Deguforum - Issue 22 - 1999

Magazine Overview

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research (DEGUFO e.V.), is dated June 1999 and is the 22nd issue of its 6th year. It is priced at DM 7.50. The cover prominently features an image of a protoplanet in the constellation Taurus, with the lead article headline focusing on the 'Flight into Space and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence'.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Andreas Haxel, addresses reader concerns about the increasingly unserious media coverage of UFO topics, which has become a business for sensationalists. Haxel argues that media outlets, driven by sales and ratings, are not cultural institutions. He suggests that readers also bear some responsibility for this trend by passively consuming media. The editorial contrasts traditional art, which conveyed binding content through images, with modern art, whose status as art is derived from semantic interpretation and reception. It also discusses how television, particularly talk shows and daily soaps, substitutes for viewers' own creativity, creating an attraction through passive engagement. Haxel questions whether television is an indispensable tool for UFO enlightenment, noting that while it provides information on many subjects with established knowledge, UFOs lack such verifiable data, making even weather forecasts seem more factual. He acknowledges that UFO case material provides evidence for the phenomenon's existence but states there is no definitive proof of extraterrestrial intelligence, which has been the primary thesis of UFO researchers for fifty years. He criticizes the UFO research community for its internal disputes and sensationalist approaches, suggesting a return to a more factual orientation.

Standpoints

This section features several articles exploring the search for life beyond Earth and humanity's place in the cosmos.

Flight into Space and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

By Ralf Härtel (IGUFOA), this article questions whether we have neighbors in the cosmos or if they are mere projections of our fantasy. It explores the human desire not to be alone and the hope for wiser, more advanced beings. While some scientists believe humanity is unique, others argue the universe's vastness suggests life must exist elsewhere. The article touches upon the challenges of interstellar travel and the ongoing scientific quest to understand the universe's structure and our place within it. It references Stephen Hawking's view on the probability of life arising on suitable planets and the question of why Earth hasn't been visited. The text also delves into the historical relationship between humans and the stars, from ancient civilizations using celestial bodies for timekeeping and agriculture to modern astronomy's exploration of distant worlds. The search for life in the universe is presented as a significant endeavor for the new millennium, with historical figures like Democritus and Giordano Bruno having speculated on extraterrestrial life. Modern technology, particularly advanced telescopes, allows scientists like Geoffrey Marcy and Paul Butler to discover exoplanets, potentially habitable worlds orbiting distant stars. The article highlights the ongoing efforts to detect signals from extraterrestrial civilizations, mentioning the work of physicist Professor Paul Horowitz.

The Universe and Our Place in It

This article, also under 'Standpunkte', continues the discussion on humanity's cosmic context. It quotes Stephen Hawking on the universe's expansion and the possibility of its eventual collapse, depending on the amount of matter. The role of dark matter is considered. The article mentions the Anasazi Indians' astronomical knowledge and their connection to celestial phenomena. It also discusses the idea that the elements in our bodies originated from stars and supernovae, suggesting that the evolution of intelligent life might be an inevitable consequence of the universe's development. The article poses the question of whether humanity will truly comprehend the universe's structure and purpose. It references Richard Gott's prediction that humanity has only 5000 years left on Earth due to various threats like asteroid impacts, plagues, and climate catastrophes. The imperative to colonize other planets, such as Mars, is emphasized as a means of species survival. The article also touches upon the development of the International Space Station (ISS) as a stepping stone for future interplanetary missions and the potential for space tourism. It quotes Jesco von Puttkamer of NASA, who sees the colonization of other planets as a long-term possibility for human survival, especially in the face of potential Earth-bound catastrophes. The article concludes by noting that the dream of immortality for the human species might be realized through expansion into space.

Mars Exploration and Terraforming

This section focuses on the exploration of Mars and the concept of terraforming. Paul Butler, an astrophysicist, discusses how the scientific revolution, starting with Copernicus, has led to the discovery of exoplanets and the ongoing quest to find life. He emphasizes the importance of developing technology for interplanetary travel and colonization. The Mars Pathfinder mission and its rover, Sojourner, are mentioned as key steps in exploring the red planet. The potential for Mars's past climate to offer insights into Earth's climate development is highlighted. Carl Sagan is quoted on Mars's past as a warm, wet world and the possibility of finding evidence of past life. Chris McKay of NASA discusses the challenges of making Mars habitable, including warming the planet and introducing greenhouse gases to thicken the atmosphere and melt ice caps. The article also touches upon the concept of 'terraforming' and the challenges of creating Earth-like conditions on other planets, referencing the Biosphere 2 experiment as a cautionary tale. The need to colonize other planets is presented as a potential solution to Earth's environmental problems, though the ethical implications of potentially destroying any existing Martian life are implicitly raised.

