Deguforum - Issue 17 - 1998

Magazine Overview

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research (DEGUFO e.V.), is dated March 1998 and is the 17th issue of its 5th year. It costs DM 7.50. The cover prominently features a photograph of a triangular object, likely a UFO, and the main headline questions the prevailing narrative of the Roswell incident, asking if the myth is collapsing and why it cannot be dismissed.

Editorial

The editorial by Hans-Joachim Heyer notes that this issue is the sixth with an extended page count. He expresses surprise at the amount of material gathered and how the articles, without prior coordination, seem to complement each other. The main theme of this issue is 'Time,' with four different articles addressing it. Reinhard Nühlen's article on Roswell is mentioned as a 'peculiar time phenomenon,' questioning whether a UFO or a weather balloon crashed 50 years prior. Frank Menhorn's contribution is the second part of a series on Professor Michio Kaku's cosmological String Theory, which allows for questions about what happened before the Big Bang. Heyer also highlights the surprising overlap between his own article on Karl Popper's philosophy and Andreas Haxel's on 'Time Travel Without Paradoxes,' noting their shared citation of Einstein's 'God does not play dice' and their discussions on personal will shaping reality and the concept of 'many worlds' versus 'Ur-chaos.'

Heyer suggests that the essay 'Science in the Grip of Economic Interests and Constraints' might offer an approach to reconciling these abstract ideas. He posits that the world might exist simultaneously as possibility and reality, akin to the wave-particle duality or the Hermetic principle of 'as above, so below.' He emphasizes that abstract thoughts become meaningful when integrated into daily life, leading to an experiential understanding of theories. He also touches upon the danger of fanatics creating their own realities but expresses confidence that DEGUFORUM readers and authors are immune to such fanaticism.

He concludes the editorial with a plea for readers to submit their own texts, particularly book reviews, noting that new perspectives are valuable for newcomers to the field. He acknowledges that the UFO field can become repetitive but stresses the need to integrate new information into existing knowledge.

Articles

Roswell: Ein Mythos stürzt ab? (Roswell: A Myth Collapses?)

This article by Reinhard Nühlen critically examines Uli Thieme's documentation on the Roswell incident. Nühlen acknowledges Thieme's meticulous work but disagrees with his conclusion that the 'MOGUL balloon' explanation is correct. Nühlen argues that Thieme exhibits 'selective perception,' presenting facts in a way that supports his predetermined conclusion. He points out that Thieme's documentation relies heavily on quotes from various sources rather than firsthand research or interviews conducted on location, despite Thieme having visited Roswell twice. Nühlen disputes Thieme's claim that the Roswell recovery was solely driven by 'Ufologists' seeking to profit, stating that while some may do so, it's not a reason to dismiss the entire phenomenon. He criticizes Thieme for generalizing and for selectively omitting information that contradicts his thesis.

Nühlen focuses on the testimony of Associated Press reporter Jason Kellahin, whom Thieme uses as a key witness to support the 'MOGUL balloon' theory and a June 14th crash date. Nühlen argues that Kellahin's account, as presented by Thieme, is incomplete and misleading. He highlights that Kellahin's interview with Mac Brazel occurred on July 8th, not at the crash site, and that Brazel's statement about finding debris on June 14th was made after the military had already established the 'weather balloon' narrative. Nühlen suggests that Brazel may have been pressured by the military to alter his account.

The article also discusses the testimony of photographer Adair, who was sent to Roswell by AP. Adair's account of seeing a large, glowing object and wreckage is presented as more consistent with a crash than a weather balloon. Nühlen contrasts Kellahin's account with Adair's, noting that Kellahin's description of the location is inaccurate and that his claim of seeing a balloon is questionable, especially since the debris would have been cleared by the time he arrived if it were a balloon. Nühlen also points out discrepancies in Kellahin's timeline and his claim of taking photos, which were never published, unlike other widely circulated photos from the event.

