Teknisk Studiehefte - 1960 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Teknisk Studie Hæfte' (Technical Study Booklet), published by SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO-investigation) in September 1960, is edited by Frank Pedersen. The cover features a yellow background with a stylized illustration of a flying saucer, a long building-like structure, and a globe with orbiting elements, suggesting themes of technology, space, and extraterrestrial phenomena. The publication aims to provide a foundation for UFO research.

Content Breakdown

Chapter 3: The Moon

The booklet begins by describing the Moon as Earth's closest neighbor in space, detailing its orbital periods relative to stars (27 1/3 days) and the Sun (29 1/2 days), and its phases (new moon, first quarter, full moon, third quarter). The average distance to Earth is stated as 384,000 km. The Moon's diameter is 3,280 km compared to Earth's 12,733 km. It is noted that the Moon is generally considered too small to have an atmosphere, and its mass is about 1/81 of Earth's, with surface gravity being 1/6 of Earth's. The lack of atmosphere is evidenced by stars not being obscured when the Moon passes in front of them.

Solar and Lunar Eclipses

The text explains that lunar eclipses occur when the Moon, Earth, and Sun align. Solar eclipses happen when the Moon is between the Sun and Earth. The Moon's size is described as coincidentally perfect for obscuring the Sun's disk, allowing for the study of the Sun's Corona. The article mentions that there are typically 4 to 5 solar eclipses per year, categorized as total, annular, or partial. Total eclipses, where the Moon's shadow cone hits Earth, can cover an area up to 300 km wide and move across the Earth's surface at speeds of 1500-6500 km/h.

The Moon's Appearance and Rotation

Only 60% of the Moon's surface is visible from Earth due to its synchronous rotation, where it always shows the same side. This phenomenon is attributed to tidal forces from Earth. The Moon rotates relative to the stars in 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes, and 11.5 seconds, which is the same time it takes to orbit Earth. The Moon's orbit is elliptical, with Earth at one focus, causing its speed to vary. The text also discusses 'geometric librations,' which allow us to see slightly more of the Moon's surface, resulting in approximately 59% of the surface being known, with 41% always visible and 18% intermittently visible.

Lunar Geography and Craters

The visible lunar surface has been extensively studied, with its geography being called 'selenography.' The Moon is said to have a vast number of mountains and craters, with many mountains reaching 2000 m high and 200,000 visible craters. These craters range from small to 'kraters' with diameters of several hundred kilometers. The dark areas, known as 'seas' ('mare'), are thought to be remnants of enormous craters. Theories on crater formation include volcanic activity and meteor impacts. The lack of atmosphere on the Moon means that impact traces are preserved.

Is There Life on the Moon?

This section addresses the question of life on the Moon, particularly relevant in the rocket age. The common view is that the Moon is a barren, airless sphere with extreme temperatures. However, the text presents alternative theories supported by recent discoveries. One theory, proposed by Soviet scientists in September 1959, suggests the possibility of life forms, water, and internal heat on the Moon. Observations of frost patches forming on the surface and evidence of volcanic activity are cited. Another theory, from November 1959, by Professor Alfred Nahon, asserts the Moon's habitability based on its known side, suggesting that hundreds of billions of dollars are being spent to investigate the Moon due to its potential.

Scientific Claims and Observations

• The booklet cites several scientific claims and observations:
• Dr. Levit (January 1959) predicted that by 1980, cities would cover the Moon's surface, built as domes for protection, with their reflections visible from Earth.
• Astronomers like Dr. Kniper have observed hundreds of strange, white, round domes on the Moon, which sometimes disappear and reappear elsewhere, leading to the question of who built them, as no human has yet landed on the Moon.
• Dr. John Russel suggests the Moon's invisible side could serve as a base for extraterrestrial visitors, such as 'flying saucers' from Mars, to explore Earth undetected.

