Deguforum - Issue 26 - 2000

Magazine Overview

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the journal of the German Society for UFO Research (DEGUFO e.V.), is the 26th issue of its 7th year, published in June 2000. It features a diverse range of articles covering UFO documentation, scientific research and technology, book reviews, perspectives, and personal experiences, with a strong emphasis on the themes of UFOs, time, and time travel.

Editorial

In the editorial, Andreas Haxel welcomes readers to a substantial issue filled with interesting contributions on UFOs, time, time travel, and temporal phenomena. He notes the growing scientific interest in concepts like finding a 'second Earth,' quantum teleportation, warp drives, and manned flights to Mars, as reported in popular science magazines. Haxel encourages readers to develop a solid understanding of scientific advancements to better discern them from sensationalized reporting, particularly regarding time travel. He highlights that while some cherished notions might need to be abandoned, the deeper understanding of the universe gained will be a worthy compensation. He touches upon new experiments concerning faster-than-light (FTL) speed, suggesting that while FTL information transfer might be theoretically possible, it wouldn't allow for sending information back in time due to the time required to decode it, referencing Professor Nimtz's explanation related to the Novikov self-consistency principle. Haxel also shares personal experiences of seemingly impossible phenomena, like the dematerialization of an object, and questions whether current scientific approaches are sufficient to understand such events. He concludes by wishing readers a pleasant summer.

Documentation: UFOs Across Africa

This extensive section, authored by Christian Brachthäuser, details numerous UFO sightings across the African continent, drawing from declassified CIA and NSA documents, as well as newspaper reports from the 1950s and 1960s.

Under African Skies - UFOs over the Black Continent

Africa, with its diverse landscapes and cultures, has also been a site for UFO encounters. The article notes that these are not just anecdotal tales but have appeared in intelligence documents. Several incidents are highlighted:

• Zimbabwe (July 22, 1985): A radar-visual case involving two Zimbabwe Air Force Hawk jets attempting to intercept a bright, dome-shaped UFO that rapidly ascended from 2,000 to 21,000 meters. Air Force officials acknowledged the reality of the sighting and suggested an extraterrestrial origin.
• Morocco (September 19, 1976): Following reports of a UFO emitting sparks, the US Embassy in Morocco requested an explanation from Washington. Investigations by Henry Kissinger concluded that neither meteors nor satellites could explain the phenomenon.
• Morocco (July 13, 1952): Two residents of Fédala reported a blue-green, ball-shaped object that vanished instantly.
• Morocco (July 18, 1952): Residents of the Daiet-Aoua region described an egg-shaped object, approximately 20 meters long, shimmering with a bluish glow and leaving a smoky trail.
• Algeria (July 15, 1952): Two bakers in Boukafenis witnessed a disc-shaped object emitting green smoke that illuminated the sky.
• Algeria (July 26, 1952): Three individuals observed a glowing, cigar-shaped object for 40 seconds.
• West Africa (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gabon): Reports include an elliptical red UFO hovering over Danae (Ivory Coast) on September 18, 1954. The article also mentions the Senegal and Gabon as 'hot spots' for sightings. A notable incident in Port Gentil, Gabon (June 1, 1952), involved a ship's captain and first mate observing a circular, phosphorescent orange object.
• Central African Republic (late 1952): A priest was a key witness to a UFO encounter in Ubangi-Shari.
• Central African Republic (November 22): A missionary and companions near Bocaranga witnessed four silver objects maneuvering in a square formation for 20 minutes.
• Congo (March 29, 1952): Journalist Fritz Sitte reported on Commander Pierre's pursuit of two fiery disc-shaped UFOs over Belgian Congo.
• Angola (December 7, 1966): Passengers and crew of a TAP flight from Beira to Luanda reported observing 'flying saucers' that emitted an orange glow.

The article notes that while some reports might be misidentifications (e.g., weather balloons in Algeria), others present compelling evidence. It also touches upon 'close encounters of the fifth kind,' where individuals suffer physical harm from UFOs or their occupants, citing examples from Brazil and the US.

Documentation: Cheshire Timewarps

This section, an excerpt from Tom Slemen's book "Haunted Cheshire" translated by Andreas Haxel, explores the concept of time and its subjective perception.

