AFU 19690000 Vimana no 3

Magazine Overview

Vimana, Issue 3, 1969, is a Finnish-language publication by Interplanetistit ry (Interplanetisterna rf), dedicated to the study of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), commonly referred to as 'flying saucers'. The magazine is published quarterly, with a yearly membership fee of 10 Finnish Marks. The editor-in-chief is Aili Nurmiaho, and the editorial secretary is P. Teerikorpi. The organization's primary goal is to collect and share information on UAP.

Cover Story: VALOILMIÖ 6.10 (Aerial Phenomenon 6.10)

The cover story details an unusual aerial phenomenon observed across Finland on the morning of October 6th, 1969, around 4 AM. Numerous reports appeared in Finnish newspapers, sparking speculation about its origin. The newspaper 'Liitto' reported on October 23rd that the phenomenon was a rocket launching a satellite into space. The article notes that the Sodankylä observatory's aurora camera managed to capture six photographs of the rocket at its launch altitude. The newspaper quoted Professor Oksman from the University of Oulu, who, based on the images, stated it was undoubtedly a rocket, possibly part of the Soviet Union's new Meteor space research series launched that same day.

The magazine also mentions that the past couple of months have seen a significant increase in reports of unusual aerial phenomena.

UFO Sightings in Finland

UFO Sightings in Kotka

Two cases from the night of August 19th, 1969, near Kotka, are detailed.

Case I: Rouva Birgit Bofarull (28) reported waking from a dream urging her to remove her glasses. She then saw a bright light, initially mistaken for a star, emanating from a disc-shaped object in the eastern sky. She experienced nausea and a feeling of warmth. The object appeared to be about 500 meters high and a few hundred meters away, but felt close and intelligently controlled. She perceived light pulses and observed the object for about an hour. The object descended in a spiral, hovered for two minutes, and then ascended rapidly. A light cone was visible above the object during its stationary phase.

Case II: Rouva Seija Kluge (around 30) was awakened by thirst around 4 AM on August 19th. Looking out her window, she saw a bright, cold blue light in the eastern sky. She described the UFO as moving slowly and erratically towards Kotka, causing her fear. She could not watch for long.

Sighting in Kauniaisissa

Pirkko Koskinen reported observing five lights in the northern sky on a clear night around 11:55 PM on September 28th. The lights moved westward for 8-10 seconds, appearing disc-shaped and golden, and vibrating. They flew in a formation of three ahead and two behind, without any sound.

'Angel Hair' Phenomenon

Porin Toejoen Incident

An article from 'Uusi Aika' dated August 21, 1969, describes a peculiar phenomenon in Porin Toejoen where small, cylindrical objects, 5-7 cm long and 2-3 cm thick, fell onto properties. These objects were initially reflective but became matte and transparent as they fell, disappearing completely upon touching the ground. Dozens of these objects were observed falling within meters of each other. The phenomenon caused no damage or sound.

Kodisjoki Incident

Another similar event occurred in Kodisjoki on October 6th. During a physical education class, ribbon-like strands and spherical objects with tails began falling from the sky. These objects were visible only against the sun and were longer at higher altitudes. They landed on trees and the school roof, and some students collected them. The objects were described as having a shimmering and hissing sound.

Characteristics of 'Angel Hair'

The magazine explains that these phenomena are often referred to as 'angel hair' and are fibrous, resembling wool or nylon. They disappear gradually without leaving a trace upon contact. The first recorded 'angel hair' incident was in Oloron, France, on October 17, 1952. Professor Maney's research identified seventeen cases between 1952 and 1955, with UFOs observed simultaneously in fourteen of them.

Theories on 'Angel Hair'

Several theories are presented. G.C. Wilson suggests the material originates from Mars, formed by solar rays creating carbohydrates in the Martian atmosphere. Aimé Michel proposes a polymerization product from UFO propulsion energy that depolymerizes in the lower atmosphere. Other theories suggest they are giant spider webs.

Colorado Project Findings

A sample analyzed by the Colorado Project indicated the material was primarily titanium, leading to the conclusion that it might be paint residue used in house paints.

Rauma Sighting

The newspaper 'LÄNSI-SUOMI' reported on October 7, 1969, a strange night phenomenon in Rauma, described as a semi-spherical, glowing object. Experts suggested it might be a satellite re-entering the atmosphere. Some witnesses reported hearing a vibrating and hissing sound.

