AFU 19670000 Vimana no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: 1
Volume: 1967
Publisher: Interplanetistit ry (Interplanetisterna rf)
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
Publication Frequency: Four times a year

Editorial Introduction

The editorial in the first issue of VIMANA, published in 1967, introduces the magazine as a member publication of Interplanetistit ry, dedicated to investigating and disseminating information about 'flying saucers'. The organization's purpose is to study and share knowledge on this subject, with a yearly membership fee of 10 Finnish marks. The editor-in-chief is Aili Nurmiaho, and the editorial secretary is P. Teerikorpi. The magazine aims to be a connecting force for UFO enthusiasts in Finland and acknowledges the challenges of establishing a new publication.

Historical Context of UFO Phenomena

The magazine delves into the history of UFO sightings, noting that reports of 'flying saucers' began circulating in the global press nearly 20 years prior to 1967. It draws parallels between the resistance faced by scientists like Galileo and Copernicus when presenting new cosmological ideas and the skepticism surrounding UFOs. The article highlights that the term 'UFO' is an abbreviation for 'unidentified flying object' and is used to encompass all related unknown phenomena.

Addressing Misconceptions about UFOs

An article by Professor Allen J. Hynek, a scientific advisor to the US Air Force since 1948, addresses common misconceptions about UFOs. Hynek, who previously held a skeptical view, now emphasizes the importance of UFO research. He refutes several myths:

1. UFOs are only discussed by 'UFO fanatics': Hynek states that while some reports come from enthusiasts, many credible and detailed accounts originate from intelligent individuals.
2. Unreliable, uneducated people report UFOs: He counters this by stating that many reliable, balanced, and educated individuals report UFOs, often providing detailed and consistent descriptions.
3. Educated individuals never report UFOs: This is deemed false, as many scientifically educated people have provided credible reports, though some may be reluctant to publish them.
4. UFOs are never seen clearly or up close: Hynek clarifies that the magazine excludes cases with vague descriptions, focusing only on well-documented sightings.

He stresses the need for scientific scrutiny of UFO phenomena, acknowledging that while many sightings can be explained by conventional means (balloons, meteorites, etc.), a significant number remain unexplained.

US Air Force UFO Investigations

The magazine details the history of US Air Force UFO investigations, starting with Project SIGN in 1947, followed by Project GRUDGE, and then Project BLUE BOOK. It mentions the involvement of organizations like the CIA and key figures such as Edward J. Ruppelt and Donald Keyhoe. The article notes that the UFO investigation unit was relatively small, indicating a perception of low priority within the Air Force. A significant point is the US Air Force's offer of $313,000 for an answer to the question: "Do flying saucers exist?" The investigation was led by atomic physicist Edvard U. Condon, with a team of experts, and a report was expected in February 1968.

Notable UFO Cases

Levelland, Texas, USA (November 1957)

This incident is described as a significant UFO event where multiple witnesses reported seeing objects that caused their car lights and engines to fail. The objects were described as torpedo-shaped, approximately 200 feet long, and emitted loud noises and strong air currents. Several individuals, including a sheriff and police officers, reported similar experiences on the same night.

Boianai, Papua New Guinea (June 1959)

This case involves numerous witnesses, including missionaries and local inhabitants, who observed a large, disc-shaped craft with occupants. The event occurred over several nights, with smaller objects also seen. The craft emitted bright lights, and some witnesses reported hearing strange sounds. The description of the main object included a disc with a raised canopy and four legs, and figures were seen on the canopy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is to investigate and report on UFO phenomena with a scientific approach, acknowledging unexplained cases while also addressing common misconceptions and skepticism. It encourages readers to submit their own accounts and clippings from local newspapers. The recurring themes include the historical significance of UFO sightings, the challenges faced by researchers, the electromagnetic effects associated with UFOs, and the need for further scientific study. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and information sharing among UFO enthusiasts.

This issue of "UFO-lehti" from 1967 focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on reports from Finland and Argentina, and an extensive exploration of potential connections between UFOs and biblical texts.

