UFO Research of Finland Annual Report 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: ANNUAL REPORT
Issue Date: 1985
Publisher: The UFO Research of Finland
Country: Finland
Language: English
ISSN: 0359-9620

This document is the 1985 Annual Report from The UFO Research of Finland, an organization founded in 1973. It serves as the English publication to be sent to publication exchange affiliates. The report aims to make Finnish UFO events and research more accessible to an international audience.

Editorial Information and Publications

The Editor in Chief is Lasse Ahonen, with Ilkka Serra and Heikki Virtanen serving on the Board of Editors, alongside Kari A. Kuure. The publication can be ordered from their address in Kylämä, Finland, with a subscription fee of USD 10, or accepted as an exchange publication. Issues are typically published in spring, and occasionally may combine two years. Airmail delivery is provided to subscribers. In addition to the Annual Report, the organization publishes a Finnish-language "Neljännesvuosiraportti" (Quarterly Report) for its members and the press. Occasional releases are also issued specifically for the press. Copyright is held by The UFO Research of Finland, with permission granted for quoting provided credit is given.

Preface

The preface explains that this English publication is a condensed translation based on the Finnish membership publication, replacing a previous translation that served as an exchange publication. The goal is to provide more detailed analyses of space-related phenomena, including UFOs, rocket launches, bolides, and halos, as well as to describe the media's attitude towards UFO research. The organization encourages readers to share their opinions and request further information.

Collection and Treatment of Field Data

The UFO Research of Finland has established a nationwide researcher network, supported by approximately 70 members and several independent contributors, to gather firsthand data. They receive about 50 reports annually. These reports are classified into three groups:

1. Unexplained observations (UFOs as defined): Cases with detailed information where natural causes are practically excluded. These are studied thoroughly.
2. Insufficient information: Cases where details are insufficient to determine the cause, despite attempts to gather more information. This is the largest category, and investigations continue if possible.
3. Explained observations: Cases where a natural source, such as astronomical, meteorological, or technological phenomena, is identified, or where a hoax is disclosed.

The organization's address has been mentioned in periodicals like "Ultra" and "Tähdet ja Avaruus" (Stars and Space), and their activities have been described in books with data-collecting instructions.

1985: An Interesting Year

In 1985, The UFO Research of Finland studied six new sighting reports. Two cases were explained as an airplane and a meteor shower, respectively. Three cases had insufficient information for classification, and one case involving a column of light remained unexplained. The Finnish press published approximately 220 UFO-related articles, a 37% increase from the previous year. The chairman, Ilkka Serra, was interviewed on national radio and television. The report also mentions uncovering older cases dating back to 1898, 1917, and 1943.

Strange Light Phenomenon Observed at Saarijärvi

On Monday, July 29, 1985, at approximately 10:30 PM, Olavi Schroderus and Erkki Nieminen were at Erkki's summer cottage near Mahlu, Saarijärvi, Finland. While moving a car, Schroderus noticed a reddish, strangely sparkling light spot on the ground, about 0.5 meters in diameter, approximately 16 meters away. Upon closer inspection, the light appeared to be descending in tapelike sections from an altitude of about 3 meters. Schroderus approached the light, which he could not feel or sense any warmth from, despite its brightness. He described it as a bandlike stream that clung to his hands, sparkling without weight or heat. The light eventually vanished from his fingers after about 30 seconds. An investigation of the area the next morning revealed no trace of the phenomenon. Professors consulted suggested possibilities like fireflies or luminous bacteria, but these were deemed unsatisfactory explanations.

Lasse Ahonen of The UFO Research of Finland visited the site on August 10, 1985. The initial observation was of a reddish light spot, about 50 cm in diameter and 2-3 cm thick. Upon approaching, a light pillar about 3 meters high was visible, ending at that height. The light on the ground was dense but not dazzling. The phenomenon was observed during cloudy, dark, and windless conditions with a temperature of about 10°C. The cause remains unexplained, and it is unlikely to be an electric phenomenon due to the lack of power lines in the vicinity.

Humanoids or Balloonists at Lumivaara in 1898

This section recounts a story from Lumivaara, Finland, where a 10-year-old girl named Riitta Nukarinen saw an object resembling a balloon above the treetops with people inside, connected by a rope to a treetop. This case is noted as potentially related to the 1890s airship wave in California.

Finland's First Abduction Case at Kurkijoki in 1917

A 44-year-old woman, Anni Lattu (1873-1930), reported seeing a saucer-shaped object land near her home in Kurkijoki in 1917. Small, humanlike creatures descended from the saucer via a ladder. Anni was taken aboard the craft, where the leader communicated telepathically with her. The saucer reportedly traveled to various parts of the world and briefly ascended into outer space. Anni found the interior warm and the seats comfortable. She refused the creatures' offer to stay with them and was returned home. Anni Lattu was also known in her community for her clairvoyant and palmist abilities.

A UFO Landing at Kurkijoki in 1943

During the war years, two girls picking lingon berries near Kurkijoki encountered a grey, lumpy object, approximately 1-meter high and 1.5-meter long, on a dirt road. The object moved slowly forward for about 10 minutes before disappearing into the bushes. The girls were amazed and did not pursue it further due to concerns about enemy soldiers.

Ghost Rocket Anniversary

1986 marks the 40th anniversary of the ghost rocket sightings in Finland and Sweden. Despite extensive studies, these cases remain unsolved. Sweden alone recorded 997 cases, including 225 daylight sightings. Military documents indicate that these were not Russian test rockets, making this year an opportune time to re-examine the documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, historical UFO cases, and the organization's methodology for investigating and classifying such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, aiming to provide detailed and accessible information to a global audience, while acknowledging the challenges in definitively explaining many cases. There is a clear emphasis on documenting both contemporary sightings and historical accounts to build a comprehensive understanding of UFOlogy in Finland.