AFU 19680000 Vimana no 2

Magazine Overview

VIMANA, published quarterly as a member magazine for Interplanetistit ry (Interplanetisterna rf), presents its second issue of 1968. The magazine's primary focus is on UFO phenomena and research, particularly within Finland.

Finnish UFO Research Project

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the "Suomen UFO-tutkimus" (Finnish UFO Research) project. This initiative has two main objectives: to catalog all past UFO sightings in Finland and to establish a systematic, nationwide research effort with a network of investigators and enthusiasts. The project aims to be an independent and unbiased collaborative body for UFO researchers and hobbyists.

Cataloging UFO Sightings

Despite thousands of UFO sightings occurring annually in Finland, systematic research has been largely absent. The project seeks to rectify this by gathering information on these events. The article emphasizes the importance of documenting even older sightings, urging readers to share any information they possess about past events, especially if witnesses are no longer alive.

New Sightings and Data Collection

For living witnesses, the project has developed a detailed questionnaire with over 80 questions covering aspects such as location, weather, object appearance, movement, speed, altitude, and the witness's physical and psychological state. This questionnaire is intended for trained interviewers but can also be filled out by the witness. The first training session for investigators was held in Tampere. The project also seeks to expand its network of researchers across Finland, aiming for approximately fifty individuals.

Media Outreach and Member Research

To increase the collection of sightings, Finnish UFO Research has sent letters to numerous newspapers, requesting readers to report their observations. This has already led to new cases, including photographic evidence. Additionally, a survey is being sent to all members of Interplanetistit ry to gather data on their UFO experiences and opinions, with the results intended for publication in a future VIMANA issue.

Analysis and Future Publications

Once sufficient data is collected and analyzed, the project plans to select the 100 best UFO sightings for in-depth verification and analysis. A key outcome of this project is envisioned as a UFO book, which would draw primarily from the collected Finnish data and also cover international cases. An English abridged version is also considered.

Professor Hynek's Contributions

The issue features an article by Professor Hynek, based on a publication in "UFO-Nachrichten." Hynek, a prominent UFO researcher, discusses his extensive experience analyzing over 15,000 UFO reports. He notes that a significant number of these reports remain unexplained. Hynek expresses concern that the Soviet Union might be ahead of the USA in UFO research and potentially in making contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.

Hynek's Research Methodology

Hynek proposes a structured approach to UFO research, involving two scientific committees: one for physicists and one for sociologists. The initial step involves assigning a "rarity value" (1-5) to sightings based on the difficulty of finding a scientific explanation. Cases with rarity values of 4 and 5 are considered true UFO problems. The second step involves sociologists and psychologists assessing the "credibility value" (C-value) of the witness and the report, considering potential errors or misinterpretations. The core research would focus on cases with both high rarity and credibility values.

The Importance of Photographic Evidence

Hynek stresses that while his methodology can confirm the existence of an unexplained phenomenon, definitive proof would come from reliable photographs. He advocates for active research, including the deployment of technical teams with cameras and spectrographs to investigate promising sightings. He also suggests establishing a central UFO institute and a hotline (UFO 1000) to streamline reporting and investigation.

Broader Implications

Hynek concludes by suggesting that humanity is on the verge of a great adventure, akin to the early days of space exploration, as human intelligence turns towards understanding the universe.

Reported Sightings in Finland

The magazine includes several reports of UFO sightings and light phenomena across Finland:

• Joensuu and Eastern Finland: Multiple witnesses reported a large, bright, hemispherical light phenomenon observed on a clear night. It remained stationary and appeared to be a perfect circle.
• Tohmajärvi: A powerful, bright light phenomenon, described as a glowing semicircle, rose from the horizon, accompanied by smoke and fire-like effects, visible for 15 minutes.
• Joutjärvi: A witness reported observing two bright, stationary lights for several hours, which disappeared by morning. Subsequent investigation revealed unusual tracks in the snow, including melted areas.
• Nurmes: A spherical light, dimmer than the moon, was seen behind trees, gradually expanding and becoming much larger before disappearing.
• Central Finland: A bright light object, described as spherical or cone-shaped, was seen flying from the east, leaving a smoke trail.
• Savonlinna/North Karelia: A cigar-shaped object was observed moving rapidly and breaking into pieces.
• Hirvensalo: A red light ball was seen flying low over the sea.
• Northern Finland: Light phenomena were noted, potentially linked to barium cloud experiments.