Gespenstische Zeitphänomene in Cheshire

Slemen begins by emphasizing the preciousness and elusiveness of time. He questions whether time is merely a construct of our perception or an objective reality. Neurologists suggest that the human brain, with its processing speed of approximately 18 Hz, experiences time subjectively, creating an illusion of continuity from discrete moments. This 'timekeeper theory' is compared to a film reel, where rapid succession of still images creates the illusion of motion. The article posits that the brain's rhythm can be disrupted by external stimuli like strobe lights. However, the author believes neurologists underestimate the complexity of the psyche. The article then shifts to the objective nature of time, referencing Heraclitus and the unidirectional 'arrow of time.' It explores how photography and film allow us to 'recall' the past, but true time travel remains a subject of theoretical physics. The author asserts that time travel is possible.

The Graf von Saint Germain

The article introduces the Graf von Saint Germain, an enigmatic 18th-century figure, as a potential time traveler. He claimed to have met Jesus, witnessed the miracle at Cana, and encountered historical figures like Cleopatra, Henry VIII, and Shakespeare. His detailed descriptions of past eras, his vast wealth derived from large gemstones, and his mastery of numerous languages and skills (violinist, pianist, sculptor, chemist) fueled speculation about his true nature. Voltaire himself described him as someone who 'never dies.' His exceptionally long life is presented as the greatest mystery.

Aus Forschung und Technik

This section covers advancements and theoretical concepts in science and technology.

• Schneller als Licht, möglicherweise, aber nicht zurück in die Zukunft (Faster Than Light, Possibly, But Not Back Into the Future): An article by James Glanz (New York Times), noted by Andreas Haxel, discusses experiments suggesting FTL transmission might be possible, but Professor Nimtz explains that it wouldn't allow for backward time travel because the time needed to decode the information would equal the time it took for the signal to travel back.
• Neue Bilder sprechen für die Existenz von Quellen und flüssigem Wasser auf dem Mars (New Images Speak for the Existence of Springs and Liquid Water on Mars): Reported by Donald Savage and Mary Hardin, and noted by Andreas Haxel, this article discusses new imagery suggesting the presence of water on Mars.
• Mit Segeln in andere Sonnensysteme (With Sails into Other Solar Systems): A dpa report from May 12, 2000, noted by Andreas Haxel, explores concepts for interstellar travel using solar sails.

Buchkritik

This section reviews books related to speculative themes.

• Die Fantasie als Vehikel (Fantasy as a Vehicle): A review of Ulrich Schnabel's article from DIE ZEIT, noted by Andreas Haxel, examining how scientific speculation about time travel inspires best-selling authors.
• Zeitreisen »im Angebot« - Wie Science-Fiction die theoretische Physik »vergewaltigt« (Time Travel "On Offer" - How Science Fiction "Violates" Theoretical Physics): A commentary by Ernst Meckelburg on Michael Crichton's time travel novel "Timeline."

Perspektiven

• Schneller als das Licht! (Faster Than Light!): Andreas Haxel presents the second part of a concept for third-millennium space travel.

Erlebnisse

• Merkwürdig und doch wahr! (Strange and Yet True!): Andreas Haxel shares personal accounts of extraordinary experiences that occur in everyday life.

Impressum

The 'Impressum' section provides details about the publisher (DEGUFO e.V.), editor (Andreas Haxel), authors, publication frequency (quarterly), subscription rates, and contact information. It also includes details about the printing company and the DEGUFO website and email address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, particularly historical sightings in Africa, and the scientific and philosophical exploration of time travel and advanced physics. The editorial stance, as expressed by Andreas Haxel, encourages critical engagement with scientific claims, distinguishing between sensationalism and genuine research, while remaining open to the possibility of extraordinary phenomena and advanced concepts like time travel. The magazine aims to inform its readers about both documented UFO cases and speculative scientific theories, fostering a deeper understanding of the universe and human consciousness.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated June 2000, delves into a variety of fascinating topics, primarily focusing on phenomena related to time, physics, and unexplained events. The magazine explores theoretical concepts, historical accounts, and personal testimonies, aiming to shed light on mysteries that challenge conventional understanding.

