Deguforum - Issue 10 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr.10
Volume: 3.Jahrgang
Date: June 1996
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V.
Country: Germany
Price: DM 7,50

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research, focuses on the "Philadelphia Experiment III," exploring its alleged continuation as the "Montauk Project." It also delves into the historical development of scientific understanding of the cosmos and features organizational news for DEGUFO members.

Articles and Features

Thema Desinformation: Anatomie einer Irreführung - Das Philadelphia - Experiment fünfzig Jahre danach. Teil 3

This extensive article, authored by Jacques Vallee, examines the Philadelphia Experiment and its alleged successor, the Montauk Project, as prime examples of "hoaxes" or deliberate deceptions. Vallee critiques how such stories gain traction and persist despite a lack of factual evidence, often by exploiting psychological factors like a desire to believe and a fascination with the unexplained. The article details the claims surrounding the Montauk Project, including time travel experiments conducted at a US Air Force base in New York, and the roles of individuals like Al Bielek, Preston Nichols, and Duncan Cameron. It also discusses the role of media in perpetuating such narratives and offers six points for critically evaluating information in the field of UFOlogy, emphasizing skepticism towards self-proclaimed experts and media sensationalism.

Naturwissenschaft: Die Entwicklung unseres Wissens vom Weltall

This section traces the historical evolution of humanity's understanding of the cosmos. It begins with early astronomical observations by ancient civilizations and highlights the contributions of Greek philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, Democritus, and Aristarchus of Samos, who laid the groundwork for scientific inquiry and mathematical reasoning. The article discusses the Hellenistic period in Alexandria, a hub of scientific activity, and mentions key figures like Hipparchus, Euclid, and Archimedes. It then moves to the geocentric model proposed by Ptolemy, which dominated astronomical thought for centuries, and contrasts it with the revolutionary heliocentric model introduced by Nicolaus Copernicus. The text also touches upon Galileo Galilei's observational evidence that supported the heliocentric view, despite opposition from the Church.

DEGUFO-Intern

This section contains organizational announcements for DEGUFO members. It includes an invitation to the annual general meeting on September 7-8, 1996, at the Hotel Quellenhof in Volkmarsen, near Kassel. The agenda includes the election of a new board, reports from various committees, and other member-related business. Details on travel directions and accommodation options are provided, along with a form for members to register their attendance and hotel preferences.

Editorial

In his editorial, Reinhard Nühlen invites readers to contribute their own thoughts and experiences for the "DEGUFO-RUM" section, emphasizing the journal's role as a forum for discussion and diverse viewpoints, rather than a one-way information channel. He highlights that most contributions come from members, contributing to the magazine's high editorial standard. Nühlen also discusses the growing importance of online communication, mentioning the DEGUFO website and the possibility of online forums and "Midnight-Talks." He reiterates the importance of the upcoming membership meeting for the organization's future and expresses optimism about DEGUFO's continued presence and recognition within the UFO research community.

Buchbesprechung (Book Reviews)

• This section features reviews of several books related to UFOs and paranormal phenomena:
• Dieter von Reeken: "Bibliographie der selbständigen deutschsprachigen Literatur über außerirdisches Leben" (Bibliography of independent German-language literature on extraterrestrial life).
• Martin Bergbauer: "Wie aus dem Chaos Geist entsteht" (How Spirit Emerges from Chaos).
• John Gribbin: "Jenseits der Zeit - Experimente mit der 4. Dimension" (Beyond Time - Experiments with the 4th Dimension).
• Helmut Lammer, Oliver Sidla: "UFO-Nahbegegnungen" (Close Encounters of the UFO Kind).

Diskussion (Discussion)

This part includes a commentary by Prof. Dr. Martin Bergbauer and a response to Prof. Dr. Martin Bergbauer, indicating a debate or exchange of ideas on a particular topic.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

A section dedicated to correspondence from readers, providing their feedback and opinions.

Impressum (Imprint)

The imprint page, likely containing legal and publication details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly the "Philadelphia Experiment" and "Montauk Project," framed within the context of "desinformation" and the psychology of hoaxes. The magazine strongly advocates for critical thinking, skepticism towards sensational claims, and the importance of rigorous research. Alongside these themes, there is a significant focus on the history of science and cosmology, showcasing the progression of human knowledge from ancient times to modern physics. The editorial stance is one of open discussion and member participation, fostering a community where diverse perspectives on paranormal and scientific topics can be shared and debated. The organization, DEGUFO e.V., is presented as a well-established entity that has overcome initial skepticism and gained recognition, with a forward-looking approach that includes embracing new communication technologies like the internet.