UFO Traces

Vilppula Trace

In the spring of 1969, an unusual aerial phenomenon was observed in Vilppula, appearing to land on a hill. Later, a dark ring was found on the ground in a meadow. Investigations began in mid-September. The ring measured 13.5 meters in diameter and 30-50 cm in width, with irregular inner arcs. A large juniper bush within the ring showed signs of damage. Analysis of soil samples from the area revealed no abnormal radioactivity, only natural potassium-40. A yellowish-white film, identified as fungal mycelium, was found beneath the scorched grass.

Radiation Measurement

A gamma radiation measurement was taken using a Na-I-Kiteella and a multi-channel analyzer. The results, shown in a graph, indicate the presence of natural potassium-40 at 1460 keV, with other readings labeled as 'sample', 'normal', and 'background'.

Historical UFO Observations

Observations from 1952-1954

This section reviews UFO sightings from 1952 and 1954, noting a significant UFO wave in 1954, particularly in France and Finland. Research conducted by Antti Juntunen and the author in the archives of 'Liitto' and 'Kaleva' newspapers revealed that older sightings were as interesting as contemporary ones. The significance of these older reports is highlighted by the absence of satellites and fewer weather balloons in the atmosphere at that time.

Kestilä Sightings (Kaleva, July 23, 1952)

Two incidents were reported: Rva Kyllikki Suorsa saw a bomb-shaped object moving silently from south to north. Later that evening, farmer Veikko Nevala and his wife observed a group of three bomb-shaped objects moving slowly in formation.

Tyrnävä Sighting (Kaleva, July 23, 1952)

On a Monday evening, individuals in Ängeslevä, Tyrnävä, witnessed a brightly glowing object flying at high speed towards the west. It was described as about a meter long and emitting fire. The object appeared suddenly and disappeared to the west. An 11-year-old boy also saw the phenomenon, which he stated was not a shooting star.

Alavieska Phenomenon (Liitto, November 10, 1954)

A peculiar aerial phenomenon was observed in Alavieska. A light phenomenon moved a few meters above the ground from east to west. Witnesses reported a figure resembling a human, wearing a peculiar cloak, descending and then ascending into the forest. The cause of the phenomenon remains unknown.

Helsinki Sighting (Kaleva, December 21, 1954)

A strange aerial phenomenon was observed in Kulosaari, Helsinki. A yellowish-red ball of light moved from the Big Dipper towards Orion, visible for about half a minute before flashing brightly and becoming smaller. The phenomenon lasted for about two minutes. Experts suggested it might be a meteor, but noted that meteors are typically visible for a much shorter duration.

UFO Sightings in Helsinki (Jollas)

Case I: On Saturday, October 4, 1969, at 11:20 PM, while in Vuosaari, Helsinki, two individuals observed a flashing red and blue 'star' that appeared to move back and forth.

Case II: On Monday, October 6, 1969, around 8:30 PM, the author and his sister were photographing stars in Jollas, Helsinki. They observed a flashing 'star' similar to the one in Case I. The author attempted to signal the object with a flashlight, and received similar light signals in return. The 'star' then descended slowly, stopped, and sent more signals. The author then took three photographs of the object as it descended and disappeared behind trees.

Case III: On Sunday, October 12, 1969, around 8:30 PM, the author and a friend observed a flashing 'star' that appeared slightly to the left and higher than the previous sighting. Photographs were taken.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, often referred to as 'flying saucers' or 'light phenomena'. It presents these sightings with a degree of seriousness, often quoting newspaper articles and scientific investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. There is a clear interest in historical cases, suggesting that the study of UAP is a long-term endeavor. The magazine also touches upon the scientific analysis of potential physical traces and radiation, indicating an effort to approach the subject with a degree of scientific rigor, even when dealing with extraordinary claims. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of unidentified objects in the sky and the human drive to understand them.

This issue of ILTA-SANOMAT, dated Tuesday, October 7, 1969, is primarily focused on reports of unusual light phenomena and UFO sightings in Finland, alongside broader space exploration news.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The cover story, headlined "Valoilmiö ei ole UFO vaan epätavallinen rakettikoe" (Light Phenomenon is Not a UFO but an Unusual Rocket Test), features the director of the Jokioinen Observatory, Pentti Järvi. Järvi suggests that many observed light phenomena are likely highly unusual rocket tests rather than extraterrestrial craft. He notes that while the phenomenon is not a meteor, satellite, or missile, its long observation period suggests an unknown test.