The Enigmatic Graf von St. Germain

The issue begins by examining the mysterious figure of the Graf von St. Germain. Based on eyewitness accounts and diary entries, he appeared to be between 45 and 50 years old in 1710, yet was reportedly active during the French Revolution of 1789 and was mentioned by Marie Antoinette. His last documented sighting was in 1821, when he still looked like a 50-year-old man. He spoke of preparing for inventions like railways and steamships, and was rumored to have collaborated with engineers on the early Liverpool-Manchester railway. A document attributed to him in the Troyes library contains cryptic diagrams and text describing a journey through space, where Earth appeared as a "clouded orb" and celestial bodies were seen.

The Physics of Time Travel: Time Dilation and Tachyons

The magazine then transitions into the realm of modern physics, exploring the possibility of time travel. It explains time dilation, a concept from Einstein's theory of relativity, where time passes slower for objects moving at high speeds. This is illustrated with the twin paradox, where one twin travels at near light speed and returns significantly younger than the one who stayed on Earth. Experiments with muons and atomic clocks have supported this theory. The concept of tachyons, hypothetical particles that travel faster than light, is also discussed as a potential mechanism for time travel, though their existence is theoretical.

Black Holes and Tipler's Time Machine

Black holes are presented as another theoretical avenue for time travel. The article explains that while non-rotating black holes are dangerous, rotating ones might offer possibilities for journeys into the past and future, based on mathematical equations and computer simulations. The feasibility of constructing a time machine based on Frank Tipler's theories, involving rapidly rotating cylinders, is also mentioned, along with current developments in high-speed flywheel technology.

Time Slips and Anomalous Experiences

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to anecdotal accounts of 'time slips' – instances where individuals seem to briefly travel through time. Mr. Davies, a pilot from Cheshire, recounts an experience in 1992 where he saw Roman legionaries and a Roman villa, only for the landscape to revert to normal moments later. Another incident involves Flying Officer Brian Holding, who disappeared in 1922, with strange lights observed beforehand. The article also details sightings of futuristic craft near Runcorn Bridge between 1995 and 1997, described as lens-shaped and emitting lights, resembling a spaceport.

The Computer Communicator from the Past

A particularly intriguing case involves Ken Webster, a school teacher in Dodleston, whose BBC computer began receiving messages from 'Tomas', a person claiming to be from the 16th century. Despite the computer's limited memory and lack of modem, these messages, written in pseudo-Tudor style, appeared on screen. Investigations by the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) confirmed the anomaly, but the investigators eventually withdrew, leaving Webster frustrated. Tomas Harden later announced he was leaving, and communication ceased.

A "Phantom" Phone Call

Another peculiar event is the account of Alma Bristow, who, while trying to call her sister, connected with a man identifying himself as 'Captain Hamilton'. The conversation revealed a disconnect in time, with Hamilton believing it was wartime and Alma stating the war had ended years ago. This incident, along with others, suggests that past events might remain 'present' in some way.

Faster-Than-Light Experiments

The magazine also reports on scientific experiments exploring the possibility of exceeding the speed of light. Research by Lijun Wang at the NEC Research Institute demonstrated that light pulses could be made to travel at 300 times the normal speed within a cesium gas chamber. While this effect is described as dramatic, physicists generally agree that it does not allow for the transmission of information or time travel into the past, as the effect is considered a precursor to the main pulse.

Water on Mars

In a shift to space exploration, the issue highlights new images from the NASA Mars Global Surveyor that show features resembling channels and debris deposits, suggesting the presence of liquid water on or beneath the Martian surface. This discovery is considered highly significant for the history of Mars research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM revolve around the nature of time, the limits of scientific understanding, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The magazine adopts an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting both theoretical physics concepts and anecdotal evidence of paranormal events and potential time anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a desire to investigate the fringes of known science and history, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The articles collectively suggest that time may be more fluid and complex than commonly perceived, and that the boundaries between past, present, and future might be less distinct than we believe.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated June 2000, focuses on "Research and Technology" with a prominent section on Mars exploration and another on theoretical physics and science fiction.