This issue of "Naturwissenschaft" (Science) from DEGUFORUM, dated June 1996, delves into the historical and philosophical underpinnings of modern science, with a particular focus on cosmology and physics. The magazine presents a narrative of scientific progress, highlighting key figures and their groundbreaking discoveries.

Reformation des Weltbildes und Beginn der Neuzeit

The issue begins by recounting the struggles of Galileo Galilei, whose heliocentric views were condemned by the Church, only to be posthumously rehabilitated by the Vatican in 1992. His work is presented as a foundational step towards modern scientific methodology, emphasizing observation and experimentation over reliance on ancient texts like those of Aristotle.

Johannes Kepler's belief in the divine order of the universe, expressed through geometry and mathematics, is then discussed. His scientific ambition was fueled by his religious convictions. Kepler's work, built upon Tycho Brahe's extensive astronomical observations, led to the discovery of elliptical planetary orbits, finally aligning theoretical predictions with empirical data. However, Kepler's theories did not explain the force keeping planets in orbit.

This explanation arrived in 1687 with Sir Isaac Newton's publication of "Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica." This seminal work is hailed as the most important physics book ever written by a single author. Newton not only proposed a theory of motion but also developed the analytical tools to study it. His universal law of gravitation posited that all bodies attract each other with a force dependent on their mass and distance. The article notes that gravity, for Newton, was a descriptive concept representing divine action in the universe.

The Expanding Universe

Newton's theories made the universe comprehensible, and astronomical observations provided data on the vastness of space. The prevailing view was that the universe was either eternal or created in its current state. However, in 1929, Edwin Hubble's discovery that distant galaxies are receding from us challenged this notion, suggesting an expanding universe. This led to the hypothesis that the universe originated from an infinitely small point, a concept later supported by the discovery of cosmic background radiation by Penzias and Wilson in 1965, which validated Big Bang theories.

Despite this, the article acknowledges that alternative cosmological models exist that are consistent with observations without postulating a specific origin point. Modern scientific theories are largely based on the work of Albert Einstein (relativity) and Max Planck and Werner Heisenberg (quantum mechanics). The ongoing quest for a unified theory that explains all phenomena in the universe is highlighted.

Relativity and Quantum Theory

The article "Relativitäts- und Quantentheorie im Licht der neuen Wissenschaft" by Andreas Haxel continues a discussion from a previous issue. Haxel explores the subjective nature of reality, suggesting that our perception of the universe is a projection of our own minds. He posits that each individual experiences their own unique photon universe and that the laws of physics are essentially laws of our own minds. Haxel critiques Einstein's theories, suggesting they were developed to preserve the concept of an objective universe and to mask the power of the mind.

He argues that quantum mechanics, while close to revealing this truth, was ultimately steered away from it by 'manipulators' who interpreted the 'human mind' out of the theory. Haxel discusses experiments involving electron spin, suggesting that the observed properties are not inherent but arise from the experimental setup, questioning the concept of causality.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews:

"Wie aus Chaos Geist entsteht - Aus dem Nichts zur Unendlichkeit" by Martin Bergbauer

This review discusses Bergbauer's attempt to bridge the gap between modern physics and philosophy. The reviewer notes that Bergbauer traces the development of scientific thought from ancient Greek philosophers to Newton and Einstein, emphasizing the method of reductionism. The review highlights Bergbauer's exploration of concepts like symmetry and his critique of the limitations of purely materialistic science. The reviewer, Hans-Joachim Heyer, argues that scientific theories are merely approximations of reality and that the search for a single, unifying theory (like the 'World Formula' or the Big Bang) is a consequence of the reductionist method.

Heyer also critiques Bergbauer's assertion that time is not an inherent property but a construct of the mind, arguing that Einstein's theories demonstrate time's objective nature. He defends Darwinian evolution against Bergbauer's suggestion of a 'planner' behind it, emphasizing the empirical evidence supporting evolution. Heyer concludes that science and philosophy are distinct but complementary fields, both striving to understand the world, and that a dialogue between them is essential.

