on an attempted shooting of a UFO over Teheran in 1976. The magazine also includes articles on underwater UFO sightings, a California UFO encounter, a formation flight over Sweden, and the controversial Kelly-Hopkinsville humanoid case. The publication appears to be a compilation of translated reports and original articles, with a focus on detailed case studies and investigations within the UFO phenomenon.

Primary Report: UFO Incident Over Teheran, 1976

The lead article presents a telegram report addressed to Colonel Frank B. McKenzie of the USAF/DA2, concerning a UFO observation and an attempted shooting incident in Iran on September 19, 1976. This report was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by ufologist Colman S. Keviczky. The incident began around 12:30 AM when residents of Shehiran, Teheran, reported strange aerial objects, some described as helicopters with lights. Airport control confirmed no helicopters were airborne at the time. The duty officer initially dismissed the sightings as stars, but upon personal observation, saw a much larger and brighter star-like object. An F-4 Phantom jet was scrambled from Shanrokhiflygbasen to investigate.

At approximately 00:30 AM on September 19, an F-4 took off and headed towards a point 75 kilometers north of Teheran. The object was easily visible at a distance of 130 km due to its brightness. As the F-4 approached within 46 km, all instruments and the UHF radio with intercom failed. The pilot aborted the pursuit and returned to base. Upon moving away from the object, the instruments and radio resumed normal function.

A second F-4 took off at 01:40 AM and established radar contact at about 50 km. The object was described as having a radar echo comparable to a Boeing 707 tanker. Its visual size was difficult to determine due to its intense light, which resembled strobe lights but formed a rectangular shape with alternating blue-green, red, and orange colors. The light shifts were rapid, showing all colors simultaneously.

As the F-4 pursued, another, smaller, brighter object emerged from the first and headed directly towards the jet. The pilot prepared to fire an AIM-9 missile, but the weapon control panel malfunctioned. Simultaneously, UHF radio and intercom failed again. The pilot executed an evasive maneuver, and the second object appeared to descend like a falling leaf. The second object was then enveloped by the first. Shortly after, a third object emerged and flew towards the first.

The pilot regained control of weapons and radio and observed the object descending rapidly towards the ground, about 2-3 km away, emitting a bright light. The F-4 descended to 15,000 feet to observe. The pilot had difficulty regaining night vision and circled the base before landing. During the flight, strong radio interference was noted, particularly when passing a magnetic bearing of 150 degrees from Ehrabad, causing radio compass and intercom failures. The INS compass also varied significantly.

A civilian aircraft reported radio failure in the same area but saw no object. As the F-4 approached for landing, another cylindrical object with a T-shaped end and flashing lights was observed. Air traffic control did not initially detect it but later spotted it between mountains and a refinery.

The following day, the F-4 crew returned by helicopter to the area where the object had reportedly landed. No traces were found on the dry lake bed, but a beeping sound was detected by a search receiver. The investigation noted that the area where the helicopter and object were thought to have landed would be checked with radiation meters. Further information was promised.

Underwater Objects in Torshälla

This section, authored by Stig Aggestad, describes an event on the evening of October 11, 1978, in Torshälla, Sweden. An 11-year-old boy named Ove reported seeing 18 to 20 luminous spherical objects moving underwater in the Torshällaån river around 7:35 PM. The objects moved away from the boy towards Lake Mälaren in a formation of two rows. One object remained near the shore. It was described as being the size of a football, emitting a bright white light that intensified when it briefly rose above the water. Ove heard a faint hissing sound. He threw a stone at it, causing it to move slightly. He then returned with four friends, and later his father, who also witnessed the object. When the father threw a stone, the object shot away towards Lake Mälaren. The event left the father bewildered.

The article notes that the local newspaper 'Folket' initially hesitated to send a photographer due to the witness being an 11-year-old boy. However, after an adult confirmed the sighting, the newspaper became more involved. The phenomenon is classified as a USO (Unidentified Submarine Object).

UFO Over a Farm in California

This article details a UFO sighting by Bill Pecha, a 39-year-old machine mechanic, on a late evening in September 1976 in California. The event coincided with a widespread power outage. Pecha experienced a static electricity effect, causing his hair to stand on end. He then observed a large, circular craft, approximately 15 meters in diameter, hovering about 15 meters above his house. The sky was clear, and the full moon illuminated the craft. The electrostatic phenomenon persisted.

Pecha described the craft as having no rivets or seams. It featured a central dome with vertically ribbed sections and a slightly pointed top, resting on two curved base sections. The upper part appeared to be made of porous slag, dark gray or matte silver, while the lower part resembled porcelain. The outer edge, rotating clockwise, looked like stainless steel. The craft had a smaller rotating section at the bottom.

Six dangling cables with frayed ends, about 1.80-2.40 meters long, hung from the craft's bottom. Three on the left varied in length, aligning with the slope of a barn roof. These cables were estimated to be 5-7.5 cm in diameter. The rotating section enclosed a large, dull gray light source. Pecha perceived the two main sections rotating in opposite directions, possibly an optical illusion caused by the lighting.