Nühlen concludes that while the exact date of the Roswell crash may be uncertain, this uncertainty does not invalidate the possibility of a UFO crash. He suggests that Brazel's initial statements and the testimonies of others like Adair point towards something more significant than a weather balloon, and that the military's actions suggest an attempt to conceal something.

Die Philosophie Karl Poppers (The Philosophy of Karl Popper)

This article, by H.-J. Heyer, likely delves into Karl Popper's philosophy, particularly his ideas on falsifiability and the demarcation between science and pseudoscience, as it relates to UFO phenomena. The editorial mentions a shared theme with Haxel's article on time travel, specifically the discussion of 'God does not play dice' and the nature of personal will in shaping reality.

Wissenschaft im Banne ökonomischer Interessen und Zwänge (Science in the Grip of Economic Interests and Constraints)

Also by H.-J. Heyer, this essay explores how economic factors and pressures can influence scientific research and its outcomes. The editorial suggests this piece might offer insights into the 'concretization of the possible' or the 'reification of the world,' linking it to abstract philosophical concepts.

Reise durch den Hyperraum - Teil II (Journey Through Hyperspace - Part II)

Authored by F. Menhorn, this is the second part of a series, likely continuing the discussion of Michio Kaku's cosmological String Theory, as mentioned in the editorial. It explores concepts related to hyperspace and potentially advanced physics.

Zeitreisen ohne Paradoxien (Time Travel Without Paradoxes)

Written by A. Haxel, this article addresses the theoretical possibility of time travel, focusing on how paradoxes might be avoided. As noted in the editorial, this piece shares thematic elements with Heyer's article on Popper's philosophy, particularly concerning the nature of reality and personal choice.

Book Reviews (Buchbesprechungen)

This section features reviews of several books:

• J. Fiebag: Von Aliens entführt (J. Fiebag: Abducted by Aliens) - reviewed by W. Raab.
• W. Raab: Unheimliche Begegnungen (W. Raab: Uncanny Encounters) - reviewed by E. Meckelburg.
• St. Friedman: Top Secret. Die Akte Majestic 12 (St. Friedman: Top Secret. The Majestic 12 File) - reviewed by M. Ringmann.
• J. Fiebag: Mission Pathfinder - reviewed by M. Ringmann.

Impressum

The 'Impressum' section, found on page 42, would contain the publication details, editorial board, and contact information for DEGUFO e.V.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the Roswell incident, the philosophy of science, and the nature of time and reality, including time travel. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question established narratives and engage with complex ideas. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous analysis, particularly in the examination of evidence related to UFO phenomena, as demonstrated by Nühlen's detailed critique of the Roswell documentation. The magazine also shows an interest in the intersection of science, economics, and philosophy, and explores speculative scientific concepts like hyperspace and time travel. The editorial actively solicits reader contributions, fostering a sense of community and collaborative research.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated March 1998, focuses heavily on the Roswell incident, critically examining the official explanations and the arguments presented by skeptics. The magazine's stance appears to be in favor of a genuine anomalous event, challenging the 'disinformation' tactics employed by those who seek to debunk the incident.

Critique of Skeptical Arguments

The article begins by dissecting the arguments of a certain Thieme, accusing him of selective use of information and misrepresentation. The author contends that Thieme's thesis, suggesting the crash occurred on June 14th, is unsubstantiated and that Thieme deliberately omits facts that do not fit his narrative. The 'skeptical method' is described as a schema that involves discrediting witnesses and selectively presenting information. The article notes that organizations like CENAP and GWUP, which are members of CSICOP, are involved in this approach.

Thieme's documentation is criticized for its reliance on sources like Robert Todd, whose information is difficult to verify. The article highlights Thieme's attempt to discredit Major Jesse A. Marcel by questioning his reported flight hours, citing a footnote that claims Marcel's military records do not support this. However, the author points out that the information about Marcel's 'vita' comes from Robert Todd, and these details have not been independently verified, with claims that the original documents were destroyed in a fire.