Mars Exploration: Evidence of Water

The lead article discusses the discovery of "channels" on Mars, characterized by deep canyons with alcoves and debris aprons. Dr. Ed Weiler of NASA's Headquarters highlights the significance of these findings, suggesting that the discussion about water on Mars has shifted from the distant past to the present, impacting the question of past or present life. The channels appear remarkably fresh, leading researchers like Malin to suggest they could be as recent as yesterday or as old as a million years. The article explains the process by which liquid water could flow on Mars despite its thin atmosphere: water exposed to the surface would boil and freeze, creating ice barriers that build up pressure until they break, releasing a flood. These channels are rare, with only a few hundred identified among tens of thousands of locations examined by the Mars Global Surveyor. They are often found in colder regions, on slopes receiving minimal sunlight. The potential for human crews to utilize Martian water for drinking, air production, and rocket fuel is also mentioned.

NASA is developing technologies for "space sails" to send missions beyond the solar system by 2010. These sails, propelled by sunlight, microwaves, or laser beams, could enable probes to travel vast distances. The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is leading this research, with Los Johnson heading the interstellar research.

Theoretical Physics and Science Fiction: Time Travel and Quantum Mechanics

Several articles delve into the intersection of theoretical physics and science fiction, particularly focusing on time travel and quantum phenomena.

Michael Crichton's "Timeline"

The book review section features "Timeline" by Michael Crichton, a novel that explores time travel through quantum technology. The review notes that while Crichton's work is fictional, it touches upon real scientific concepts like parallel universes, wormholes, and quantum teleportation. The book's premise involves historians traveling to the 14th century using a quantum computer and wormholes. The review acknowledges Crichton's talent for making complex scientific ideas accessible and entertaining, even if the scientific basis for his time travel is purely speculative.

The Physics of Time Travel

Another article, "Die Fantasie als Vehikel" (Fantasy as a Vehicle), discusses how scientific speculation about time travel fuels best-selling authors and vice versa. It references physicists like Arthur C. Clarke and Paul Nahin who have explored concepts of time machines. The "Grandfather Paradox" and the "Information Paradox" are mentioned as classic thought experiments in time travel. The article also touches upon Stephen Hawking's "Chronology Protection Conjecture" and Igor Novikov's mathematical proof aimed at preventing causal paradoxes. The possibility of using wormholes for time travel is explored, with the caveat that current theories suggest backward travel might only be possible up to the point the time machine was built.

Quantum Teleportation and Parallel Universes

The concept of quantum teleportation, where quantum states are transferred from one particle to another, is discussed. It's noted that while experiments have successfully teleported quantum properties of photons, teleporting macroscopic objects faces significant challenges due to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and the need to destroy and replicate the object's quantum state. The idea of parallel universes, or the "Many-Worlds Interpretation," is also presented as a philosophical concept rather than a practical method for communication.

Wormholes and Warp Drive

Astrophysicist Kip Thorne's work on wormholes as potential shortcuts through spacetime is mentioned. The article also discusses the concept of warp drive, inspired by Miguel Alcubierre, where a spacecraft would be encased in a "warp bubble" that contracts space in front and expands it behind, allowing for faster-than-light travel without violating relativity locally. Recent calculations by Chris Van den Broeck suggest that the energy requirements for warp drive might be less than initially estimated.

The Nature of Light and Fields

"Schneller als das Licht!" (Faster than Light!) is a two-part series exploring concepts in physics. Part 2 delves into the nature of matter and mass, explaining the Higgs mechanism. It describes how elementary particles acquire mass through spontaneous symmetry breaking, analogous to the magnetization of an iron rod. The article explains that the W and Z bosons gain mass from the Higgs field, while photons remain massless. The search for the Higgs boson at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is highlighted.

The series also discusses fields, such as the electromagnetic field and the Higgs field, as mediators of forces. It explains that the interaction between particles is mediated by the exchange of field quanta (bosons). The concept of the wave-particle duality of light is further explored, referencing Einstein's work on photons and Louis de Broglie's hypothesis that matter also exhibits wave-like properties. The article touches upon quantum mechanics, the uncertainty principle, and the Casimir effect, which demonstrates the existence of vacuum energy through the attraction between uncharged conductive plates.