"Jenseits der Zeit - Experimente mit der 4. Dimension" by John Gribbin

This review covers Gribbin's historical account of astronomy, focusing on the concepts of black holes and the distortion of space-time. The reviewer notes the early conception of black holes by John Michell in the 18th century and their later rediscovery. The review touches upon Descartes' invention of the Cartesian coordinate system and its impact on geometry and mathematics, leading to Riemann's work on curved spaces, which Einstein utilized.

The review highlights Gribbin's explanation of relativity and the life cycles of stars, leading to the formation of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. It discusses the concept of the Schwarzschild radius and the 'second event horizon' formed by the extreme acceleration of light. The review also mentions the idea of a 'naked singularity' within rotating black holes, which could potentially allow for interstellar travel.

Discussion Section

This section features a dialogue between Professor Dr. Martin Bergbauer and Hans-Joachim Heyer, likely the author of the book review on Bergbauer's work.

Bergbauer's Response

Bergbauer defends his position, arguing that Heyer's critique is too narrowly focused on natural science and neglects the philosophical aspects. He reiterates that the reductionist method, while useful, can lead to flawed conclusions, such as the inevitability of the Big Bang theory. Bergbauer suggests that alternative models like the Steady State theory, which involve continuous creation of matter, are also valid outcomes of reductionist thinking. He emphasizes that symmetry is an inherent property of natural processes, not merely a human construct, and that its discovery in particle physics supports this view. Bergbauer also defends Darwinian evolution, calling it a robust scientific model supported by extensive evidence.

Heyer's Rebuttal

Heyer counters that Bergbauer's philosophical arguments are not adequately integrated into a scientific framework. He argues that scientific statements, like Newton's laws, are objective and not mere subjective constructs. Heyer criticizes the idea that consciousness creates reality, citing Einstein's work on the constancy of the speed of light as evidence for an objective, unchanging aspect of the universe. He asserts that science progresses through approximations of truth, and that while these approximations are falsifiable, truth itself is not. Heyer also expresses concern that science has become subservient to technology and that the reductionist approach, particularly in economics, benefits only a few.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of scientific inquiry, the relationship between science and philosophy, the historical development of cosmological and physical theories, and the subjective versus objective nature of reality. The magazine appears to advocate for a more integrated approach between science and philosophy, questioning the limitations of purely empirical and reductionist methods. There is a critical stance towards materialistic science and a suggestion that consciousness and mind play a more significant role in shaping reality than conventionally accepted. The editorial stance seems to favor a holistic view that acknowledges both scientific findings and philosophical insights, encouraging a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it.

DEGUFORUM, Issue 10, dated June 1996, is a German-language magazine focusing on ufology, pre-astronautics, and fringe science. This issue delves into theoretical physics, the nature of consciousness, and UFO research, featuring book reviews and philosophical discussions.

Book Review: John Gribbin's Work

The first article reviews John Gribbin's exploration of time travel, wormholes, and the structure of the universe. The reviewer notes Gribbin's explanation of how the universe's event horizon might enable time travel by bypassing the light barrier. Gribbin connects the processes in atomic nuclei and black holes, suggesting similar mechanisms operate at both macro and micro levels, linked by wormholes. The review highlights Gribbin's discussion of modern wormhole theories and string theory, concluding that time travel is theoretically possible, though practically distant. The article also touches upon quasars, explaining their energy emissions as a result of gas falling into central black holes in younger galaxies.

The reviewer contrasts Gribbin's views with those of Bergbauer, questioning if science is undermining its own foundations. Gribbin's perspective on the event horizon's role in shielding singularities of black holes is presented, noting a shift in his stance on the implications of rotating black holes. The review mentions Gribbin's assertion that the principle of causality is not an inviolable natural law, though no violations have been observed. It also references Gödel's incompleteness theorem, suggesting that aspects of reality may exist beyond scientific and mathematical proof, pointing towards philosophy as another tool for understanding the universe.