Several reports detail objects described as "flying balls" or "flying devices," often characterized by silent movement, flashing lights, and unusual flight patterns, leading witnesses to question if they were conventional aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic investigation of UFO phenomena in Finland, the importance of witness testimony and scientific methodology, and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the field. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of serious, scientific inquiry into UFOs, encouraging reader participation and support for the "Finnish UFO Research" project. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating information and fostering a community of UFO researchers and enthusiasts in Finland.

VIMANA, Volume 3, Issue 3/68, published in July 1968, is a Finnish magazine dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. The issue features a variety of articles, including reports on UFO sightings in Finland and Argentina, analysis of UFO research, and discussions on the scientific approach to the subject. The cover headline highlights "Strange but friendly 'aliens' in Argentina."

UFO Sightings in Finland

The magazine begins with a report from Oulu, Finland, where three police constables observed a cigar-shaped, glowing red object with a bright tail on May 1st, 1968, around 2:20 AM. The object was described as resembling a cigar or a burning airplane. The issue also details a Helsinki sighting from J. Valléen's classification of 'VC' (point-like light sources) by a foreign programmer and his wife. This observation, occurring on a clear night between 10:20 PM and 11:30 PM, involved a blinking light point that moved erratically, appearing in the northern and northeastern sky at an altitude of 30-40 degrees. Its brightness varied, and it disappeared when the witnesses returned home.

In Lahti, Finland, on February 16th, 1968, Mrs. Tiilikainen observed two bright light phenomena over the northern coast of a lake for several hours. The previous evening, two boys had seen four yellowish lightballs flying in a straight line. Investigations at the site revealed long trails and two holes in the ice, even though the temperature had been below freezing.

UFO Research and Analysis

Jacques Vallée's research is a significant focus. The article "J. Vallee's Research" discusses the growing interest in UFO phenomena and the application of new methodologies, particularly statistical analysis of sighting reports. It mentions Vallée's work, including his analysis of the "Straight-Line Mystery" in France, suggesting that observed patterns might be coincidental. The article notes the difficulty in precisely determining sighting locations, which hinders accurate investigation. Despite the "Straight-Line Mystery" being an important early attempt at scientific UFO research, its direct contribution to understanding the phenomenon has diminished.

Another section delves into the statistical findings from the US Air Force archives of UFO sightings from 1942-1965, analyzed by Vallée. Key findings include the lack of seasonal variation in UFO appearances, suggesting an independent phenomenon unlike sociological or climatic influences. The number of sightings often shows a sudden increase followed by an exponential decrease, a pattern observed in several years. Notably, the rate of UFO sightings per million inhabitants in US states increases rapidly as population density decreases, a trend also seen in French 1954 sightings. Vallée emphasizes that sample size eliminates the possibility of random variations.

Colorado University's research is also mentioned, though details are scarce. Professor James McDonald of the University of Arizona expressed concerns that the Colorado studies might be too limited. The official report was expected in the summer of 1968.

Media Coverage of UFOs

The section "Plates and the Press" reviews media coverage of UFOs in Finland during the first half of 1968. The article notes an increase in UFO-related articles in newspapers and magazines, with a generally higher quality of reporting compared to previous years. While some articles still reflect personal biases, the general perception of flying saucers has moved beyond mere skepticism.