Key Articles and Reports

Finnish UFO Sightings

Jarl Lund's Report: Lund details three personal UFO observations:

1. July 1956 (Luopioinen, Finland): While driving, Lund observed a silent, disk-shaped object moving erratically about 800-1000 meters away. The object wobbled and appeared to spin, resembling a falling leaf or a poorly thrown frisbee. The sighting lasted about 20-25 seconds before the object disappeared into the clouds.
2. March 17, 1967 (Leineperi, Finland): Lund was driving to an emergency veterinary case when he felt a strong sense of a UFO nearby. A local landowner reported seeing a bright light illuminating the area from above the treetops. The landowner described a bright, bomb-shaped object descending behind the trees, causing him to fear the end of the world. No sound was heard.
3. April 11, 1967 (Noormarkku, Finland): Following a lecture, Lund went out to observe the night sky. He learned that a local laboratory technician and her husband had observed a strange light phenomenon between 10:20 PM and 10:50 PM. The object was described as larger than the full moon, initially cyclamen red and then green, changing from round to oval. It was seen above the Kirjurinluoto in Pori.

Other Finnish Reports:

• Raimo Heiskanen's "UFOjen liepeillä" (On the fringes of UFOs): Heiskanen discusses how UFO waves stimulate speculation and how answers are sought from the past or through alleged knowledge. He notes that many religions' holy scriptures mention events and phenomena that suggest extraterrestrial visitations.

Argentinian UFO Photographs

• Oscar A. Galindez's report: Galindez presents a photograph taken by Father Segundo Benito Reyna, a Jesuit priest and head of the Adhara Observatory. The photograph, taken on December 1, 1965, at 8:30 PM, was captured by a powerful telescope. Numerous phone calls reported strange phenomena on the moon. While the observatory staff were photographing the moon at four-minute intervals, they discovered several UFOs in the developed images. One object resembled a bell-shaped saucer, similar to a known photograph by George Adamski. The objects appeared to be either arriving at or departing from Earth's atmosphere. Shortly after the photos were taken, three glowing objects were seen by hundreds of witnesses flying low over La Plata.
• Jesuit Father's Lecture: Jesuit Father Reina, an astronomer and director of the Argentinian Observatory near Buenos Aires, gave a lecture to officers, clergy, and scholars. He reported observing a flying saucer through the observatory's telescope, which he stated was following the Echo II satellite.

UFOs and the Bible

• Pertti Oksanen's "Lentolautaset ja raamattu" (Flying Saucers and the Bible): Oksanen extensively explores the idea that many biblical accounts can be interpreted as descriptions of UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters.
• Ancient Astronaut Theories: He discusses Professor Agrest's theory that UFOs are from outside our solar system and that ancient visitors may have influenced human civilization, citing tektites, ancient monuments, and religious legends as evidence.
• Biblical Interpretations: Oksanen suggests that "angels" in the Bible may have been physical beings from other planets. He interprets the "pillar of cloud" and "pillar of fire" that guided the Israelites as a spacecraft. He also examines accounts of ascensions into heaven (Elijah, Christ) and angelic visitations (Loot, Paul, Peter, John) as potential evidence of extraterrestrial contact.
• Specific Biblical Passages: The article analyzes numerous passages, including:
• Ezekiel's visions of flying wheels and fiery beings.
• The ascension of Christ and Elijah.
• The description of angels in the Book of Genesis.
• The "pillar of cloud" and "pillar of fire" in Exodus.
• The appearance of "two men in white clothes" after Christ's ascension.
• The description of the "merkabah" in Jewish mysticism.
• The "vimanas" described in ancient Indian texts.
• The "chariots of fire" that took Elijah.
• The "cloud" that took Christ away.
• The description of the "angel" appearing to Philip.
• The description of the "pillar of cloud" and "pillar of fire" in the Old Testament.
• The "fiery wheels" and "glowing beings" described by Ezekiel.
• The "fiery legs" of angels and "speaking clouds."
• Modern Interpretations: Oksanen connects these ancient accounts to modern UFO phenomena, suggesting that the descriptions of angels with fiery legs and the concept of "flying chariots" could be early interpretations of spacecraft.
• Contactee Accounts: He mentions George Adamski as a contactee and discusses the possibility of communication with beings from other planets.
• UFOs and Electromagnetic Interference: An article section notes that UFO presence is often linked to electromagnetic disturbances, suggesting that UFOs may use magnetic fields for propulsion.

