AFU 19700000 Vimana no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: 2
Volume: 1970
Publisher: Interplanetistit ry - Interplanetisterna rf
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
Date: 1970

This issue of VIMANA, a quarterly membership journal published by Interplanetistit ry, focuses on UFO sightings in Finland. The organization's stated purpose is to research and disseminate information about 'flying saucers'. The issue features reports of various aerial phenomena and encounters, primarily from 1969 and 1970, with a particular emphasis on a series of sightings in the Pudasjärvi region.

Editorial Content

The editorial states that this issue exclusively presents UFO sightings from Finland, collected from the past and current year. It raises the question of whether recurring similar characteristics in reports from different parts of the world indicate a single UFO phenomenon rather than multiple UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to provide material to help answer this question.

Key Articles and Reports

Pudasjärvi UFO Invasion Continues

This article by Matias Päätalo details numerous new reports of strange light phenomena and objects in the Pudasjärvi area, following earlier reports from Syöte and Särkivaara in VIMANA 4/1969. The intervals between sightings varied from weeks to days. The investigation of these sightings has been complicated by the knowledge that ESRO's (European Space Research Organisation) rocket launches from the Esrange facility in Kiruna, Sweden, have caused visual phenomena in Pudasjärvi. These rockets, launched at an altitude of about 130-150 km, release barium gas, creating a visible cloud. While some locals have mistaken these for UFOs, experienced observers like schoolteacher Timo Laine distinguish them from genuine UFO sightings, noting that the rocket-induced phenomena appear as a ball that changes color and fades, allowing stars to be seen through the gas cloud.

The article suggests that only one Pudasjärvi sighting is directly linked to the Kiruna experiments, with two others being dismissed due to vagueness. The Pudasjärvi sightings are characterized as a wave of UFO activity, with reports of sightings occurring frequently.

UFOs and Power Lines

A report describes an incident on November 28, 1969, near Varpuvaara, where a forest worker, Markku Riihiaho, and his sister Helena observed four lights near a power line. Three of the lights disappeared, leaving one, which then also vanished. The lights were described as round, possibly red-tinged, about 0.5 meters in size, and hovering about 10 meters above the ground. The event lasted about 5 minutes, with no sound or smell reported.

UFO Lands in Front of a Car

This account details a more significant event on December 13, 1969, involving forest worker Heino Väärälä and his companions. While driving near Palovaara, they observed a bright light descending rapidly towards their car. The light stopped in front of the car, about 1.5 meters above the road, and moved parallel to it at a low altitude. It was described as a cone-shaped object, approximately 1.5 meters long and 0.5 meters wide, with a dark center and a red glow emanating from its underside, resembling a braking rocket engine. The car slowed to 20 km/h to maintain a distance. A pedestrian was seen walking on the road ahead, unaware of the phenomenon. The object then ascended sharply and disappeared into the forest.

Pear-Shaped Light Pillar in Daylight

This report continues the Pudasjärvi sightings, describing an event on January 8, 1970, at 12:00 PM. Housewife Senni Rytinki was taking laundry to a neighbor when she saw a bright light pillar on the road. The light was described as pear-shaped and extending to the height of telephone poles. It was very bright, causing temporary blindness. It then moved towards the forest.

Again at Särkivaara

On January 28, 1970, a sighting occurred at Särkivaara that was nearly identical to one on September 8, 1969. At 1:40 AM, worker Eetu Särkelä saw a light reflected on his floor. Looking out the window, he observed a bright light ball above Särkiperä mountain. The ball emitted four smaller light balls, one of which returned. The main ball then shrunk and disappeared into a black cloud. The smaller balls vanished. Eetu's brother, Valdo Särkelä, also witnessed the event.

Tunturivaara Sighting

Taxi driver Atte Särkelä, inspired by his own UFO experiences, interviewed numerous individuals. On the evening of January 27, 1970, Atte Särkelä observed a light trail above Tunturivaara. Despite a cold and cloudy night, he saw a red light flash from the clouds. Later that night, around 10:30 PM, Salme Ramstedt and Aune Valkonen saw a large red ball above Särkiperä mountain. Around 1:30 AM, the dog of the caretaker at the Pudasjärvi hospital began barking frantically, and other dog owners reported similar 'dog hysteria'. This occurred shortly before Eetu Särkelä's sighting.

