MORGEN

Magazine Overview

This issue of MORGEN, dated August 2, 2003, under the "CENAP RESEARCH" banner, presents a collection of articles exploring mysteries and unexplained phenomena. The cover headline, "Verhext: Urahnen geben keine Ruhe" (Bewitched: Ancestors Give No Rest), introduces a feature on professional ghost hunters in Great Britain.

Professional Ghost Hunters Investigate Unsettling Phenomena in Great Britain

An article by Ulrich Schilling-Strack reports on a study conducted by researchers from the University of Hertfordshire. They investigated alleged hauntings in Britain, focusing on places like Hampton Court Palace. While visitors consistently identified areas of reported paranormal activity, the researchers concluded that there is no evidence of actual ghosts. Instead, they attribute these experiences to natural causes such as drafts, poor lighting, or magnetic fields influencing perception. The article mentions Catherine Howard, a former wife of Henry VIII, as a frequently sighted ghost at Hampton Court.

Have Aliens Brought the Virus to Earth?

Another article, by Hans Bewersdorff, presents a controversial theory suggesting that the deadly SARS virus may have originated from outer space. Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe of Cardiff University proposes that viruses are transported to Earth via cosmic dust and meteorites. He explains the initial outbreak in Asia by suggesting that the stratosphere is thinner there, allowing for easier 'fallouts' of these extraterrestrial pathogens. The article notes that if this theory is true, it would provide evidence for extraterrestrial life, as viruses require a host to reproduce.

The Mystery Park: At the Foot of the Virgin

This section, written by H. J. Kagelmann and M. Guthmann, details the opening of the Mystery Park in Interlaken, Switzerland. The park is based on the ideas of bestselling author Erich von Däniken, who posits that ancient cultural achievements are the result of extraterrestrial intervention. The park aims to engage visitors with riddles and mysteries, encouraging them to question how certain ancient structures and phenomena were created. It features seven themed complexes with various cinema experiences, including a simulated flight over the Nazca lines and an exploration of the 'Orient' section explaining pyramid construction. The park expects 500,000 visitors annually.

The Mystery of the Crop Circles Solved

An article titled "RÄTSEL DER KORNKREISE GELÖST" (The Mystery of the Crop Circles Solved) reveals that two pensioners from Southampton, England, have confessed to creating crop circles for over 20 years. This admission debunks theories attributing the formations to extraterrestrials. However, crop circle researcher Dr. Eltjo Haselhoff maintains that there are still unexplained aspects to the phenomenon. The article includes instructions on how to create a crop circle using simple tools and a partner, and suggests visiting www.kornkreise.de for motif ideas.

"Man-Ape" Sighted in China

A brief report from Peking describes the sighting of a "man-ape" creature in a nature reserve in China. Six tour participants reported seeing a creature about 1.65 meters tall with long black hair, leaving large footprints and emitting a foul odor. Similar sightings have reportedly occurred in the region before.

UFOs in Moscow: Russian Secrets Revealed

This article discusses alleged extraterrestrial activity in Russia. It references a report from the Moscow newspaper "Komsomolskaja Pravda" about the disappearance of large quantities of rare metals from mines near Dalnegorsk in Siberia. Initially attributed to corruption, the phenomenon is now linked to UFO sightings. Locals in the village of Taidja Peretitschiha reported a UFO crash, and strange metallic objects later appeared for sale. Researchers found a metallic disc at the crash site, composed of materials not known to be processed on Earth. The article suggests aliens might be mining these metals for their home planets. Security has been increased at the mines.

And Nessie Lives (or Lived)!

This piece reports on the discovery of fossilized remains in Loch Ness, Scotland. A 67-year-old pensioner found four fossilized vertebrae belonging to a Plesiosaurus, a marine reptile estimated to be 150 million years old. The fossil, found in the waters of Loch Ness, matches the popular descriptions of the Loch Ness Monster. Lyall Anderson, curator at the National Museum of Scotland, stated that this fossil provides the first evidence that the legendary creature may have indeed existed in the location.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to the unexplained, including paranormal activity, UFOs, extraterrestrial theories, and ancient mysteries. There is a clear interest in presenting both sensational claims and scientific or debunking perspectives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence, while also providing rational explanations where available. The inclusion of articles on ghost hunting, alien origins of viruses, ancient alien theories, crop circles, and cryptozoology indicates a focus on popular fascination with the unknown and the fringe.