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Deguforum - Issue 33 - 2002

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Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM Issue: Nr. 33 Volume: 9. Jahrgang Date: March 2002 Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung) Focus: Zeitschrift für Philosophie, Natur- und Grenzwissenschaften (Journal for Philosophy, Nature, and Borderline Sciences).

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 33
Volume: 9. Jahrgang
Date: March 2002
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung)
Focus: Zeitschrift für Philosophie, Natur- und Grenzwissenschaften (Journal for Philosophy, Nature, and Borderline Sciences).

Editorial: Geht die Menschheit unter? (Is Humanity Doomed?)

Peter Hattwig's editorial addresses the increasing frequency of global disaster reports, including climate change, wars, and water scarcity, suggesting humanity is working towards its own demise. Despite increased awareness since the Rio de Janeiro summit, concrete actions are lacking, leading to worsening negative trends. The Kyoto Protocol's implementation is hindered by the US's absence, and greenhouse gas emissions have risen significantly. Environmental consequences include increased storms, droughts, wildfires, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and the expansion of disease vectors. Water scarcity is projected to affect two-thirds of the world's population, potentially leading to epidemics and conflicts. While there are some positive developments in social and health policies, such as reduced child mortality and progress against certain infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance and the rise of AIDS present new challenges. The editorial questions the lack of action, quoting philosopher Ervin Laszlo who states that most people view catastrophes as isolated events and fail to see the global interconnectedness. Human short-sightedness and self-interest prevent collective action. The article also cites the Worldwatch organization, highlighting the lack of funding for international environmental treaties and the decline in development aid, advocating for a global war against environmental destruction and poverty, comparable to the war on terror.

Top Theme: Auf der Suche nach den »wahren Aliens« (In Search of the 'True Aliens')

Dr.-Ing. Peter Hattwig's lead article delves into the Fermi Paradox ('If aliens exist, where are they?') and proposes that the paradox dissolves if one considers non-humanoid extraterrestrial civilizations. The article discusses the ongoing SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) research, noting that despite efforts, no signals have been detected. It explores the Drake Equation, which attempts to estimate the number of communicative civilizations in our galaxy, highlighting the vast uncertainties in its variables, particularly the lifespan of civilizations (L). Hattwig suggests that the 'true aliens' might be advanced civilizations that have been visiting Earth for millennia, possibly influencing human development or even relocating populations. He posits that interstellar travel, while currently challenging, is possible if the universe is not a product of chance but of a grand design. The article concludes that the meeting of civilizations is only a matter of time. It also touches upon the possibility of detecting life on exoplanets through atmospheric analysis (ozonhülle) and suggests that these advanced civilizations might be found within a few thousand light-years, as they would have had to discover Earth with its abundant life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM revolve around the exploration of the unknown, particularly in the realms of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and the philosophical implications of humanity's place in the universe. The magazine consistently questions conventional scientific paradigms and embraces speculative inquiry into topics often considered fringe. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical engagement with global issues, advocating for greater awareness and action on environmental concerns, while simultaneously maintaining a deep interest in the mysteries of the cosmos and potential non-human intelligence. The publication encourages readers to consider alternative perspectives on history, science, and spirituality, fostering a community of researchers interested in 'borderline sciences'.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated March 2002, focuses on "SETI-Forschung" (SETI Research) and related topics, including the conditions for extraterrestrial life, interstellar colonization, philosophical considerations of time and causality, and personal accounts of UFO encounters.

SETI-Forschung

The lead article discusses the stringent requirements for a planet to be considered habitable. These include orbiting a sun-like star, being within the star's ecosphere, having a stable orbit free from the influence of gas giants, possessing a magnetic field, adequate gravity and water, a suitable rotation rate, a tilted axis, a stabilizing moon, and an atmosphere of the correct density. Crucially, the planet must be young enough not to have already developed its own life.

The article highlights the immense challenge of "terraforming" – modifying a planet's atmosphere to make it breathable. This process, necessary for interstellar colonization, would require advanced knowledge in biology, geology, and physics, potentially involving genetically engineered plants to produce oxygen. The author notes that Earth took about a billion years to develop free oxygen through photosynthesis.