UFO Lands on the Ground

On November 28, 1969, farmer Kalle Lasala observed a bright light ball descending directly towards his house in Pikkukylä, Pudasjärvi. A powerful beam of light was projected from the ball. His daughter, Aino Toivanen, also witnessed the descent. The light ball landed about 3-4 km away. Simultaneously, about 6 km away, Markku and Helena Riihiaho observed a large ball of light that projected strong beams for over two hours. Later, Timo Laine and forester Aapo Ahvenjärvi investigated the landing site and found a circular patch of open water in the middle of a frozen lake, which they noted was unusual.

Imjärvi Case

This report details an incident from January 7, 1970, in Imjärvi, Heinola. Toverukset Aarno Heinonen and Esko Viljo were skiing when they saw a bright light descend rapidly and hover above them. They described a large, grey object, about 4-5 meters above the ground, emitting a grey, slightly reddish mist that smelled of sulfur. The men were paralyzed and unable to speak. A light ball emerged from the object and landed between them, creating a fiery circle. A small, green-clad figure, about 1-1.20 meters tall, with a pointed hat and white gloves, was seen holding a camera-like device. The object then disappeared. Both men experienced physical discomfort, including nausea, pain, and skin discoloration.

UFO Near Kemi

Constable Eero Viitala recounts an event near Kemi in November 1968. While driving, he observed a bright green and reddish light object moving rapidly across the road. The object, about 5 meters in diameter, ascended at a steep angle with a sound like hot iron hitting water. It disappeared, leaving behind bright, torch-like trails. The witness's dog became frightened and ran into the woods. Another man, who had been driving the car, also witnessed the event and initially feared the object had taken his companion.

Light Ball in Halikko

Neiti Nieminen observed a bright 'star' from a car in Halikko, Karjannummi, in October 1969. The object was larger and brighter than a star. It descended rapidly, then ascended slowly, descended again, and finally moved horizontally westward at high speed. The object was estimated to be about 2 meters in size.

Photo Analysis

A photograph taken from a boat on Poosjärvi shows an unidentified formation. The accompanying text questions whether this formation is a UFO. The photo was taken in early June 1968, and the formation was no longer visible ten seconds later.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and variety of UFO sightings in Finland, particularly in the Pudasjärvi region. The magazine presents detailed eyewitness accounts, often with attempts at investigation and analysis, such as interviews and site visits. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, aiming to collect and present evidence, while also acknowledging the challenges in interpretation, such as distinguishing genuine UFOs from man-made phenomena like rocket launches. The magazine also touches upon societal reactions to UFO reports, noting media coverage and public skepticism. The publication seems to advocate for a more open and less conservative approach to UFO research, contrasting the coverage in different types of newspapers.

Vimana, 1970. This issue delves into UFO phenomena with a focus on personal accounts and observations. It features a significant childhood memory of a UFO encounter and a detailed report of a large aerial object sighted in Finland.

Kokemus lapsuuden ajalta (Experience from Childhood)

This section recounts a personal experience from 1942, shared by Rouva N.N., who wishes to remain anonymous. At the age of 9, while walking along a railway track in Niinisalo, Kankaanpää, she was approached by a woman described as tall (around 175 cm), 40-50 years old, wearing a dark blue dress, with short, dark, wavy hair, and a pleasant, friendly demeanor. The woman's presence exuded trustworthiness and kindness. The girl felt no fear and accepted the woman's invitation to accompany her.

They walked towards a road, where two men were leading a struggling boy. The woman and the girl followed the men to a clearing between trees, about 10 meters from the road. There, they found a strange, aluminum-colored craft supported by three legs, approximately 2 meters high and 7 meters wide, with legs over a meter high. A narrow opening with a 4-5 step ramp led into the craft. The men lifted the boy inside. The woman asked the girl if she wanted to come along, and without hesitation, she entered the craft, followed by the woman.

Inside, the girl saw the boy crying hysterically. The entrance closed without her seeing a door. The room was circular with a control panel. On the opposite wall, five men sat at a table, dressed similarly to the men who brought the boy. They were engaged in a calm, serious discussion. The woman introduced the girl to the men, who were friendly. The girl noted the boy was left on the floor, seemingly forgotten, and heard him crying, but no one reacted.

