ANNUAL REPORT 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: ANNUAL REPORT 1981
Issue: 1981
Volume: 2
Issue Date: April 15, 1981
Publisher: The UFO Research of Finland
Country: Finland
Language: English
ISSN: 0359-9620
Price: USD 10

This document is the second annual report published by The UFO Research of Finland, serving as an English-language publication to make Finnish UFO events and research accessible to an international audience. It is based on the Finnish-language quarterly publication, Neljännesvuosiraportti.

Editorial and Publication Details

The report is edited by Lasse Ahonen, with translation and editorial board members including Ilkka Serra, Gösta Malm, Kalevi Pusa, Olavi Kiviniemi, and Kari A. Kuure. The organization was founded in 1973 and is located in Kylämä, Finland. The intended publication date for forthcoming issues is April 15, with air-mailing to subscribers. The organization also publishes a Finnish-language quarterly report for researcher members and contributes to the press.

UFOs and the Press

The Finnish press frequently covers UFOs, often drawing from international news agencies. Atmospheric events and natural phenomena are common explanations offered in the media. The UFO Research of Finland monitors press coverage, noting that in 1981, 174 newspaper articles, 50 periodical articles, and 8 radio or TV programs touched upon UFOs. The association's quarterly report is often a source for these news items.

Collection and Treatment of Field Data

The organization maintains a network of approximately 70 researchers across Finland to collect first-hand data on UFO observations. An average of 50 reports are received annually. These reports are classified into three categories:

1. Unexplained observations: Cases with detailed information where natural causes are practically excluded.
2. Insufficient information: Cases where details are scarce, preventing a definitive cause.
3. Explained observations: Cases where a natural source (astronomical, meteorological, technological) is identified, or a hoax is disclosed.

Case Reports and Observations (1974-1981)

The report details numerous specific sightings and phenomena, often with classifications indicating the level of certainty or explanation:

• 1974 (Suolikasjärvi, Vihti): Three girls observed a soundless, bright, oval-shaped light approaching them over an ice-covered lake. Classification: 3.
• 1976 (Vantaa): Two observers reported a light phenomenon resembling a jet plane with a burning engine, which later split and flew at jet plane speed at an altitude of 500-700 meters. This was identified as a Baltic bolide with typical estimation faults. Classification: 3.
• 1978 (Kuopio, Kelloniemi): A man observed a bright metallic object with distinct contours, possibly a gliding plane with a dome, which moved and disappeared at high speed. Airport radar showed no unusual activity. The object was likely an airplane. Classification: 3.
• 1979 (Hanko, Bengtskär): Two men observed a bright point of light moving at an even speed for 2-3 minutes. Possible explanations include a satellite or an airplane. Classification: 2 (indefinite).
• 1980 (Karstula, Vastinki): A man sighted a light moving faster than an airplane, changing direction before disappearing. It could have been a meteor. Classification: 2.
• 1980 (Varpasalo, Räkkylä): A bright light flashed twice, followed by a hovering ball-like light. Later, a similar phenomenon was observed, accompanied by electrical disturbances in a cow-barn. The cause remains uncertain, with possibilities including Saint Elmo's fires or UFOs. Classification: 2.
• 1980 (Espoo, Suvela): An observer photographed a rainbow-phenomenon resembling a ball, which later became brighter and distinctly ball-shaped before fading. This was identified as a halo-phenomenon or sun-dog. Classification: 3.
• 1980 (Northern-Finland): A column of fire was observed, later identified as a meteorological observation rocket from Archangelsk. Classification: 3.
• 1980 (Iisalmi, Pöllösenlahti): A point of light was observed moving and ascending, turning indistinct. It could have been a New Year rocket. Classification: 2.
• 1981 (Loimaa): Many observers reported an intensive, soundless light phenomenon moving at low altitude, possibly an airplane. Turku airport had no information. It could have been a meteor or a Soviet rocket. Classification: 2.
• 1981 (Kittilä): An observer saw a small object with an arrow of light behind it, causing a strong noise. It was presumed to be an air force airplane. Classification: 3.
• 1981 (Halikko): Two observers saw a bright ball of fire, larger than usual, moving from left to right. This was considered a typical, though bright, meteor observation. Classification: 3.
• 1981 (Kuopio): An amateur astronomer observed an oval-shaped, dimmed disk moving slowly and vanishing behind the horizon. It was also seen through binoculars. The observation is considered unexplainable as an extra-paradigm event. Classification: 1.
• 1981 (Pyhäselkä): Two fishermen sighted a strange flashing light phenomenon hovering motionless, weakening and brightening. No sound was heard. Data is insufficient for a definitive explanation. Classification: 2.
• 1981 (Southern and Central Finland): A large fire-throwing light phenomenon was observed over extensive regions, leaving a smoke trail. It was identified as a rocket launched by the Soviet Union from Plesetsky. Classification: 3.
• 1981 (Helsinki): A photograph taken on the shore showed a disk-shaped dark object. Examination of the negative revealed a sharp ring-shaped sector, attributed to a construction fault in the photographic emulsion. Classification: 3.
• 1981 (Pielisjärvi): Two men in a boat reported a dark spot and four lights, with one light approaching them, causing them to lose consciousness. They awoke later to find themselves in the boat, with the light and spot gone. They experienced physical after-effects. A light phenomenon resembling a meteor was also observed. The event is described as complicated. Classification: 2.
• 1981 (Nurmijärvi): Three circular impressions with burned grass bottoms were found in a court lawn. No natural explanation was found. Classification: 2.
• 1981 (Iisalmi): Light phenomena resembling moon crescents with red central parts were observed twice, moving and ascending. Classification: 2.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report consistently attempts to classify sightings based on available data, leaning towards natural explanations (meteors, rockets, atmospheric phenomena, aircraft) when possible. However, it also acknowledges and documents cases that remain unexplained or are considered 'extra-paradigm events'. The organization's stance is one of diligent research and data collection, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of UFO-related activity in Finland. The editorial emphasizes making this information accessible to a global audience and encourages reader feedback.