Witness Testimony and Discreditation

The article emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and how skeptics attempt to discredit it. It discusses Sheridan Cavitt, a key witness who accompanied Major Jesse Marcel to the crash site. Cavitt's sworn statement and interview excerpts are presented, showing his recollection of finding debris that was metallic and bamboo-like, and a black box. The article contrasts Cavitt's statements with how they are presented in the official Air Force report, suggesting that the report distorts Cavitt's words to fit the 'Mogul balloon' narrative.

Specifically, the article points out discrepancies in how Cavitt's uncertainty is presented. While Cavitt uses phrases like 'I think' or 'I remember vaguely,' the Air Force report implies more definitive statements. The article also notes that Cavitt did not recall any government officials coming from Washington or being sworn to secrecy.

The Project Mogul Hypothesis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking the 'Project Mogul' explanation for the Roswell crash. The article questions whether the debris found could have been from a Mogul balloon, citing an analysis by engineer Robert A. Galganski. This analysis involves calculating the surface area of Mogul 9 balloons and estimating the size of the debris field.

The article presents data from Table 1, showing the surface area of polyethylene balloon envelopes for different Mogul flights. It highlights that the specifications for Mogul 9 are unknown, but estimates are made based on similar flights. The debris field is described based on Major Jesse Marcel's account of a scattered area approximately 3/4 mile long and 200-300 ft wide.

Mathematical models are used to estimate the distribution and quantity of debris. The article concludes that even with generous estimates, the amount of material from a Mogul balloon would not account for the reported debris, suggesting that the Mogul hypothesis is not a viable explanation.

Analysis of Official Reports (USAF and GAO)

The article scrutinizes the official USAF report and the GAO report. It argues that the USAF report omits crucial facts to support its narrative. For instance, the report downplays the FBI telegram's description of a 'flying disc' and fails to mention that Wright Field did not confirm the weather balloon/radar reflector description. The article also criticizes the USAF report for selectively quoting and misinterpreting information, particularly regarding the 'national interest' classification of the telegram.

The GAO report, released in July 1995, is also discussed. Congressman Steve Schiff noted that important documents related to the Roswell incident were missing, including outgoing messages from Roswell Army Field that could have shed light on what really happened. These messages were reportedly destroyed without proper authorization, and the GAO could not determine who destroyed them or why.

The Role of Brigadegeneral Arthur E. Exon

Another key witness examined is Brigadegeneral Arthur E. Exon. The article contrasts Thieme's portrayal of Exon with the original accounts from authors Randle and Schmitt. Exon, who was at Wright Field in July 1947 when debris arrived, reportedly stated that the material was unusual and unlike anything known. He also mentioned that bodies had arrived at the base.

Thieme quotes Exon as saying, 'We heard the material was coming to Wright Field.' However, the article points out that Thieme omits parts of Exon's statement, such as the material being brought to 'our material testing laboratories' and that it was 'very tough.' Thieme also omits Exon's confusion about whether the debris was Russian or extraterrestrial.

Kevin Randle defends his and Schmitt's reporting of Exon's statements, providing a letter from Exon acknowledging that while he felt his words were given more weight than intended, they were not falsely quoted. Randle asserts that Exon confirmed that the material was not from a weather balloon and that he flew over the crash site.

Dr. Charles Moore and the Mogul Project

The article concludes by examining the testimony of Dr. Charles Moore, a key figure in Project Mogul. Moore is quoted as stating that the material and a black box were 'highly likely' from Mogul flight 4, a 'service flight' involving a cylindrical sonobuoy and weather instruments. He also mentioned that flight 4 launched on June 4, 1947, but was not recovered by the NYU group.