• Several scientific declarations are presented:
• Professor Tichov (1959) questioned the certainty of no oxygen on Mars, stating that spectral analysis doesn't reveal all phenomena and that water likely exists on Mars.
• Professor H. Oberth (November 1958) expressed conviction that 'flying saucers' are manned by highly intelligent beings who have been observing Earth for a long time.
• Felix Segal (September 1959) estimated that there are 150,000 planetary systems in our galaxy alone, inhabited by beings far more advanced than humans, who have long utilized cosmic flight.
• K. Guilzine's work suggests that 'flying saucers' are already traversing space, and that if we lived on Mars, we would discover this.

• Dr. H. P. Wilkens, a leading lunar specialist, is mentioned for his book 'Secrets of Space and Time.' The text highlights specific observations from his work:
• The mountains Pico, Piton, and Lahire on the 'Sea of Rain' sometimes shine as if covered in snow, with rays emanating from their peaks, resembling searchlights.
• The 'Dangerous Sea' area has been observed to have fog, and its surface appears covered with a network of lines and luminous spots.
• A crater named Alhazen, noted by Schroeter in the early 19th century, is no longer present.
• Two small craters near the 'Sea of Fertility' have been observed to change shape, leading to questions about how solid objects can transform.
• Streaks on crater slopes have been observed, sometimes appearing as dots and lines, potentially explaining Martian 'canals' and suggesting intelligent activity.
• Large patches and dark rays appear on the slopes of the Eratosthenes crater and surrounding landscape, their movement being unpredictable. Astronomer Pickering suggests these might be vegetation zones or swarms of insects.
• A breach in a wall around the large valley 'Piccolamini' on the Moon was observed in May 1954, from which an immense, straight streak emerged.

• Further observations include:
• The 'Mare Crisium' area has shown geometric light phenomena, including circles and triangles, which appeared suddenly in 1869 and disappeared after 2000 observations.
• The Linné crater, 10-12 km in diameter, disappeared from the lunar surface since 1867.
• In 1915, 'walls' were seen in several craters, described as straight and curved.
• A large red spot, 2 km in extent, was observed by Wilkens during volcanic activity on the Moon.
• Radio Moscow reported in September 1959 that Lunik II detected a fast stream of atoms 10,000 m above the Moon's surface, with an ionosphere of a different nature than Earth's.
• Dr. W. Sinton's research suggests that life is a cosmic phenomenon, not exclusive to Earth, and can adapt to various conditions.
• A Japanese newspaper reported Professor Toyada's observation of the words 'PYAX' and 'JWA' written in black letters on the 'Still Sea' area of the Moon.

Astrobotany

The issue introduces astrobotany, the study of plants in space. Founded by Russian astronomer Gawrill A. Tichow, it involves analyzing how different plants reflect light. Tichow used color filters to study planetary color variations, concluding that life exists on Mars. Astrobotanists conduct experiments, sending plant seeds into space to study their germination and genetic changes. These experiments indicate that life can exist beyond Earth's conditions, thriving in extreme environments like poles, deserts, and deep oceans. Even insects have been found in crude oil, and bacteria have survived in vacuum conditions.

Plants Harvesting Metals

A curious fact is presented: American farmers are reportedly harvesting not only crops but also metals. Mining operations are being integrated with agriculture, as certain plants have the ability to absorb, excrete, and concentrate gold, silver, germanium, selenium, and other essential minerals from the soil more efficiently and cheaply than machines or laboratories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the Moon's physical characteristics, the possibility of extraterrestrial life (particularly on the Moon and Mars), and the scientific investigation of space phenomena, including UFOs and eclipses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various scientific theories and observations, even those that challenge conventional astronomical views. The publication encourages further study and research into these topics, positioning itself as a resource for UFO enthusiasts and those interested in the broader implications of space exploration and potential extraterrestrial contact. The tone suggests a belief that current scientific understanding is incomplete and that new discoveries are rapidly changing established paradigms.