The Habitable Zone of the Galaxy

Contrary to older models, recent findings suggest that the Milky Way is not uniformly suitable for the development of civilizations. Only a narrow band, about 3000 light-years wide and 30,000 light-years from the galactic center, is considered ideal. This region, located between spiral arms, offers a stable environment with less stellar activity and fewer supernovae, which could sterilize nascent life.

Stars closer to the galactic center rotate faster than the spiral arms, while those further out rotate slower. Our Sun's position allows it to move relatively slowly out of a spiral arm, avoiding the most active regions. The proximity to supernovae is a significant threat; a single supernova within 30 light-years could extinguish life on Earth.

Expansion in the Milky Way

The issue touches upon the sociological implications of interstellar travel. If an intelligent civilization develops the means for interstellar travel, it's logical for them to expand and colonize suitable planets. Models suggest that the entire galaxy could be settled within 50 million years, not as a process of displacement but through natural expansion.

Number of Civilizations in Our Milky Way

An article explores the potential number of technological civilizations in our galaxy. It posits that advanced civilizations might originate within a few hundred light-years of their home star, due to the limitations of interstellar travel and the need for relatively close proximity for detection. The author estimates that there could be between ten and one hundred technological civilizations currently existing in the Milky Way, based on various assumptions and models, including a critique of the Drake Equation's broad range of results.

Philosophy: Time and Causality

Several articles delve into philosophical concepts of time and causality. One perspective suggests that our perception of time and causality might be constructs of consciousness rather than objective realities. Drawing analogies to film, where individual frames are presented sequentially to create the illusion of continuous motion, the author questions whether our experience of time is similarly constructed. The idea is explored that causality might be based on probabilities and the interconnectedness of events, rather than a strict linear sequence.

Another philosophical piece, referencing Immanuel Kant, discusses how categories like causality are fundamental to human understanding and shape our perception of reality. It suggests that our consciousness actively organizes sensory input, making time and causality inherent to our experience, regardless of the objective order of events.

Interview with a Magician

An interview with Hans-Joachim Heyer, who identifies as a magician, explores concepts of immortality and a "higher existence." Heyer claims to help people overcome their "mortal self-models" to achieve a state of "eternal beings." He discusses his methods, which involve a form of "life art" and require financial support from clients to create a world where seekers of truth can live both spiritually and materially.

Personal Encounters with "Greys"

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a personal account of encounters with extraterrestrial beings, referred to as "Sansul" and "Greys." The author, Peter Mittelstein, describes telepathic contact with a "Grey" named Zoz-Zom from the Zeta Reticuli system. He learns about their planet, Acador, which is covered by giant domes due to its unbreathable atmosphere and high temperatures.

The narrative details a planned meeting with another "Grey" named Tan-Kosk, who claims to be a "flight navigator." The author describes witnessing a triangular UFO and subsequently experiencing what he interprets as hypnotic attacks and attempts to paralyze him. He recounts a vivid dream-like experience where three Sansul beings allegedly entered his bedroom, demonstrating psychokinetic abilities and levitating him.

UFO Sighting in China and Tibet

Another article explores historical accounts of alleged alien visitors in China and Tibet over 600 years ago, referencing artifacts and museum exhibits. It touches upon the Bajan Kara Ula stone discs and the challenges of accessing information from China regarding such phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the conditions for life beyond Earth, the philosophical nature of reality, consciousness, time, and causality, and personal testimonies of UFO encounters. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance towards these topics, presenting scientific speculation, philosophical inquiry, and anecdotal evidence without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to contemplate these profound questions.

This issue of "Präastronautik" (Pre-astronautics) from March 2002, published by DEGUFORUM, delves into theories surrounding ancient astronauts, extraterrestrial intelligence, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine explores various aspects of this field through articles, book reviews, and reports on UFO sightings.