This issue of UFO-Finland, published in 1981, details numerous reports of unidentified aerial phenomena, meteors, and rocket launches observed across Finland. The publication focuses on documenting these events, providing dates, locations, witness accounts, and potential explanations, often citing newspaper sources and official investigations.

Reported Phenomena and Sightings

The magazine presents a chronological log of sightings throughout 1981:

• September 16, 1981 (Joensuu): A light was observed moving north for over a minute, possibly a satellite.
• September 18, 1981 (Kuopio): White pieces were seen moving outside a window, later explained as parts of an air-foam extinguisher from a training exercise.
• September 29, 1981 (Muurame): A pulsating light flew from east to west for a few seconds, likely a meteor.
• September 30, 1981 (Heinola, Kausa village): A circular hole, about 70 cm in diameter with sharp edges, was discovered in a grain field. The pit contained water, and roots were cut off at the edges. The geological institution of Helsinki University suggested a meteor as a possible cause. Investigations indicated the hole was very deep, with something hard felt at about 4 meters.
• October 11, 1981 (Kalkku, Tampere): A bright, smoking, and wobbling phenomenon was observed, concluded to be a meteor.
• October 12, 1981 (Harjavalta): A bright ball of fire was seen disappearing behind a forest, likely a meteor.
• October 14, 1981 (Vaala): A bright light with a tail was visible in the northern sky for about 10 minutes, identified as a Soviet rocket launch.
• October 18, 1981 (Ostrobothnia): A bluish meteor was sighted in various locations, lighting up the landscape.
• November 27, 1981 (Northern Finland): The launch of a booster-rocket was observed, appearing as a bright ball with a bluish tail.
• December 7, 1981 (Vieremä, Hankasalmi, Uurainen, Jyväskylä): A bright greenish ball of fire was seen falling, initially mistaken for an airplane but ruled out.
• December 10, 1981 (Piikkiö): Two men saw a bright ball of light above treetops, which moved and disappeared; conclusions were scarce.
• December 14, 1981 (Valkeakoski): A bright white ball of fire was observed descending slightly above factory funnels, identified as the planet Venus.
• November-December 1981 (Helsinki): Two school pupils reported a bright ball of light performing zig-zag movements for about 20 minutes, also attributed to the planet Venus.
• December 16, 1981 (Northern Finland): A red column of light was observed throughout northern Finland for about 20 minutes, likely from a research rocket exploding and releasing chemicals.
• December 22, 1981 (Northern Finland): The launch of a booster-rocket from Plesetsky was observed, appearing as a bright ball of light with a bluish-greenish cloud, resembling Aurora Borealis lights in some areas.

Professor Nusimovici's Lecture on UFOs

Professor Michel Nusimovici, a physics professor from the University of Rennes, visited Finland and gave a lecture at the Cercle Francais in Turku on October 16, 1981. He discussed the history, statistics, and current state of UFO research. Nusimovici's notable quote was: "UFO's exist but flying saucers don't. There is life elsewhere, but the chance of getting visitors from outer space is very slim due to interstellar distances." He also mentioned the work of GEPAN, stating that 25% of cases studied by the organization remain unsolved.

Pekka Teerikorpi Becomes Doctor

On December 22, 1981, Pekka Teerikorpi, co-author of "Ufojen arvoitus," successfully defended his doctoral thesis on the Hubble law at the University of Turku. His thesis focused on selection effects and galactic absorption. The report notes that the Milky Way is falling towards the Virgo group of galaxies at 400 km per second, and that Teerikorpi has solved several astronomical problems without shortcuts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently attempts to provide rational explanations for the reported phenomena, often classifying them as meteors, rockets, satellites, or planetary observations (like Venus). However, the very act of reporting these events under the banner of UFO research implies an ongoing interest in the unexplained. The detailed accounts of the grain field hole and Professor Nusimovici's lecture suggest an editorial stance that acknowledges the possibility of genuine mysteries while also valuing scientific investigation and explanation. The classification system (e.g., Classification: 3) likely indicates a degree of certainty or plausibility assigned to the explanations provided.