UFO Goteborg Manadsblad - 1968 Maj

Magazine Overview

This is the May 1968 issue of "UFO Göteborg Månadsblad," a Swedish publication dedicated to informing the public about the existence of UFOs. The cover features the title "UFO Göteborg Månadsblad" with two crossed flaming torches and the date "Maj-08" (May 1968).

Key Articles and Reports

UFOs in Michigan

The magazine reports on a series of UFO sightings in Michigan, USA. Several witnesses, including police officers, reported seeing mysterious objects in the sky. One incident involved a truck driver who described a "pyramid"-like object with blue-green and white lights hovering about 7-0 kilometers away. He noted the object appeared to have waves of heat around it. Another report mentioned a young man in Bangor, Maine, who claimed to have shot at a luminous object with his pistol and hit it.

Investigation and Expert Opinions

In response to the numerous reports, the US Air Force was reportedly involved in investigating the Michigan sightings. Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek, a consultant known for his work on UFO phenomena, was brought in. After his investigation, Hynek reportedly attributed the sightings to marsh gas, a common explanation that did not satisfy many witnesses, leaving lingering unease in Michigan.

Swedish UFO Sightings

The issue also details a sighting in Norrland, Sweden, where a round, orange object was found in a bog. The material of this object reportedly resisted all attempts to penetrate it. Another report from Upprämen, Sweden, described a "reddish-brown" object, with theories of meteorites or aircraft being dismissed.

UFO Types

A section titled "OLIKA UFO-TYPER" (Different UFO Types) showcases a "disc-type with a dome" object. This type of craft was reportedly seen multiple times during the Korean War and was even photographed.

"JUST DEN 13.e" (The 13th)

This section touches upon the superstition surrounding the number 13, especially in relation to a planned UFO program on TV scheduled for May 13th. It mentions that FOA (presumably the Swedish National Defence Research Establishment) and the UFO-logiska föreningen i Stockholm contributed information for this program. The article expresses hope that the program will be a genuine illumination of UFO phenomena, but notes that the 13th does not bode well.

"ASTRONOMI IGEN" (Astronomy Again)

This article discusses observations of the moon. It references historical beliefs about the moon having an atmosphere and oceans, and how better telescopes revealed it to be a barren world with extreme temperature differences. However, it questions this view, citing phenomena like "shooting stars" on the moon and observations of sunrises, suggesting the presence of an atmosphere. Professor Pickering's observations of "shadows" that appeared to be moving are mentioned, as well as the possibility of insect swarms or atmospheric phenomena. The article notes differing opinions, with H. Spencer Jones of the Greenwich Observatory believing the moon lacks an atmosphere. The author also shares personal observations of color shifts in the Grimaldi and Plato craters, suggesting internal activity on the moon.

"FÖRENINGSNYTT" (Association News)

This section provides updates on the UFO-Göteborg association's meetings.

• March 5th Meeting: The meeting began with a presentation by Rydebrandt on the "Moon as a UFO base," discussing peculiar observations on the moon. The discussion also focused on the Upprämen case, where meteorite or aircraft theories were rejected. Stig Nordling was scheduled to give a lecture on astronomy at the next meeting. New members were welcomed.
• March 19th Meeting: The meeting included a brief update on the latest news from Norrland regarding the "reddish-brown" object in Upprämen. Nordling gave his lecture on astronomy, covering methods for measuring stellar distances and the position of Earth in the Milky Way. The association also presented UFO slideshows, which were well-received. Rydebrandt gave a presentation titled "Is This Humanism?" detailing UFO reports of abductions of humans and animals, damage to property, and attacks on aircraft, some resulting in fatalities. This presentation sparked a lively discussion. An article for "Expressen" challenging FOA to a "duel" on the UFO issue was also reviewed. A proposal was made for a special group to respond to near-observations, but the cost of necessary equipment was deemed high.

Other Mentions

• "BERÖMVÄRT" (Notable): Jarl Åberg is credited with compiling 34 articles from 1946, a year for which FOA's records are reportedly "missing."
• "HAPNADSVACKANDE" (Unfortunate): The magazine questions why FOA would allow sensational news about the orange object found in Norrland to be released.
• "SEFETY FIRST" (Safety First): A humorous anecdote about a beginner skydiver who forgot his parachute.
• "FRÅGESPORT" (Quiz): A quiz with questions about planets, including Pluto, Jupiter, and Earth's distance from the sun.
• "ÖN PÅ HIMLEN" (The Island in the Sky): This appears to be a continuation or related piece to the astronomy section, discussing the moon.
• "SE UPPÅT - HA TÅLAMOD" (Look Up - Have Patience): A motto for the association.
• "VÅR FRAMGÅNG - DIN GLÄDJE" (Our Success - Your Joy): Another motto.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFOs exist and are a subject worthy of serious investigation. It highlights witness accounts, criticizes official explanations (like Hynek's marsh gas theory), and expresses a desire for more transparency from organizations like FOA. The editorial stance is one of active inquiry and a commitment to informing its members and the public about UFO phenomena, while also engaging in lighter content like quizzes and anecdotes. There's a clear emphasis on sharing information and fostering discussion within the UFO research community in Sweden.