Tibetan Mandala and Ancient Astronauts

The issue begins with an examination of a gilded copper mandala from Tibet, dating between 1403 and 1424. The mandala depicts Yamantaka, a deity with a bull's head, multiple other heads, and numerous arms and legs. The author notes that two figures within the mandala appear to be 'floating' and are depicted wearing what resemble spacesuits, with a visible human face through a helmet 'window.' These figures are compared to modern astronauts from NASA and Russian space programs, leading to speculation about ancient alien contact and the possibility of a 'cargo cult' influencing these depictions.

Ancient Stamps and 'Greys'

Another article discusses ancient stamps from the Shanghai Historical Museum. While many stamps feature inscriptions or human/animal figures, the author highlights two that depict what are described as 'monsters' and 'Greys.' The 'monster' is characterized by wild extremities and a fearsome appearance. The 'Greys' are described as small, thin beings with large, almond-shaped black eyes, long arms, and large, oval heads, matching common descriptions of aliens encountered in ufology. The author emphasizes that such depictions are unusual for Chinese culture and suggests they point to a phenomenon that has existed for thousands of years.

The Strategy of Prä-Astronautik

Roland Roth's article, "Die Strategie der Prä-Astronautik," discusses the established research field of Prä-Astronautik (or Paleo-SETI). It argues that scientific acknowledgment of this hypothesis is lacking, despite numerous systematic approaches to investigate it. The article quotes Erich von Däniken, stating that proof of ancient extraterrestrial visitors would profoundly alter human thought, philosophy, and politics. The idea of alien visits dates back over 2500 years, with Erich von Däniken's works being a significant catalyst for the modern Prä-Astronautik hypothesis. The article mentions organizations like AAS (Archaeology, Astronautics and SETI) and AAS RA, founded by von Däniken and others, which aim to consolidate research findings. It highlights the discovery of ancient artifacts that suggest technology beyond the capabilities of their historical periods.

Roth's article poses the question of the source of ancient cultures' knowledge and advanced technology, suggesting it might not have originated solely on Earth. It touches upon the debate about the development of Homo sapiens, questioning whether extraterrestrial intelligence influenced this evolution. The author notes that scientists and politicians increasingly accept the possibility of extraterrestrial life, evidenced by funding for radio astronomy. The article also discusses the resistance from the scientific community towards Prä-Astronautik, attributing it to political, financial, and social influences rather than a lack of understanding.

Research Projects and Future Directions

The issue outlines several proposed research projects within the AAS framework:

Project "Megaliths": Investigating whether megalithic structures were ancient energy plants, potentially using stone vibrations.
Project "Astronauts": Reconstructing alien astronaut suits based on ancient depictions.
Project "Music of the Gods": Analyzing sacred songs and hymns from various cultures to find evidence of extraterrestrial origins.
Project "Nazca": Investigating the Nazca lines for encoded information controlled from above.
Project "Language of the Gods": Analyzing ancient languages like Sanskrit and Aimara for artificial characteristics that make them suitable for computer programming.
Project "Autoimmune Disease": Exploring the possibility that autoimmune diseases are linked to ancient genetic manipulation by extraterrestrials.
Project "SETА" (Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts): Searching for extraterrestrial artifacts near Earth, focusing on unusual celestial objects.

The article suggests that as the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence becomes more accepted, archaeologists may dedicate resources to investigating evidence for pre-historic visitors. It highlights the Yonaguni Monument in Japan as an example of a potential man-made underwater structure.

UFO Scene in Slovakia

Ing. Gustav Skrivanek reports on the UFO scene in Slovakia. Before 1990, UFO reports were rare, but Erich von Däniken's books in the late 1960s sparked interest. The "Archeo-Astronautická-Asociace" was founded in Prague, leading to the establishment of UFO clubs like Hyperion and the UFO Center Košice in Slovakia. The article mentions the publication of "UFOmagazin" and the organization of the "Central European UFO Congress." It also recounts a controversy within the Klub Hyperion regarding the scientific validity of ufology.

Several specific UFO sightings near the Jaslovské Bohunice Atomic Power Plant (AEB) are detailed, including observations of disc-shaped objects, spheres, and large, glass-like craft with occupants.