Erlebnisse (Experiences)

Zeit-Sprung - A Time Travel Story

This section recounts a personal experience of a sense of familiarity with a place never visited before, attributed to the power of empathy. The author, Andreas Haxel, describes a trip to Europe in 1971. While in Tewkesbury, England, he experienced a profound sense of homecoming, despite never having been there before. He describes the town's abbey and his feeling of connection to the place. The narrative contrasts this with a dream-like description of a house that felt deeply familiar, complete with details of rhododendrons, a cobblestone courtyard, and interior wooden paneling. The author's experience in England, where he felt welcomed and accepted, is presented as a parallel to this dream-like familiarity, suggesting a connection between personal experiences and a sense of belonging.

Dokumentation (Documentation)

The Third Hand - When Consciousness Communicates with Matter

This article, by Ernst Meckelburg, explores psychokinesis and the communication between consciousness and matter, drawing on new findings. The description suggests an investigation into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding.

Philosophie (Philosophy)

Important Aspects of Goethe, Schelling, and Schulz on Natural Science

Authored by Hans-Joachim Heyer, this piece delves into the philosophical perspectives of prominent thinkers like Goethe, Schelling, and Schulz concerning natural science. It likely examines their views on the nature of reality, scientific inquiry, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Fallberichte (Case Reports)

And They Fly Still... Part 2

By Reinhard Nühlen, this is the second part of a report detailing strange occurrences and UFO sightings.

Border Crossers

Authored by Wladislaw Raab of the INDEPENDENT ALIEN NETWORK, this report presents accounts of uncanny childhood experiences, suggesting a connection between early life events and unusual phenomena.

Presseschau (Press Review)

Orgies of Rust and Short Circuits

This review, taken from DER SPIEGEL, Nr. 19/1999, and noted by Andreas Haxel, likely critiques media portrayals or technological issues, possibly related to UFOs or science fiction.

Impressum (Imprint)

The imprint page provides publication details, including the publisher (DEGUFO e.V.), editorial staff, and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around humanity's place in the universe, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the philosophical implications of scientific discovery. There's a strong emphasis on scientific exploration, from astronomy and exoplanet research to the potential for space colonization. The magazine also engages with the more speculative aspects of these topics, including UFO phenomena, time travel, and the mind-matter connection, as evidenced by the 'Erlebnisse' and 'Dokumentation' sections. The editorial stance, as expressed by Andreas Haxel, advocates for a more factual and less sensationalist approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the validity of case reports and the importance of critical thinking. The issue reflects a blend of scientific inquiry, philosophical reflection, and personal accounts of the unexplained.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled "Erlebnisse" (Experiences), published in June 1999, delves into extraordinary phenomena, blending personal accounts with historical analysis and scientific exploration.

The 'Erlebnisse' Article: A Personal Encounter

The lead article, "Erlebnisse," recounts a profound personal experience near Tewkesbury Abbey. The author describes a serene late afternoon, where, as the sun began to set, the ambient sounds faded, and a 'trans-dimensional' veil seemed to lift. He then witnessed a scene superimposed over the abbey grounds: a wireframe version of a battle, complete with horses, riders, clashing swords, and frightened animals. He could see through these 'wireframe models' to the cars parked nearby, indicating a superimposed reality. This vision lasted between 60 and 90 seconds before fading, leaving no trace or lingering effects. The author reflects on the inexplicable nature of this event, which he felt prepared him for something extraordinary.

The Battle of Tewkesbury: A Historical Account

Complementing the personal experience, the magazine provides a detailed historical account of the Battle of Tewkesbury, which took place on May 4, 1471. This battle was a pivotal moment in the Wars of the Roses, fought between the Houses of York and Lancaster. The article details the troop movements, the key figures involved (King Edward IV, Margaret of Anjou, Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Somerset, Lord Wenlock, and others), the strategic maneuvers, and the brutal outcome. It highlights the Yorkist victory, the near annihilation of the House of Lancaster, and the subsequent executions of Lancastrian nobles. The historical context of the Wars of the Roses, including the symbolism of the red and white roses, is also explained.

Psychokinesis and Consciousness: Scientific Exploration

The issue also features a significant section on parapsychology and the nature of consciousness. Under the title "Die dritte Hand: Wenn das Bewußtsein mit Materie kommuniziert" (The Third Hand: When Consciousness Communicates with Matter), the article explores the concept of psychokinesis (PK). It discusses the evolution of understanding PK, from early definitions to modern research, including the role of technology like 'Psi-Chips' and interfaces that translate thoughts into actions. The article references research from institutions such as the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research Laboratory (PEAR) and the work of scientists like Professor Robert Jahn, Dr. Brenda Dunne, and Dr. Dean Radin.