As the craft moved away over a neighboring farm, these appendages were retracted. Pecha estimated the craft's diameter to be 40-45 meters. He noted two hook-like arms on the underside that retracted, and small side lights emitting a blue-white beam.

Later, the large UFO was observed over a neighboring farm and hangar, illuminating the area intensely. Two smaller UFOs, about half the size of the first, were seen hovering directly over 500 KVA high-voltage power lines. They emitted powerful white light beams with a blue pulsating core, causing the power lines to glow red. Pecha and his wife witnessed this, and it is suggested that these UFOs may have caused a power outage.

The large UFO then rapidly moved towards hills 28-30 km to the west, reaching them in 2-3 seconds. It illuminated the hilltops before returning at the same speed and hovering over the farm again.

Pecha became increasingly nervous and feared for his family's safety. As he was preparing to flee, the two UFOs over the power lines shot away. He then drove his family away in his truck. The local power company confirmed a power outage of an unspecified nature, possibly due to a transformer 'melting'. Two other individuals reported seeing the objects at a distance of 1.5-3 km. Investigation of the area revealed scorched leaves and partially burnt trees, particularly near the house. A pear tree was lightly burned, and a lilac bush had not bloomed as expected. Dogs in the area barked and howled unusually during the sighting.

Bill Pecha is described as an outdoorsman with a sharp mind and photographic memory, not prone to exaggeration.

Three UFOs in Formation Flight Over Mellansel

This article recounts an observation on Saturday, December 9, 1967, when three peculiar objects flew into Mellansel, Sweden, from the northwest and disappeared eastward towards Örnsköldsvik. Herr Julius Söderberg and a companion observed a bright light in the northwest, which they initially mistook for the Northern Lights. The light approached at a low altitude, exhibiting multiple colors and appearing to be burning.

As the objects neared, they were identified as three distinct craft flying in formation, spaced closely together, resembling 'railway carriages'. They flew at a constant altitude, estimated to be no higher than 1,000 meters, and appeared to be following the Moälven river. The objects were estimated to be about 50 meters in diameter, with a tube-like structure on top emitting an intense green light that illuminated the entire area. No sound was detected.

The witness described the formation as majestic and the light as incredibly sharp, preventing detailed observation of the craft themselves. The objects eventually disappeared over the horizon.

The article also mentions a similar experience reported in Jakobstad, Finland, and a newspaper notice in Dagens Nyheter about three unidentified flying objects entering Sundsvall and being observed in Strömsund. The author suggests these might be the same craft observed in Mellansel.

Are There Really 'Men in Black'?

This section discusses the phenomenon of 'Men in Black' (MIB), individuals who allegedly visit UFO witnesses to silence them. The article notes that while some serious UFO researchers have dismissed these reports, they persist, with origins dating back to 1950. Two well-documented cases are cited: one in Damon, Texas, in 1965, where two police officers were warned by mysterious strangers after a close encounter, and another in Minot, North Dakota, following an alleged shooting of a 'ufonaut'.

MIB are described as having 'somewhat oriental' features and possessing 'in-depth' knowledge about UFO activities, often beyond what is publicly available. They have sometimes appeared as military officers, leading the Pentagon to issue a directive to military personnel to report any individuals claiming to be from the Air Force and threatening UFO witnesses.

The article suggests that many MIB episodes might be hoaxes or paranoia, possibly involving government agents, given recent revelations about CIA involvement in UFO research. However, the core MIB phenomenon seems intrinsically linked to the UFO phenomenon itself. The fear induced by MIB visits makes research difficult, leading to sensationalism rather than serious study. The article recommends John A. Keel's 'The Mothman Prophecies' for further reading on the subject.

The Kelly-Hopkinsville Case Documented

This article provides a detailed account of the Kelly-Hopkinsville case, considered one of the most famous and credible CE III (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) incidents. It occurred on August 21-22, 1955, near Kelly, Kentucky, USA. The event involved multiple witnesses, including the Sutton family and their friends.

Billy Ray Taylor reported seeing a brightly lit flying saucer with a rainbow-colored tail descend into a ravine on the Sutton farm. Initially dismissed by Lucky Sutton as a meteor, the situation escalated when the family's dogs began barking violently. The witnesses then observed a luminous, meter-long creature with a large, round head and glowing yellow eyes. Its arms were long, reaching the ground, and ended in bird-like hands. The creature's hands were raised as if holding something above its head.

When the men retrieved firearms, they fired at the creatures. One creature was hit and ran off. Another was seen in a window and shot through the glass, again without apparent effect. A creature on the roof was shot, and another in a tree was also fired upon, but the creatures seemed impervious to the bullets, with only a metallic 'clang' sound heard upon impact. The creatures moved with an unusual 'hip-like' gait and could hover.

Mrs. Lankford, the mother, intervened, stopping the shooting. The creatures continued to appear throughout the night, peering into the house, but did not act aggressively, seeming only curious. The last creature was seen about half an hour before dawn.

Police and a photographer investigated the following morning but found no physical evidence. The case gained significant media attention. Skeptics questioned the witnesses' credibility, noting some had a 'low social status' and one had worked in a circus. However, the article points out that the witnesses were primarily unsophisticated farmers with no apparent motive to fabricate the story. The lack of physical evidence, such as footprints or blood, is noted. The article mentions that a circus tent was pitched nearby, and a monkey had escaped, but dismisses this as a solution. The Kelly-Hopkinsville case remains an unexplained CE III incident.

