UFO Research of Finland Quarterly Report - 1979 Number 3

Magazine Overview

This document is a quarterly report from Suomen Ufotutkijat ry. (UFO Research of Finland), issue 3/79, focusing on "Mini-ufos and metal retrievals at Suonenjoki, Finland." The report details significant UFO events that occurred in Suonenjoki, Central Finland, primarily in 1973, 1975, and 1979. The 1979 events are highlighted as containing the most extensive documentation and information of any Finnish UFO case, including twelve photographs, four landing trace areas, and interesting metal retrievals.

The Suonenjoki UFO Case

The report identifies Mr. Jarmo Nykänen, a 24-year-old electrician, as the major witness. The UFO Research of Finland has classified the case as a UFO case and declared Mr. Nykänen a reliable witness after extensive research. Mr. Reijo Kolehmainen, aged 28, is the secondary witness, whose home is located near three of the four landing trace areas. The report is based on interviews and documents gathered by the research organization.

The First UFO Encounter (June 30, 1973)

Jarmo Nykänen's first UFO encounter occurred in the summer of 1973. He woke up around 10 a.m. and later went to his summer cottage. In the evening, after lighting a fire outdoors and warming up coffee, he heard a buzzing sound. He then saw a strong blue light enter his cottage. Going outside, he observed a large blue light above the lake, which approached him. He described the light as being twice the size of a rowboat and radiating from a jelly-like substance. He believes he saw a strange being inside the light. The next thing he remembers is waking up on the cottage porch at 6 a.m., feeling extremely sleepy.

Subsequent Events (June 1975)

Unusual events continued in June 1975, when Jarmo Nykänen heard strange knocking sounds at night on three separate occasions, spaced two months apart. No visual sightings were reported during these instances.

Three Landing Trace Areas (February 1979)

In February 1979, three landing trace areas were discovered around Mr. Reijo Kolehmainen's home. On February 2, 1979, a 2.5-meter crater was found in the snow, about 5 meters from the house. The snow in the center was melted to the ground. Within the crater, red liquid (which smelled of vinegar), pieces of metal, and later a metallic cup were found. Police photographed the area and took samples. On the evening of February 5, 1979, the Kolehmainen family heard a shooting sound, and a constable reported seeing a strange light phenomenon. The following morning, a larger crater, about 10 meters from the house, was discovered with similar findings. Police revisited the area, and suggested the possibility of a home-made bomb, which the Kolehmainens dismissed. On February 21, 1979, a third landing trace area with three holes was found, again containing red liquid and metal pieces. Notably, there was no snow on the electric wires above these holes, while other nearby wires were covered in snow.

The Kolehmainens initially wished to avoid publicity, but the news leaked to the press, resulting in about ten articles being published.

Attempt to Photograph a UFO (March 8, 1979)

On March 8, 1979, Mr. Reijo Kolehmainen traveled to Helsinki and asked his friend, Mr. Jarmo Nykänen, to guard his house. In the evening of March 10, 1979, Jarmo saw a flash of light in the forest and felt he was being watched. Shortly after midnight, a bell-shaped mini-ufo, about half a meter in diameter, appeared near the house. The upper part radiated blue light, and the lower part radiated red light. Jarmo, initially mistaking it for car lights, realized it was a UFO. He attempted to photograph it with a camera and flashlight, but the flashlight malfunctioned. As he approached, the UFO ascended three meters, making the snow-covered area appear red, and then disappeared. The photos did not turn out.

Twelve Photos of a Mini-UFO (March 16, 1979)

A few days later, Jarmo Nykänen mapped the Kolehmainen property and noticed that the three landing trace areas formed a triangle, with one side pointing towards the cottage. On March 16, 1979, he walked to the cottage through the forest, carrying binoculars, a camera, and snacks. After arriving and eating, he heard a humming sound from behind. He saw a bell-shaped mini-ufo at an altitude of about two meters, similar to the one seen previously. He began taking photos, capturing five shots as the UFO moved forward, descending and ascending. When he started walking towards it, the UFO disappeared. He continued to research the area and later heard a humming sound from the shore. He took more photos and climbed a cliff. While trying to move to another side of the encounter area, he stumbled and took a photo of trees. The UFO then directed a bright red beam of light at his face, temporarily blinding him. He took his twelfth and final photo. Shortly after, a flash of light appeared on the UFO, red smoke puffed out, and a cylinder-shaped object zoomed into the sky. Pieces of metal and red liquid were left on the ground. Jarmo felt extremely tired and sleepy.

Upon returning to the road, he met Mr. Reijo Kolehmainen, who noticed blood on Jarmo's nose and two tiny holes, which later disappeared. The weather was fair, with the sun shining behind thin clouds and temperatures slightly below freezing.

Additional Information

The police have not been able to provide an explanation for the strange events, and it is considered unlikely that the young men fabricated the story. Both witnesses appear eager to learn more about the events. The camera used by Jarmo Nykänen was a Yashica Junior, and the film was Sakura, in color.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are UFO sightings, physical evidence of landings (craters, traces, material samples), and photographic documentation. The editorial stance of Suomen Ufotutkijat ry. appears to be one of serious investigation and validation of witness accounts, as evidenced by their classification of the case and declaration of Mr. Nykänen as a reliable witness. The organization is actively researching and documenting UFO phenomena in Finland.