However, the article questions Moore's assertion by detailing the technical specifications of the early Mogul flights. It notes that flights 1-6 used different methods, including weather balloons and radiosondes, and that radar reflectors were only used with limited success on flights 3 and 4. The article points out that the description of the material and black box by Cavitt does not align with the known components of Mogul flight 4, casting doubt on Moore's conclusion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of official explanations for the Roswell incident, the defense of witness testimony against skeptical attacks, and the accusation of disinformation and selective reporting by those who promote the 'weather balloon' or 'Project Mogul' narratives. The editorial stance is clearly critical of the mainstream skeptical approach and supportive of the idea that something anomalous occurred at Roswell, with evidence pointing away from conventional explanations like Project Mogul.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated March 1998 (Nr. 17), features a cover story titled "Reise duch den Hyperraum - Teil II -" by Dr. Michio Kaku, exploring the Superstring Theory. The magazine also includes extensive articles on the philosophy of Karl Popper, a critical analysis of the Roswell incident, and discussions on the intersection of science, economics, and society.

Article: The Philosophy of Karl Popper

This section introduces Karl Popper's philosophy, highlighting its role in understanding natural science and human society. Popper's core idea is that knowledge is acquired deductively, through creative theories that are then tested and potentially falsified, rather than inductively through observation. He argues that only theories that can be falsified belong to science. Popper's "Three Worlds" theory distinguishes between the physical world (Welt 1), human consciousness (Welt 2), and culture/theories (Welt 3). The article connects Popper's ideas to Darwin's theory of evolution, equating mutation with theory formation and selection with falsification. It suggests that the materialization of theories leads to the concept of time and that conscious beings can create structures that go beyond existing ones, akin to filling in the gaps in a puzzle.

Article: Science Under the Spell of Economic Interests and Constraints

This extensive article examines the influence of economic forces on contemporary science. It questions whether natural science develops solely based on its own rules or if it is subject to unscientific influences, particularly economic ones. The author argues that both science and economics engage in a "reification of the world" (Verdinglichung der Welt), treating everything as objects and prioritizing utility and measurable outcomes. The article criticizes the empirical method for objectifying individuals and neglecting subjective experience. It posits that science, by focusing on 'how' questions and seeking applications, becomes intrinsically linked to technology and economics. The author contends that the scientific method, by isolating data and focusing on structures, leads to a loss of meaning and purpose. The article also discusses how economic interests, particularly in medicine and energy research, can create resistance to scientific findings that might threaten existing industries. It critiques the current scientific paradigm for its materialistic worldview, its detachment from ethical values, and its potential to lead to societal collapse.

Article: Journey Through Hyperspace - Part II

This is the continuation of an article by Dr. Michio Kaku, a professor at the New Yorker City College. It delves into the ten-dimensional Superstring Theory, describing its mathematical complexity and its potential to revolutionize physics. Kaku explains that the theory, while challenging, is a leading candidate for a unified theory of quantum mechanics and relativity. The article touches upon the challenge of solving the quantum solution for black holes and the ongoing research in this area. It also explores the implications of the Superstring Theory for understanding the universe, including the possibility of wormholes and time machines. The article then shifts to cosmological questions, discussing the limitations of Einstein's theory in explaining the Big Bang and exploring alternative models like quantum cosmology. It presents the idea of a multiverse, where our universe is one of many, potentially arising from quantum fluctuations in a timeless void.

Book Reviews

"Von Aliens entführt" by Johannes Fiebag

This review discusses Johannes Fiebag's fourth book on the UFO abduction phenomenon. Fiebag is presented as a prominent German researcher in this field. The book reportedly covers classic abduction cases, such as Betty and Barney Hill, and includes Fiebag's own extensive research. It also introduces new aspects to the discussion and presents a statistical analysis of reports from German-speaking witnesses, compiled with test psychologist Gerd Höchsmann. The review praises the book for providing a scientifically supported insight into a bizarre phenomenon.