Key concepts explored include:

• Technologically Supported Psychokinesis: The use of devices like EEG machines and computers to facilitate mental control over external systems, as seen in mind-controlled aircraft development.
• Natural Psychokinesis: Spontaneous phenomena like poltergeist activity (RSPK), apportations, and teleportations, often linked to emotional states, particularly in adolescents.
• The Role of Consciousness: Theories suggesting that consciousness itself might be the 'ultimate reality,' influencing physical phenomena. The article touches upon quantum mechanics, the observer effect, and the idea that consciousness might 'collapse' wave functions or inject information into systems like Random Event Generators (REGs).
• Alternative Theories: The 'decision augmentation theory' (DAT) proposed by Ed May, which posits that PK might be a form of precognition rather than direct influence.
• Historical Research: The article mentions historical research into psychic phenomena, including CIA-funded programs during the Cold War and Sony's establishment of a psychokinesis lab in Japan.

Philosophical Reflections on Science

Further sections delve into philosophical aspects of science, with a review of works by Goethe, Schelling, and Schulz. Goethe's views on the scientific method, emphasizing observation, interconnectedness, and the limitations of isolated experiments, are discussed. The article contrasts this with the romantic approach to experimentation, as explored by Reinhard Schulz, who examines the views of four German Romantic natural philosophers. The discussion extends to Schelling's ideas on the role of experiment and the relationship between nature and the mind.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, the intersection of consciousness and matter, and the historical context of significant events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into subjects that challenge conventional scientific paradigms, presenting both personal experiences and scientific research in a balanced manner. The magazine encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond the strictly material, as evidenced by the diverse range of topics covered, from historical battles to the frontiers of parapsychological research.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated June 1999 (Nr. 22), delves into a multifaceted exploration of phenomena beyond conventional understanding, encompassing philosophical critiques of science, numerous eyewitness accounts of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and detailed reports from the troubled Mir space station. It also touches upon childhood encounters with purported non-human entities.

Philosophy

The philosophical section critically examines the role and limitations of experimentation in scientific inquiry. It begins by discussing the views of philosophers like Schelling and Goethe, contrasting their approaches to understanding nature. The critique extends to modern science, arguing that experimentation is primarily used for technological development and control rather than genuine understanding of nature, potentially leading to destruction. The text highlights the inherent limitations of causality and the scientific method's struggle with infinity and complex phenomena, suggesting that science may be overlooking deeper, perhaps transcendental, explanations.

Key figures like Kant are discussed in relation to causality and the concept of the 'thing-in-itself.' The article posits that science, by focusing solely on observable phenomena, fails to grasp the underlying principles that govern reality, leading to self-contradictory theories like those of self-organization and evolution when 'chance' is invoked as a primary driver. The limitations of statistical analysis in explaining unique events are also pointed out, suggesting that reason has undermined its own critical capacity.

Fallberichte (Incident Reports)

This section is dedicated to eyewitness accounts of anomalous aerial phenomena across Germany. These reports detail sightings from January 1998 to May 1999, describing objects with various characteristics:

• Mindelheim (January 5, 1998): A self-illuminating, golden object, described as a small sun or ten stars, was observed moving silently and without engine noise.
• Gütersloh (June 20, 1998): Two white points with a green flickering between them were seen stationary before moving off at high speed, with no audible sound.
• Köln (September 9, 1998): A silvery, self-illuminating light point, brighter than a star, was observed pulsating regularly for 35 minutes.
• Heimerdingen (August 18, 1998): A single, larger light flew over uninhabited land and disappeared.
• Dormagen (August 22, 1998): Thirty to forty round, self-illuminating white light spheres were observed rising vertically, causing TV interference.
• Bad Homburg (August 31, 1998): Three bright lights in a triangle formation, with a central red light, flew at aircraft speed before disappearing after a brief observation.
• Brandenburg (September 1998): A very large, disc-shaped object with a constant, bright white light was briefly observed.
• Falkenrehde (February 9, 1999): A bright yellow to whitish corona-like object changed direction without reducing speed and lacked a tail.
• Balingen (March 16, 1999): A triangular object, described as a stealth bomber, with position lights, flew silently and at low altitude.
• Burbach (May 22, 1999): Two yellowish lights moved slowly, blinked, and performed a maneuver before disappearing behind a hill. The witness expressed doubt about it being a conventional aircraft.

Perspektiven (Perspectives)

Grenzgänger (Boundary Crossers)

This sub-section focuses on reports of unusual childhood experiences, particularly those involving alleged alien encounters. It highlights that a significant percentage of individuals reporting abduction phenomena are children. The article notes the striking parallels in the narratives of these children with those of adults, suggesting these experiences are not merely products of childish fantasy. Two specific cases are presented:

1. Norddeutschland (North Germany): A young woman recounts an experience from her childhood where a tall, slender entity with a helmed head and glowing shoes entered her room, commanded her to turn over and sleep, and then seemingly interacted with her infant son.
2. Diessen am Ammersee (circa March 1942): A man describes an encounter in his childhood bedroom with a figure wearing a wide, star-covered dress and a vaguely defined upper body. The entity approached his brother's bed, and then vanished.

