UFO Goteborg Manadsblad - 1969 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Månadsblad from January 1969 (identified as '1.69' and volume '1968') is published by UFO-Göteborg and edited by Jörgen Kjernell. The magazine's stated aim is to provide the public with real knowledge about the existence of UFOs.

Space Exploration and Human Conscience

The lead article, "RYMDFÄRDERNA OCH VÅRT SAMVETE" (Space Journeys and Our Conscience), posits that the year 1957 might be a pivotal year in history. It references a young American researcher, G. Cocconi, who suggested that our solar system is not unique and that many stars likely host planets with highly developed life forms. The article discusses the ongoing efforts to listen for extraterrestrial signals and concludes that the universality of life and the expansion of galaxies are profoundly significant discoveries. It raises ethical questions about humanity's actions in space, warning that ignorance could lead to unintended consequences, such as interfering with alien life. Professor Lovell is cited as suggesting that around the year 1970 could be a critical juncture for civilizations, where advanced technology might lead to self-destruction before reaching greater maturity.

The Post-Sputnik Era

The section "SCENÄNDRING EFTER FÖRSTA SPUTNIKEN" (Scene Change After the First Sputnik) notes that since the launch of Sputnik in October 1957, both the East and West have redirected significant technical and scientific resources towards space exploration, not for direct military purposes, but potentially to save humanity from nuclear annihilation. While acknowledging the danger of hydrogen bombs, the article frames them as less cosmically serious than a potential extraterrestrial catastrophe that could wipe out all higher life on our planet, with any message about such an event taking two million years to reach our nearest neighbors.

Scientific and Moral Catastrophe

"VETENSKAPLIG OCH MORALISK KATASTROF" (Scientific and Moral Catastrophe) discusses Professor Lovell's critical view of a recent Russian satellite reaching a neighboring planet. The article elaborates on the potential for a scientific catastrophe if Earth organisms were to contaminate other planets, hindering future biological research. It also raises the moral issue of humanity arbitrarily placing its own material in extraterrestrial environments, potentially disrupting organic development. The author suggests that while it's conceivable these environments lack life, it would be foolish to assume so without proof. The article uses a thought experiment of an extraterrestrial bacterial attack on Earth to illustrate the potential for devastation.

Rune Rydebrandt's Contributions

Rune Rydebrandt contributes two articles. The first, "Rymdfärderna har konsekvenser som måste införlivas med våra samveten" (Space Journeys have consequences that must be incorporated into our conscience), continues the ethical discussion on space exploration, emphasizing the need for a broader conscience regarding our actions beyond Earth.

The second article, "MÅNEN... VÅR NÄRMASTE GRANNE" (The Moon... Our Nearest Neighbor), describes the moon's desolate and inhospitable environment. It details the extreme temperature variations, the composition of the lunar surface (grus- and dammpartiklar), and the length of a lunar day (over 708 hours). The article contrasts the moon's low reflectivity (7%) with Earth's (up to 50%), explaining why the moon appears less bright. It clarifies that the 'seas' on the moon are dry, barren deserts, not water bodies, and are characterized by craters and mountains. The highest known mountain, Epsilon Peak, is estimated at nearly 10,000 meters. The article notes that due to synchronous rotation, only 59% of the moon's surface is visible from Earth, with the remaining 41% requiring study via rocket photography and expeditions. It concludes by framing lunar exploration as a small step towards humanity's search for new living spaces in the vast universe.

Mysterious Incidents in Sweden

"UPFRÄMEN???????" by Svend Östergaard details several perplexing events reported in Swedish newspapers in April 1968. The primary focus is a mysterious 'vaken' (opening) in Lake Upprämen, which measured 20x30 meters and was triangular in shape, with large ice chunks thrown around it. Experts suggested it would take over 100kg of dynamite to create such an opening. Theories ranged from flying objects to satellites, but Colonel Curt Hermansson officially ruled out aircraft and dynamiting. A reddish crust was found, but its origin remains unexplained. The article also mentions a similar, though smaller, opening in the ice at Hedefjorden near Särnaheden, where vertical holes were found. The explanation given was ice cracking, despite evidence of a large ice floe downstream. Additionally, a fiery, red object was sighted in the sky near Lake Upprämen. The article concludes by leaving the questions and facts for the reader to ponder.

APRO and Swedish UFO Cases

A section titled "A.P.R.O." introduces the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, based in Arizona and led by Jim and Coral Lorenzen. UFO-Göteborg has received a request from APRO for information on two of the best UFO cases in Sweden, including all necessary data. The article suggests the case in Skåne, where three young men photographed an object, and the case in Föne, where a man's hair was singed off, might be suitable.

Humor and Observations

The magazine includes a section with humorous observations and jokes, attributed to "RYD" and "Svend Östergaard". These are lighthearted and unrelated to the main UFO topics, including jokes about strange creatures, flying saucers, and personal anecdotes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Månadsblad strongly emphasizes the scientific and ethical dimensions of UFO phenomena and space exploration. There's a clear concern for humanity's responsibility in the cosmos, particularly regarding potential contact with extraterrestrial life and the impact of our own technological advancements. The magazine also dedicates significant space to reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena and mysterious events occurring in Sweden, suggesting a belief in the reality of these occurrences and the need for thorough investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, coupled with a broader philosophical reflection on humanity's place in the universe and its ethical obligations.