"Unheimliche Begegnungen - ein Forschungsbericht" by Wladislaw Raab

This review covers Wladislaw Raab's book, which focuses on UFO phenomena and alleged abductions. Raab reportedly moves away from the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) and instead seeks connections to the paranormal. He examines historical accounts and legends, suggesting that 'visitors' have influenced human culture for millennia. The review notes that Raab cites recent cases of alleged contact with non-human entities, which he categorizes as paranormal manifestations rather than strict abductions. The book advocates for a new conception that moves beyond the ETH and integrates insights from consciousness-integrating new physics, suggesting that the 'truth' lies within us rather than 'out there'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of knowledge, the influence of external forces (particularly economics) on scientific inquiry, and speculative theories about the universe's origins and structure. The editorial stance appears critical of the current scientific and economic systems, highlighting their potential for alienation and societal problems. There is a strong emphasis on questioning established paradigms and exploring alternative perspectives, whether philosophical, scientific, or even paranormal. The magazine seems to advocate for a more holistic and conscious approach to understanding reality, moving beyond purely materialistic or economically driven frameworks.

DEGUFORUM, Issue 17, March 1998, is a German-language publication from the DEGUFO e. V. (German-Speaking Society for UFO Research). The issue's central theme is 'Time', exploring theoretical physics concepts related to time travel, parallel universes, and consciousness.

Articles

Hyperraum: Eine wissenschaftliche Reise durch die zehnte Dimension (Hyperspace: A Scientific Journey Through the Tenth Dimension)

This article begins by discussing the possibility of parallel universes, suggesting that identical or similar universes might exist with minor differences, such as King George III retaining his colonies. It then delves into the concept of higher dimensions, noting that while historically associated with charlatans, many serious scientists now believe in their existence and their potential to solve fundamental physics problems, like the unification of all physical knowledge.

The author shares a childhood fascination with the concept, illustrated by a thought experiment involving a carp in a pond contemplating the world outside its limited environment. This leads to the idea that a carp-scientist would dismiss the notion of a world beyond the pond as unscientific. The article posits that if a 'carp-scientist' were removed from its pond, it would describe a new, mysterious world with unfamiliar phenomena, suggesting that the laws of physics might differ in other dimensions.

The article is divided into three parts, with the third part promising to explore practical applications like building a time machine and encountering higher-dimensional beings.

Zeitreisen ohne Paradoxien (Time Travel Without Paradoxes)

This extensive article tackles the complex topic of time travel, asserting that what was once considered science fiction is now a subject of serious scientific inquiry. It highlights advancements in nanotechnology, teleportation, faster-than-light communication, and gravity manipulation as evidence of a paradigm shift driven by a new generation of scientists.

The core of the discussion revolves around the theoretical possibility of time travel and the inherent challenge of avoiding paradoxes, particularly the 'Grandfather Paradox'. The article explains the paradox: if a time traveler kills their grandfather before he has children, the traveler would cease to exist, thus being unable to travel back in time to commit the act.

However, the article proposes a resolution through the concept of 'Eigenzeitlinie' (personal timeline) and the 'Many-Worlds Interpretation' (MWI) of quantum mechanics. It suggests that time travel doesn't alter one's own past but rather leads to a parallel timeline. When a time traveler returns, they arrive in their original timeline, unaffected by any changes made in the past of a different timeline. This means that even if the traveler commits an act like killing their grandfather, it only affects the parallel timeline, not their own existence.

The article further explores the 'Parallel Worlds' theory, which posits that the universe constantly splits into infinite copies, each with slight variations. This theory, supported by physicists like David Deutsch and Michael Lockwood, suggests that paradoxes are avoided because any action taken in the past creates a new, parallel reality, leaving the traveler's original timeline intact.

It then introduces the 'Self-Consistency Principle' developed by Kip Thorne and Igor Novikov. This principle suggests that only self-consistent events can occur, meaning that any action that would lead to a paradox is inherently impossible. The article uses the analogy of a billiard ball rolling through a time tunnel, explaining that under the self-consistency principle, such a ball could not exist if its trajectory would lead to a paradox.