Personal Anecdotes

Andreas Haxel shares personal experiences of unusual events, including a mysteriously disappearing chain and an exploding glass. These anecdotes are presented as examples of encountering the "extraordinary" in everyday life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the boundary between scientific possibility and speculative imagination. It highlights how scientific theories, even those that are highly theoretical or abstract, can inspire science fiction, and conversely, how science fiction can stimulate interest in scientific research. The magazine appears to have a stance that encourages open-mindedness towards phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, while also grounding discussions in current scientific theories and ongoing research. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown, whether it be the depths of space, the intricacies of quantum physics, or the nature of reality itself.

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: 26
Date: June 2000
Publisher: DEGUFORUM
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated June 2000, presents a collection of personal experiences and reflections, primarily focusing on themes of coincidence, synchronicity, and the uncanny. The cover headline, "Zufall?" (Coincidence?), sets the tone for the articles within.

Erlebnisse (Experiences)

The Italian Students and the Tonpfeifen

The first article recounts an experience of the author's father. While standing at a crosswalk, he was approached by two young Italians on a motorcycle. They were students from the National Museum in Rome, searching for a specific type of pottery pipe (Tonpfeifen) to complete a museum collection. The father, who was apparently the only specialist in this area within a considerable radius, was able to assist them in fulfilling their request. The author poses the question: "A coincidence?"

Das Reispäckchen (The Rice Packet)

This section details a dream the author had at the age of twelve. In the dream, he rushed upstairs, dropped his school bag, and saw his mother in the kitchen who had just returned from shopping. She had put away almost everything except for a packet of rice. He picked up the rice packet and started playing with it, throwing it and trying to catch it. Eventually, he dropped it, it burst open on the floor, scattering rice everywhere, and he had to clean it up with a dustpan. Initially, the dream seemed trivial.

However, its significance became apparent the following day. The author rushed upstairs, dropped his school bag, and saw his mother in the kitchen with the rice packet still on the table, just as in his dream. The crucial difference was that in reality, he left the rice packet untouched, unlike in his dream where he played with it.

Die letzte Runde (The Last Round)

This article describes the passing of the author's grandfather, who died at the age of 92, about eighteen months after his grandmother. The author fondly recalls his grandfather's childhood stories, including an occasion when his grandfather met Tsar Nicholas II during the Tsar's visit to the city of Yaroslavl. At that time, the author's great-grandfather was a German teacher at the local Tsarist Cadet Corps.

Following the arrangements for the grandfather's funeral, the author, his mother, and presumably another family member were invited for lunch at a small country inn. The mother announced that the bill would be covered by the grandfather, showing them his wallet, which contained exactly seventy Marks. The author wondered if this amount would be sufficient for three people, especially after ordering several drinks and a sparkling apple juice.

When the bill arrived, the innkeeper stated, "It comes to exactly seventy Marks." This caused everyone to laugh, as it was precisely the amount the grandfather had on him. The mother paid the seventy Marks, and the author commented, "That's right, my grandfather would have said." The innkeeper, who knew the grandfather, showed a slight frown. Following his grandmother's custom, the mother ensured the innkeeper received an appropriate tip. The author concludes by expressing amusement and wonder at how his grandfather seemed to manifest himself in this peculiar way, and they left the inn.

Advertising

The second page features advertisements for Heyne Science-Fiction books, with a prominent focus on titles related to Mars. The collection includes works by authors such as Brian W. Aldiss, Roger Penrose, Ben Bova, Greg Bear, Stephen Baxter, and Ray Bradbury. Specific titles advertised are "Weißer Mars" (White Mars), "Heimat Mars" (Home Mars), "Mission Ares," "Die Mars-Chroniken" (The Mars Chronicles), "Roter Mars" (Red Mars), "Grüner Mars" (Green Mars), and "Blauer Mars" (Blue Mars), along with "Auf zwei Planeten" (On Two Planets) by Kurd Lasswitz. Prices and catalog numbers are provided for each book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are synchronicity, precognition, and the exploration of seemingly coincidental events that carry deeper meaning. The articles "Das Reispäckchen" and "Die letzte Runde" strongly suggest a belief in interconnectedness beyond the physical realm, hinting at possible spiritual or psychic phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into such experiences, presenting them as intriguing occurrences worthy of contemplation rather than outright dismissal. The inclusion of science fiction book advertisements also aligns with an interest in speculative and futuristic themes.