The woman instructed the girl to press a lever on the control panel. Upon doing so, the craft ascended rapidly. The woman stated, "Now we will fly to the time of Jesus' birth." The girl felt safe and noticed the floor was metallic, with a rubber-like covering in places. She was then led to a smaller room, about 2x2 meters, with a window and a table covered with maps. Standing at the table with the woman, she was asked about her knowledge of Jesus. The woman explained the importance of knowing Jesus and His words, stating that the physical body perishes but the spirit is eternal. She also mentioned that time was not a barrier, allowing travel forward and backward.

The girl recalls a dialogue at the table, but not her own questions. She remembers only the answers the woman emphasized. She began to feel shocked. The men by the opening seemed interested and approved of the woman's explanations. The girl perceived the woman as being in charge, the "captain of the ship." The experience left her deeply shaken. She then found herself lying in a field near the railway track, about half a kilometer back from where she met the woman. She felt severe stomach pain and nausea. She was disoriented and could not recall how she got home, where her family was worried about her absence. She estimated about two hours had passed since meeting the woman. She did not know what happened to the boy.

For several weeks, she was traumatized, suffering from continuous stomach pain, significant weight loss, and light sensitivity in her eyes, which became swollen and red. About a month later, she became so ill that she was hospitalized. Despite thorough examinations, the cause of her condition was not found. She gradually recovered and was discharged after about a month, having missed the entire autumn semester of school. For about a year, she feared the location where the craft had been and avoided looking at the sky above the railway.

She later heard that the boy who was with her on the craft had suffered a mental breakdown by the age of 17 and was institutionalized.

Mikä liikkui Niinisalon taivaalla juhannusaaton vastaisena yönä 1970? (What Moved in the Sky Above Niinisalo on the Night Before Midsummer 1970?)

This article reports on a UFO sighting that occurred on the night of June 19, 1970. Dr. J. Lund contacted the Niinisalo military base weather observation station regarding a radio news report. The station reported that a very large object was observed moving in a north-south direction. Measured by theodolite, it was at an altitude of approximately 13 kilometers, with a diameter exceeding 100 meters. Its speed was estimated at 40-50 kilometers per hour, moving with the wind, though not at a constant pace. The object reflected light, which might have been sunlight. Initially, it appeared pyramidal but then became amorphous. Hundreds of people in Kankaanpää observed the phenomenon with the naked eye, but radar did not detect it. Reports of the sighting were also received from Karvia, Tampere, and Helsinki.

UFO-harrastusnäyttely Oulussa (UFO Hobby Exhibition in Oulu)

In May, a UFO hobby exhibition was opened in Oulu at the Säästöpankki (Savings Bank). The Oulun UFO-kerho ry. (Oulu UFO Club) presented documents, publications, research, books, UFO photographs, and statistics related to the UFO field. The article notes that the magazine VIMANA received considerable public interest.

UFO-kerhot (UFO Clubs)

The magazine lists several local UFO clubs and their contact persons across Finland, including:

• Jyväskylä: Erkki Erähonka, Postilokero 171
• Kemi: Kari Kuure, os. Urheilukatu 11
• Kotka: Pekka Teerikorpi, os. Merikatu 4 B
• Lappeenranta: "UFO 66", Tapani Kuningas, os. Uro kk
• Nurmijärvi: Viljo Penttilä, Os. Nurmijärvi kk.
• Pori: Jarl Lund, os. Valtakatu 5 D
• Seinäjoki: Runar Smedlund

The magazine also features a photograph of an exhibition at Salon Kauppaoppilaitos from December 6-7, 1969, where op. Micklin and second-year students were responsible for the UFO section.

Oulun UFO-kerho ry. and Tieteellinen Yhdistys Arktos ry.

A section mentions the collaboration between Oulun UFO-kerho and Tieteellinen Yhdistys Arktos ry. It includes a photograph of Arktos's new observatory in Oulu, housing a 1800 mm focal length mirror telescope purchased from Japan. The text states that UFOs have not been observed there, but the image is presented to greet Finnish UFO clubs and enthusiasts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes interest in UFO phenomena, encouraging public engagement through exhibitions and local clubs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, presenting personal accounts and observational data without overt skepticism. The inclusion of a childhood memory and a significant sighting suggests a focus on both historical and contemporary UFO events. The magazine also highlights the activities of UFO organizations in Finland, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.