The article concludes by attempting to reconcile the Many-Worlds Interpretation with the Self-Consistency Principle, suggesting that while parallel worlds allow for different timelines, the Self-Consistency Principle ensures that causality is maintained within one's own personal timeline. It emphasizes that our consciousness plays a role in shaping our reality by choosing which timeline to experience.

Nachwort (Afterword)

This section briefly touches upon the concept of future travel, noting its greater complexity compared to past travel. It reiterates the ideas of parallel futures stemming from alternative pasts and alternative pasts arising from alternative futures, as suggested by the Many-Worlds Interpretation and the Self-Consistency Principle.

The author expresses hope that the understanding of time, space, and consciousness will lead to a cosmology where time travel becomes an accepted fact. The author also reflects on personal childhood experiences that sparked an interest in these phenomena, including a vivid dream that mirrored waking reality and a feeling of unreality while walking through the landscape of his hometown.

Erläuterung (Explanation) - Diagram of Time Travel

This section explains a diagram illustrating time travel. The diagram shows a 'Normalzeitlinie' (normal timeline) and an 'Eigenzeitlinie' (personal timeline). Traveling back in time from point A to point B involves following a curved path representing the personal timeline. At point B, an alternative timeline branches off, leading to an alternative future. The traveler spends two years in this alternative future before returning to point C. To return to the original present (point A), the traveler must travel ten years into the past, back to the starting point of their personal timeline.

The explanation clarifies that the personal timeline never runs backward, and the journey is always forward in time from the traveler's perspective. The diagram also illustrates how traveling to the future would work by inverting the time axis and swapping past and future.

Literatur und Quellen zum Artikel (Literature and Sources for the Article)

• This section provides a list of books and online resources related to time travel, quantum physics, and related topics. Notable entries include:
• "Time Machines: Time Travel in Physics, Metaphysics, and Science Fiction" by Paul Nahin
• Works by Stephen Hawking
• Resources on wormholes and parallel universes

Buchbesprechungen (Book Reviews)

Stanton T. Friedman: "Top Secret, Die Akte Majestic 12."
This review discusses Stanton Friedman's book focusing on the MJ-12 documents. Friedman presents his research to counter claims that the documents are fake, and he has reportedly won a bet against UFO skeptic Philip Klass.

Johannes Fiebag: "Mission Pathfinder. Der rote Planet rückt näher."
This review highlights a book by Dr. Johannes Fiebag about the NASA Pathfinder mission to Mars. It features sensational new images and findings from the mission, presented in a 80-page photo book.

Preis der Schweizerischen Vereinigung für Parapsychologie an Rainer Holbe

This short note announces that the Swiss Association for Parapsychology awarded its prize to Rainer Holbe, a well-known TV presenter and author. Holbe is recognized for his TV series and books on parapsychology and the future, including "Phantastische Zukunft" and the novel "Niemand stirbt für immer."

Vorankündigung: Kornkreissommer in England mit der DEGUFO (Announcement: Crop Circle Summer in England with DEGUFO)

This section announces an upcoming event organized by DEGUFO: a week-long trip to Southwest England from July 20-27, 1998, focused on crop circles and the mysteries of the landscape. The itinerary includes visits to Stonehenge, Avebury, Glastonbury, and pubs, with an option to investigate crop circle hoaxers. The trip includes bus travel, ferry crossings, and hotel accommodations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of theoretical physics and its intersection with phenomena often relegated to the realm of science fiction, such as time travel and parallel universes. The magazine adopts a stance of serious inquiry, presenting scientific theories and research while acknowledging the speculative nature of some topics. There is a clear interest in UFOs and related phenomena, as indicated by the publisher and the book reviews. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unconventional ideas, grounded in scientific discussion and exploration.