Book Reviews

"Das Rätsel von Nasca" by Anthony F. Aveni

This review discusses Aveni's book, which examines the Nasca lines in Peru. Aveni, a professor of astronomy and anthropology, approaches the topic from various angles, including ancient wonders and the history of research. He critically evaluates theories, including Erich von Däniken's landing strip hypothesis and the astronomical observatory theory, favoring a solution that integrates concepts of water, walking, astronomy, kinship, work division, and religious duties. Aveni suggests the lines were meant to be walked upon rather than just viewed from above.

"Wir alle sind unsterblich – Der Irrtum mit dem Tod" by Ernst Meckelburg

This review covers Meckelburg's book, which explores the phenomenon of conscious survival beyond earthly death. The book presents arguments for and against the idea, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. It discusses the concept of consciousness structures as energetic and material forms in space-time and the difficulty of describing 'multidimensional' interactions. The review notes that the book aims to make the topic of life after death more accessible.

"Das Marsprojekt" by Andreas Eschbach

This review of Eschbach's science fiction novel for young adults describes a Mars colony in the late 21st century. The story follows four teenagers, including Elinn, who has a lung condition and is interested in Mars archaeology. The plot involves a political conspiracy to shut down the Mars project, leading the protagonists to discover evidence of an ancient Martian civilization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient astronaut theories, the investigation of unexplained phenomena, and the promotion of ufology as a legitimate field of study. The magazine appears to advocate for an open-minded approach to these subjects, encouraging further research and challenging the skepticism often encountered from the mainstream scientific community. The editorial stance supports the idea that ancient cultures may have been influenced by extraterrestrial visitors and that evidence for such contact exists in various forms across different cultures and time periods.

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: 33
Date: March 2002
Publisher: DEGUFO e. V. (German-speaking Society for UFO Research)
Language: German
ISSN: 0946-1531
Cover Price: 3.75 DM

Articles

Kugelblitze (Ball Lightning)

This section begins by referencing a report from "Der Spiegel" (issue 2/2002) about ball lightning, describing them as glowing blue or yellow spheres, the size of footballs, that can allegedly pass through walls and disappear with a loud bang. The article notes that ball lightning has puzzled scientists for decades, with no definitive explanation for its origin. Due to their rarity, photos are scarce, and some even question their existence, attributing them to electromagnetic hallucinations. The article highlights a publication by the British Royal Society in "Philosophical Transactions A" dedicated to this phenomenon. Preliminary findings suggest ball lightning can last up to ten seconds, move through glass, and vanish with a bang, sometimes causing damage. Despite extensive research, explanations remain varied and often contradictory. An anecdote is shared about a Russian teacher who reported a glowing ball bouncing on his head 20 times without injury before disappearing.

A photograph from 1951 is presented, showing a ball lightning phenomenon descending vertically and exploding a few meters above the ground.

Woher kam das Tunguska-Objekt? (Where did the Tunguska Object come from?)

This article discusses the origin of the 1908 Tunguska event. Based on an analysis of eyewitness reports, the pattern of fallen trees, and seismic and barometric measurements, there is an 83% probability that the object originated from the asteroid belt. The probability of it being a comet nucleus is only 17%. The physics of the massive explosion, occurring at an altitude of 9 km, are best explained by a stony asteroid being torn apart by air resistance, as a comet nucleus would have exploded much higher. The article suggests that the "Tunguska file" may be nearing closure.

Vorarbeiten für eine bemannte Marsmission? (Preparations for a Manned Mars Mission?)

The article introduces NASA's "Reconnaissance Orbiter," a satellite planned for launch in 2005 to conduct detailed reconnaissance of the Martian surface. The satellite will be placed in a polar orbit and equipped with a stereo camera using a 0.5-meter mirror telescope. Its image sharpness is expected to be six times better than current black-and-white images from the Global Surveyor, and it will provide color and 3D information. According to NASA, the images will aid in selecting suitable landing sites for future unmanned missions aimed at collecting rock samples from the Martian surface for return to Earth. Another objective is to detect subsurface water by emitting long-wavelength radar waves that penetrate the surface and reflect off ice or water layers.