Both accounts share similarities in the presence of entities showing interest in sleeping children and the seemingly inexplicable nature of their appearance and disappearance.

Presseschau (Press Review)

This section reviews articles from other publications concerning space exploration and UFO phenomena:

• "Orgien von Rost und Kurzschluß" (Orgies of Rust and Short Circuits): This review, based on an article by Henry Glass in DER SPIEGEL, details the numerous technical problems and near-disasters aboard the Russian Mir space station. It highlights issues with life support, plumbing, and the general state of disrepair, painting a picture of a 'space junk heap' that posed significant risks to its inhabitants. The review also touches upon the strained relationship between Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts aboard the station.
• "Bryan Burrough in einer jüngst erschienenen Dokumentation...": This excerpt discusses Bryan Burrough's findings on the 'binationale Projekt' (binational project) that served as a precursor to the International Space Station (ISS). It suggests that this project was a failure, plagued by technical errors, mismanagement, and near-catastrophes on the Mir. The article mentions specific incidents, such as a near-disastrous docking maneuver of a Progress supply ship and the general lack of trust between Russian and American space agencies.
• "UFO-Reporte aus Afrika" (UFO Reports from Africa): This piece discusses the prevalence of UFO phenomena globally, citing reports from Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa. It counters the notion that UFO sightings are limited to Western countries or specific demographics, suggesting a universal and cross-generational aspect to the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM revolve around the limitations of conventional scientific paradigms, the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the human experience of the extraordinary, particularly in childhood. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that is critical of purely materialistic and reductionist scientific approaches, open to exploring alternative explanations for observed phenomena, and interested in documenting anecdotal evidence that challenges mainstream understanding. The editorial stance seems to advocate for a broader, more inclusive approach to understanding reality, one that acknowledges the subjective and the unexplained alongside empirical data.

DEGUFORUM, Issue 22, dated June 1999, is a German-language magazine focusing on fringe science, unexplained phenomena, and UFO research. The issue features a press review section, advertisements, and contact information for various research organizations.

Press Review: Mir Space Station Conditions

The main article in this issue, presented as a press review, details the difficult conditions and extensive repair work undertaken on the Mir space station. It highlights a post-socialist approach to job security where many constructive modifications to modules, systems, and wiring were not officially documented, with knowledge kept in private notes or by memory. This lack of documentation led to extensive, often destructive, searches for issues, characterized by the removal of panels to access rusted components and short circuits. Cosmonauts spent long hours delving into the station's "insides," tracing burnt wiring and identifying leaks from the cooling system, which released glycol. This contributed to an unpleasant, sweetish odor on the station, compared to rotting fish marinated in syrup. The article also touches upon the functionality of the toilet pump, indicated by blinking control lights, and mentions that sanitary bags and condoms, brought by German astronaut Reinhold Ewald for scientific reasons, were used as a makeshift solution when the toilet failed after a collision.

Advertisements and Information

The magazine includes several advertisements and informational sections:

• Unknown Reality: Promotes a magazine covering various topics in fringe science and the unexplained, offering a sample issue for 3 DM in stamps.
• Independent Alien Network / Munich (Berlin Branch): Provides a 24-hour hotline for reporting UFO sightings and similar phenomena, assuring confidentiality and offering a special questionnaire upon request.
• Information about FAS: Offers details on the work of the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and their publication, with contact information for Hans-Jörg Vogel in Berlin. An info booklet can be requested for 5 DM.
• FORSCHUNGSARCHIV SETI / BERLIN: Promotes the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence archive in Berlin.

Publication and Contact Information

The "Impressum" section provides details about the publisher, DEGUFO e.V. (Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für Ufo-Forschung), its ISSN (0946-1531), and editorial staff, including Chief Editor Hans-Joachim Heyer. The magazine is published quarterly. Subscription prices are listed for domestic (Inland) and international (Ausland) subscribers. It also clarifies that articles marked with names do not necessarily reflect the views of DEGUFO e.V. Contact information for DEGUFO e.V. in Bad Kreuznach, including a hotline number and fax, is provided, along with bank details and information for the printing company.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DEGUFORUM, through its press review and advertisements, emphasizes the importance of independent research and reporting on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and space-related incidents. The focus on the Mir space station's operational challenges suggests an interest in the practicalities and potential dangers of space exploration, even when framed within a UFO research context. The magazine appears to serve as a platform for disseminating information from various research groups and individuals within the German-speaking UFO community, encouraging public reporting and providing resources for further investigation.