Several detailed sighting reports are presented:

• Vaajakoski, Finland: On October 8, 1969, six boys (aged 13-16) observed a bright, triangular light phenomenon ascending from the south. Later, they saw a bright, spherical light about 180 meters away, hovering at an altitude of about 4 meters. This light lasted for about 10 seconds before disappearing. The following day, the same boys observed a light moving "strangely," which then separated into two balls of light that vanished independently.
• Kanavuori, Finland: On the same evening (October 8), a woman named Anja Rantanen saw a bright ball of light from her window, described as being about the size of the moon.
• Muonio to Palojoensuu, Finland: Teacher Reino Lehmusvaara and his 20-year-old daughter Elise reported a startling experience on October 1. While driving, they saw a red light rising from the ground on the left side of the road. It ascended to about 10 meters, turned white, and appeared to be a square shape with inwardly curved sides. Lehmusvaara described it as a "flying saucer" and the most impactful experience of his life. He also mentioned a previous sighting of a descending light in the same region a year prior. The article also notes local reports of a circular, windowed "ship" seen on lake ice near the Swedish border.

Scientific Perspectives and Space News

Mars and Potential Life

An article from Pasadena, California, dated August 7, 1969, reports that a scientist at the Pasadena space laboratory, Dr. George Pimentel, suggested that images from the Mariner-7 probe might indicate some form of life on Mars. He stated that gases detected above Mars' south polar ice cap, identified as methane and ammonia, are key components for life's development on Earth. While Pimentel acknowledged that these gases could have non-biological origins (like volcanic activity), he did not rule out biological processes. The article also mentions that NASA sources reported finding signs of organic matter in Apollo-11 moon samples, which scientists found exciting as it suggests processes similar to those in living organisms occurred on the moon.

Atmospheric and Man-Made Light Phenomena

Professor J. Oksman provides an overview of known atmospheric and man-made light phenomena in his presentation "Lähiavaruuden Valoilmiöistä" (On Near-Space Light Phenomena). He categorizes these phenomena and explains their causes:

• Meteors (Shooting Stars): Caused by small particles burning up in the atmosphere, they can produce visible trails, explosions, and changes in brightness. Larger ones may survive to become meteorites.
• Auroras (Revontulet): Result from charged particles from solar wind interacting with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, typically occurring at altitudes around 110 km. They appear in various forms like arcs, bands, and curtains, often in yellow-green or red hues.
• Noctilucent Clouds: High-altitude clouds (70-90 km) appearing silver or bluish, often seen after sunset in summer at high latitudes.
• Rainbows: Caused by the reflection and refraction of sunlight in raindrops, with specific angular distances from the antisolar point.
• Halos and Related Phenomena: Rings, sun dogs (vieriauringot), and circumzenithal arcs formed by light interacting with ice crystals in the atmosphere.
• Lightning: Electrical discharges between clouds or between clouds and the ground, appearing in various forms like streak, sheet, bead, and ball lightning.
• St. Elmo's Fire (Elosalamo) and Ball Lightning: Mentioned as distant lightning phenomena without sound, and ball lightning, respectively.
• Mirages (Kangastukset): Optical phenomena caused by temperature gradients in the air, making distant objects appear to float or creating inverted images.

Oksman also discusses man-made light phenomena:

• Searchlights: Used in wartime for anti-aircraft purposes and in peacetime for illuminating buildings or guiding aircraft.
• Flares and Signal Lights: Used for illumination and signaling.
• Aircraft Navigation Lights: Standard lights on aircraft wings.
• Landing Lights: Powerful lights used to illuminate runways.
• Jet Exhaust: Visible at night from jet engines.
• Weather Balloons and Radiosondes: These can reflect sunlight or carry lights, making them visible. Geosonds are mentioned as powerful light-flashing probes used for geodetic measurements.
• Artificial Satellites: Objects orbiting Earth are visible from the ground during twilight hours due to sunlight reflecting off them. They eventually burn up in the atmosphere, creating long-lasting "shooting star" effects.

UFO-66 and Local UFO Clubs

The magazine notes upcoming meetings for the UFO-66 club in Lappeenranta and for UFO clubs in Jyväskylä. It also lists contact persons for local UFO clubs across Finland, including Jyväskylä, Kemi, Kotka, Lappeenranta, Nurmijärvi, Pori, and Seinäjoki. The issue also mentions the "UFO-Days" event held in Sysmä, which included lectures, panel discussions, and a chance for UFO enthusiasts to meet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation and explanation of anomalous aerial phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), the magazine leans towards providing scientific or conventional explanations, such as rocket tests or atmospheric phenomena, for many reported sightings. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between truly unexplained phenomena and those that can be attributed to known causes. The inclusion of space exploration news from NASA and scientific discussions about Mars and the moon reflects a broader interest in the unknown and humanity's place in the cosmos.