UFOs Resulted in Expanded Consciousness

This section briefly touches upon reports of witnesses experiencing altered psychological and intellectual states after UFO encounters. It suggests that such transformations, while rare, offer a 'sympathetic connection' and 'explanation' for the UFO phenomenon, though some find it too fantastical. The article mentions the experience of senor Ventura Maceiras from Argentina as an example, published in 'Flying Saucer Review'.

On the evening of December 30, 1972, Maceiras was sitting by a fire when his radio suddenly cut out. He then heard a loud buzzing sound and saw a bright light illuminating the area. Inside the light was a large object, estimated to be 20-25 meters in diameter, with a spherical cabin and two small windows.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents detailed accounts of UFO sightings and encounters, often featuring witness testimonies, investigative reports, and analysis. There is a clear interest in military involvement and the potential for electronic interference caused by UFOs. The articles often highlight the unexplained nature of these phenomena, with a focus on cases that are well-documented or particularly unusual, such as the Teheran incident, the underwater objects, and the humanoid encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and witness accounts for the reader to consider, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and the challenges of research in this field. The inclusion of 'Men in Black' and the potential for expanded consciousness after encounters suggests an exploration of the more esoteric aspects of ufology.

This issue of UFO magazine, published in 1979, focuses on a variety of topics related to unidentified flying objects and extraterrestrial phenomena. It features articles on a specific UFO encounter in Argentina, the enduring mystery of the Tunguska event, ancient Indian texts describing flying machines, and the state of ufology in the Soviet Union and Sweden.

The Maceiras Case: A Contactee's Transformation

The issue details the extraordinary experience of an Argentinian man named Maceiras, who, after a UFO encounter on December 30, 1972, underwent a profound transformation. Initially, he suffered from various physical ailments, including headaches, diarrhea, and hair loss. However, over time, his condition improved, and he began to exhibit an unprecedented expansion of his consciousness. Despite being illiterate, Maceiras started discussing complex philosophical, theological, and astronomical subjects, demonstrating an ability to perform rapid calculations and discuss interstellar concepts. He also developed a deep religious sense and an artistic talent, sculpting a model of the craft he encountered. The report, citing UFO researcher Pedro Romaniuk, emphasizes that Maceiras's newfound knowledge was entirely inconsistent with his previous life, leading to speculation about the nature of his experience.

The Tunguska Event: A Soviet Professor's Theory

Felix Ziegel, a professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute, is presented as asserting that the 1908 Tunguska explosion, which devastated a vast area of Siberia, was caused by an extraterrestrial spacecraft. Ziegel dismisses natural explanations like meteorites, suggesting the object made a complex maneuver before crashing. His theory is supported by the discovery of unusual elements such as zinc, bromine, and lead, which are not typically found in meteorites but are common in artificial structures. The article also mentions findings from a 1977 expedition led by scientist Alexej Zolotov, who noted plant and insect mutations indicating a biophysical change in the local flora and fauna. Despite Ziegel's theory, another Soviet scientist, Vitalij Bronsten, proposes that a comet explosion is the more plausible explanation.

Ancient Indian Texts and Vimanas

Another significant section explores ancient Indian texts that allegedly describe advanced flying technology. German student Lutz Gentes from Frankfurt is researching Sanskrit scriptures, particularly the Mahabharata and Ramayana, which contain numerous accounts of 'Vimanas' – flying machines or spacecraft piloted by beings from other planets. The Samarangan Sutradhara is highlighted as a comprehensive encyclopedia of ancient natural history that includes descriptions of these flying machines and their principles of construction. The text also mentions details about Vimana weaponry, including devastating bombs, gas, and sonic weapons. The article notes that Gentes's research is being published as a supplement to the MUFON-CES annual report.

UFOlogy in the Soviet Union and Sweden

The magazine touches upon the interest in UFOs within the Soviet Union, describing secret lectures and underground publications ('Samizdat') where enthusiasts exchange information. It notes that the communist newspaper 'Komsomolskaja Pravda' has dismissed UFO interest as superstitious. Professor Ziegel is mentioned as having given a forbidden lecture in 1977, claiming that 300 UFOs had been sighted in the USSR, including instances of UFOs hovering for extended periods and affecting traffic.

In Sweden, the Köping UFO Association is organizing a field researcher training course and a repetition exercise. They are also offering UFO exhibition material for rent. The magazine also announces the return of the successful 'UFO-EXPO' exhibition in Köping, which will run for four months at the Köping Museum, featuring new exhibits and a 45-minute film.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently presents a stance that supports the investigation of UFO phenomena as potentially real and significant. It highlights extraordinary claims, such as the Maceiras case and Ziegel's Tunguska theory, and gives credence to ancient texts that suggest advanced aerial technology existed in antiquity. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating information and theories that challenge conventional scientific explanations, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial influence and advanced ancient civilizations. The editorial tone is one of open inquiry into these often controversial subjects.