• Specific articles mentioned include:
• A full-page article in Savon Sanomat (December 31, 1967) featuring responses from Major Pajunen, Medical Licentiate Sorri, Bishop Sormunen, and Education Counselor Kallinen to the question: "What would happen if extraterrestrials came to Earth?"
• A photo-illustrated article in YF (1/68) titled "Flying Saucers Are Reality," concluding that the existence of flying saucers can be considered proven.
• An article in Kansanlehti (January 29) about the "Flying Cigar Tragedy" of 1897.
• A two-part article in Päivän Sanomat (February 10-12) discussing UFO sightings in the Soviet Union.
• An article in Turun Sanomat (February 18) presenting Philip Klass's plasma theory as a solution to the flying saucer mystery.
• A critical article by Eero Juurikkala in Kauppa- ja Koti-lehti (2/68) questioning the reality of flying saucers and claiming there are no successful UFO photographs, and that most sightings occur in dim light or darkness. The article also downplays the number of unexplained cases in the US.
• An article in Kansan Uutiset (February 29) discussing UFO sightings by Russian scientists.
• Helsingin Sanomat (April 2) reported on Russian UFO sightings under the headline "Flying Saucers Being Studied in the Soviet Union."
• An article in Etelä-Saimaa (April 27) examining the research conducted at Colorado University.
• Mentions of articles in Me kuluttajat-lehti and Koti-Posti.
• An article in Oulu-lehti titled "Flying Saucers as a Research Subject," focusing on Finnish UFO research.
• The publication of "Planetisti," a four-page newsletter by the Finnish Planetist Society.

Organizations and UFOs

The magazine introduces "Understanding, Inc.," an organization founded by Daniel Fry in 1955. Its primary goal is to spread understanding of UFO phenomena and to prepare humanity for the space age. The organization publishes a monthly magazine called "Understanding" and aims to find practical solutions to global problems, promote scientific research, and foster better inter-human relations.

The Finnish branch of Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America (AFSCA) is also presented. Located in Jyväskylä, this unit aims to disseminate UFO information, primarily in English, including literature, photo series, and postcards. Membership is open to anyone interested, with a one-time fee of $1.00.

Scientific Dogma and UFOs

An article titled "On Scientific Dogma" addresses the perceived resistance of the scientific community to UFO research. It argues that the notion of scientific dogma is outdated, as modern science is characterized by extensive cooperation and information exchange among researchers. The article criticizes the tendency for scientists to be pressured into taking skeptical stances in public discussions, citing Professor Bernard Lovell's dismissive comments about UFOs as an example. It emphasizes that scientific theories must be logically consistent and based on sound axioms, and that while science has moved away from subjective values, the study of UFOs is often approached with human curiosity rather than rigorous scientific inquiry.

Alien Encounters in Argentina

The cover story, "Strange but Friendly 'Aliens' in Argentina," details several alleged encounters. Farmer Catolicio Fernandez reported visits from two thin, human-like beings in green, glowing suits. Maria Eladia Pretzel encountered two tall, handsome beings about two meters long, wearing shiny blue suits. Oscar Iriart, a 15-year-old, claimed to have been offered a trip into space by beings who emerged from a spaceship. Sculptor Solari Parravinci reported being abducted and taken on a tour of the universe by beings in shiny suits.

Summary in English

The issue includes an English summary highlighting the growing interest in UFO problems in Finland and the ongoing research by Tapani Kuningas. It also presents recent Finnish UFO sightings, including an interesting incident in Lahti. The summary notes that while many sightings resemble natural phenomena, some are genuinely interesting. It also mentions the Finnish UFO-club and the AFSCA unit formed by Erkki Erähonka.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena warrant serious scientific investigation. It highlights efforts to collect and analyze data, criticizes unscientific skepticism, and presents a range of sighting reports and research findings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging scientific methods while acknowledging the puzzling nature of many UFO events. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between popular interest and scientific rigor, as evidenced by the discussion on scientific dogma and the presentation of research by figures like Jacques Vallée.