Other Mentions

• The article references the book "The Great Flying Saucer Hoax" by C. Lorenzen and "Flying Saucers and the Straight-Line Mystery" by Aimé Michel.
• It mentions the work of Professor Agrest and astronomer Kazantsev.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of investigating UFO phenomena seriously and exploring unconventional interpretations of historical and religious texts. There is a strong belief that UFOs are real and that ancient civilizations may have had contact with extraterrestrials. The editorial stance encourages readers to consider these possibilities and to contribute their own observations and theories. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and the interpretation of ancient mysteries, particularly through the lens of biblical accounts.

This issue of UFO-Investigator, dated 1965, focuses on the diverse range of physical and electromagnetic disturbances reported in conjunction with UFO sightings. The magazine aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these phenomena, drawing on international reports and expert analysis.

Reported UFO-Related Disturbances

The issue categorizes observed effects into three main areas:

1. Electrical Equipment Malfunctions: This includes reports of car lights and engines stopping when UFOs are nearby, electric clocks stopping, compasses being disturbed, interference with radio and television signals, power outages, and metal objects becoming magnetized.
2. Physical Changes: These are described as visible changes on the ground and in vegetation, such as scorched spots at UFO landing sites, and physical injuries like burns on humans and animals.
3. Effects on Living Beings: This category covers animals becoming restless, humans experiencing a sensation of heat, hearing unusual sounds, smelling strange odors, and temporary paralysis or loss of mobility.

Notable examples cited include the Levelland, Texas case from 1957 and a significant event in England in September 1965, as detailed in an article from *Flying Saucer Review*.

The Langenhoe Case

A detailed account is given of the Langenhoe case, which occurred on September 14, 1965, near Mersea Island, England. Paul Green, an engineer, reported seeing a bright blue light that rapidly grew larger and approached him. His motorcycle stalled, and he observed a large, disc-shaped object, described as being like the upper half of a spinning top with a dome containing a blue light. The object descended, and Green experienced physical symptoms, including tingling and a headache, which he attributed to a powerful magnetic field. He also noted a second motorcycle and rider who seemed similarly affected.

Visitors from Afar

An article by Frank Burr, translated from *Flying Saucer Review*, explores the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors living among humans. Burr references a story from Mr. Siragusan, an Italian customs official, who claims to have met and communicated with beings from other planets. The article suggests that these visitors might be more advanced and seeking to guide humanity away from self-destruction through atomic weapons. It posits that such beings might integrate into human society, perhaps in remote communities like those in Tibet, without attracting undue attention due to their advanced nature and potential telepathic abilities.

UFO Sightings in Finland

The magazine also features recent UFO sightings over Finland. Dr. Jarl Lund, a veterinary and vice-chairman of the Finnish Interplanetist Society, recounts an experience on March 17, 1967, where he had a strong telepathic impression of a 'flying saucer' while driving. Shortly after, a farmer waiting at a crossroads reported seeing a bright phenomenon of light and a bomb-shaped object descending from the sky. This incident is highlighted as an example of telepathic impressions coinciding with visual observations.

Related Literature

The issue includes a section on Finnish literature related to UFOs, mentioning works by Rolf Telano, George Adamski, and Daniel W. Fry. Rolf Telano, an engineer and writer, is noted for his telepathic communication with a 'Borealis priestess from Venus' in 1954.

The Finnish Interplanetist Society

Information is provided about The Finnish Interplanetist Society, founded in 1962, which has approximately 200 members interested in UFO research. The society publishes a magazine called "VIMANA" and aims to spread information about UFOs to both members and the general public. The editorial of the first issue of "VIMANA" stresses that humanity is at a turning point, beginning to free itself from mental confinement and to explore space and the universe, acknowledging that "we are not alone in the Universe."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the tangible effects of UFOs on technology and living beings, the potential for direct contact with extraterrestrial intelligences, and the broader implications for humanity's understanding of its place in the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while encouraging readers to consider the possibility of alien visitation and its potential impact on human civilization. The magazine actively seeks to exchange publications with similar organizations worldwide.