Book Review: 'UFO - Nahbegegnungen' by Lammer and Sidla

This section reviews the book "UFO - Nahbegegnungen" (UFO - Close Encounters) by Helmut Lammer and Oliver Sidla. The book aims to provide physical facts and evidence to convince the scientific community and the public of UFO existence. It bridges subjective experiences like alleged alien abductions with objectively measurable effects, such as radiation, radar anomalies, and magnetic fields. The authors present evidence from declassified US government documents, including reports from air force bases with nuclear missile sites, and discuss recent findings from the Roswell investigation. The review criticizes how media and skeptical organizations like CSICOP often dismiss UFO phenomena, sometimes deliberately spreading disinformation.

The book is described as a scientific work that utilizes the MUFON-CES UFO classification system. The reviewer critiques the system for forcing observations into existing frameworks, potentially missing the truly 'alien' or 'other' aspects of encounters. The review highlights that the book presents evidence suggesting the existence of spacecraft of unknown origin is practically proven, comparable to the existence of Pluto or aircraft carriers. It questions why UFOs are not discussed with the same certainty as conventional objects, despite the lack of direct personal experience with many of these phenomena.

The review quotes a section from the book discussing how 'science journalists' and 'organized UFO skeptics' shape public discourse, often by ridiculing UFO reports and making the public unable to distinguish between science fiction and credible accounts. It mentions the formation of the 'Zetetiker-Kommitee' by scientists and authors who advocate for a materialistic worldview and actively combat information that contradicts it.

The reviewer notes that the book covers UFO incidents involving aircraft, electromagnetic effects, and the analysis of data by physicists and psychologists. It also discusses the partial release of former secret US intelligence documents, indicating decades of government research into UFOs. The book's analysis of hypnosis in abduction cases and the skepticism surrounding them is also mentioned. The review concludes by stating that the book is a valuable update to the authors' previous work and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between specialists and amateurs in UFO research.

Hypothesis: Consciousness and the Universe

This extensive section explores the philosophical and scientific nature of consciousness. It begins by discussing the materialistic view that consciousness is merely a product of the brain's functional structure, a cybernetic system of interconnected neurons exchanging electrochemical signals. This perspective posits that consciousness is a consequence, not a cause, of brain processes.

However, the author argues for a different perspective, suggesting that all mental states are identical to physical states in the brain. This leads to the idea of a 'participatory universe' where the universe is a single quantum physical system described by a wave function. The observer is an integral part of this system, and their participation helps create reality. The universe is seen as an information system based on information relations and communication.

Consciousness is presented as a component of this system, contributing to the description of its state by reflecting an infinite variety of possible universe manifestations. The brain is viewed as the material projection of this consciousness. The author posits that consciousness cannot be separated from the brain because it is what gives meaning to the brain's processes. The universe itself is seen as rational, and consciousness is an expression of this rationality.

The discussion extends to the concept of entropy and organizational structures, linking it to the idea of chaos. It suggests that the universe tends towards states of greater probability (higher entropy), making the emergence of ordered systems, like life, seem paradoxical. The author proposes that evolution, driven by selective processes, can be understood as a mechanism that 'travels back in time' by capturing and reproducing rare, ordered changes.

The concept of causality is re-examined, suggesting that events are only causally linked if they are contemporaneous. The author proposes that the 'principle of causality' is not inherently tied to time but is a concept that arises from our perception of ordered events. The idea of a 'structuring extrapolation' or 'completed present' is introduced, where our experience of time is a construct of our consciousness.

The author concludes that consciousness is not generated by the brain but rather the brain exists within consciousness. The brain, as a physical entity bound by space and time, is a limited manifestation compared to consciousness, which transcends these dimensions. The article touches upon the idea that the universe's structure is fundamentally rational and that consciousness plays a role in understanding this rationality.

Other Sections

• "...weil die Zeit reif ist...": This section advertises the magazine "WISSENSCHAFT OHNE GRENZEN" (Science Without Borders), highlighting its coverage of topics like Paleo-SETI, UFO research, myths, alternative medicine, and archaeology.
• Reader Letters: Two reader letters are included. One questions the holographic universe model and the relationship between ego, consciousness, and matter. The other, from Andreas Haxel, discusses the subjective experience of color and its connection to the universe.
• Editor's Response: Hans-Joachim Heyer responds to the reader letters, clarifying his views on the holographic universe, causality, and the nature of consciousness and the ego.
• Announcements: Information is provided for DEGUFO e.V. members regarding an upcoming general meeting and contact details for the organization via post, internet, and email.
• Advertisement: An advertisement for the magazine "IT'S A HOAX" is featured, offering humor, satire, and comics related to fringe topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and the unexplained. There's a strong emphasis on challenging conventional scientific paradigms and investigating phenomena that lie outside mainstream understanding, such as UFOs and the nature of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry and critical analysis, encouraging readers to question established beliefs and explore alternative perspectives. The recurring theme is the search for a deeper understanding of reality, consciousness, and humanity's place in the cosmos, often through the lens of fringe science and theoretical physics.

DEGUFORUM, Issue 10, June 1996, is a German-language publication from the DEGUFO e. V. (German-speaking Society for UFO Research). The issue features a 'Letters to the Editor Discussion' section, primarily containing a lengthy letter from Hans-Joachim Heyer, alongside editorial information and contact details for the organization.

Content Analysis

Leserbriefe Diskussion (Letters to the Editor Discussion)

Hans-Joachim Heyer's Letter:

Heyer's letter is a philosophical exploration touching upon UFO secrecy, evolution, causality, time, dimensions, and the future of humanity in the face of technological advancement. He begins by questioning the conventional understanding of evolution, particularly the idea of an 'ur-vogel' (proto-bird) as the origin of birds. He posits that our perception of time as a linear 'time arrow' limits our understanding of reality and causality. He uses a chess game analogy to illustrate how reconstructing past moves (causality) does not guarantee knowledge of the actual game's history, suggesting that the 'rules' (natural laws) might change, which he proposes as the true nature of evolution.

He extends this idea to the concept of dimensions, suggesting that our 4-D universe might be one of many stacked 3-D universes, inaccessible to each other. Our consciousness, he argues, creates and encompasses all dimensions, and in different dimensions, things exist in different states (e.g., a fossil in one, a living creature in another).

To illustrate the difficulty of proving one's reality or abilities when confronted with a linear, causal perception, Heyer recounts a fictional scenario from a short story he is writing. In this story, he plays a computer game where he, as a submarine sailor, can alter the game's reality. He attempts to demonstrate this by conjuring a cup of tea or an Archaeopteryx, but the 'captain' (representing a person bound by conventional reality) dismisses these events as normal or already present, unable to perceive the 'magic' or alteration of rules.

This inability to prove his 'powers' leads him to realize that everyone is trapped within their own created reality or 'world'. He concludes that understanding these concepts is crucial for bridging the gap between different 'islands of reality' through a universal consciousness.

Thematic Shift to Politics and Society:

Heyer then pivots to the topic of political disinformation and the zeitgeist. He argues that fighting UFO secrecy is less important than combating political disinformation, as governments likely already possess UFO knowledge. He believes that by challenging politicians' narratives, they will be forced to engage in substantive discourse rather than empty rhetoric.

He specifically addresses the issue of unemployment, framing it within a Darwinian context where the weak are eliminated or assimilated. He fears that technology is making humans obsolete, leading to a future where humanity might be 'exterminated' because humans cannot become machines. He proposes an alternative future where technology serves humanity, and machines pay taxes to humans who are not working in the classical sense. These individuals would be recognized not as unemployed, but as 'free servants of the community,' finding meaningful engagement.

He criticizes the way politicians and media (especially talk shows) deliberately obscure truth and create confusion, urging readers to be critical of political discourse and to recognize the manipulation of information.

Editorial Information:

The issue also includes standard editorial details: Publisher (DEGUFO e. V.), ISSN, Editor (Reinhard Nühlen), editorial staff, layout, printing information, publication frequency (quarterly), subscription prices (DM 30.- for inland annual subscription, DM 7.50 per issue; DM 40.- for abroad), and contact information including postal address, phone, fax, and internet presence (website, email, Compuserve). It notes that named contributions do not necessarily reflect the views of DEGUFO e. V. and that unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around questioning established paradigms, particularly in science and society. There's a strong emphasis on the limitations of human perception and linear thinking (causality, time) when trying to understand complex phenomena like UFOs, evolution, and the nature of reality. The editorial stance, as represented by Heyer's letter, is critical of political discourse and media manipulation, advocating for a more critical and engaged citizenry. There's also a forward-looking perspective on societal changes driven by technology and the potential for both dystopian outcomes (human extinction) and utopian ones (a society valuing 'free servants of the community'). The publication clearly aims to provoke thought and encourage readers to look beyond conventional explanations.