Peter Hattwig adds a personal note, suggesting that the "Reconnaissance Orbiter" is primarily intended for selecting landing sites for a manned Mars mission.

Rätselhafte Kräfte im All (Enigmatic Forces in Space)

This section reports on the puzzling behavior of the Pioneer 10 space probe. Launched in 1972 towards Jupiter, the probe sent a weak signal that was barely detected by a Spanish telescope. The message from the distant probe has baffled astronomers because the probe is decelerating, contrary to theoretical predictions. Although it has left the solar system and should be traveling at approximately 44,000 km/h, its speed is decreasing. This deceleration, though slight (losing about ten seconds per hour over a hundred years), contradicts the established model of celestial mechanics, where gravity is the primary force. NASA researchers have explored various explanations without success. Notably, the sister probe Pioneer 11, traveling in the opposite direction, exhibits the same anomalous deceleration. The article mentions that the plutonium reactor powering Pioneer 10 is rapidly losing energy, and its future is uncertain. In two million years, Pioneer 10 is expected to reach Aldebaran, the main star in the constellation Taurus.

A diagram labeled "Tafel an Bord von Pioneer 10" (Board on Pioneer 10) is included.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

Schwindel der Billy Meier Story (The Billy Meier Story Hoax)

A reader, Lutz Neumaier, writes in response to an article (presumably in issue 4) titled "The Billy Meier Story - Anatomy of a Hoax," which was also available on the magazine's homepage. Neumaier criticizes the article and its authors, accusing them of being "underhanded, slanderous, deceitful, and driven by envy." He claims to have found 48 instances of slander and 28 instances of distortion in the report, stating that truth and honor are alien to the authors. He declares that DEGUFO is a "den of evil" and urges them to continue lying.

Editor's Reply (DEGUFO): The editors state that Herr Neumeier was asked to enumerate the alleged 48 slanders and 28 distortions but has failed to do so.

Response to Reader Letter

Peter Hattwig mentions having read Guido Moosbugger's book "...und sie fliegen doch" (And they fly after all), which recounts the experiences of Billy Meier.

Letter regarding DEGUFORUM issue 32

Another reader praises DEGUFORUM issue 32, particularly appreciating the inclusion of multiple articles on the theme of "Mutilations." The reader compares this format favorably to a previous publication by Jochen Kopp, "UFO-Kurier," which also featured a thematic approach with critical follow-up articles. The reader finds this multi-faceted discussion approach highly valuable for scientific work.

Editorial Note (Alexander Knörr): The editors acknowledge the reader's positive feedback on the content but address the external appearance. They state that they have found a new printer, hoping to improve both the content and the presentation of the magazine, recognizing that a poor external appearance can detract from the overall quality.

Preview of Next Issue (Nr. 34)

Crop Circles – A Phenomenon of Our Time (by Ulrike Kutzer and Peter Kleinferchner)
Near-Death Experiences (by Ernst Meckelburg)
Survey on the Topic of UFOs (by Hans-Ulrich Neumann)
UFO Sightings and their Connection to Strange Phenomena in the Case of Franz Baum from Neunkirchen (by Alexander Knörr)
Who Discovered the Moons of Mars? (by Wolfgang Szarafinski and Peter Hattwig)
And They Fly After All...

Publisher Information

Publisher: DEGUFO e. V. (German-speaking Society for UFO Research)
Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Peter Hattwig
Editorial Staff: F. Fletterer, P. Hattwig, A. Haxel, H.-J. Heyer, M. Maurutschek, P. Mittelstein, A. Knörr, M. Neiden, R. Nühlen, R. Roth, E. Senkowski, G. Skrivanek
Publication Schedule: Quarterly
Subscription Price (Inland): 15 DM/year
Single Issue Price (Inland): 3.75 DM
Subscription Price (Abroad): 20 DM/year
Single Issue Price (Abroad): 5 DM
Contact Information: Postfach 2831, 55516 Bad Kreuznach, Tel: 0671/75614, Fax: 0671/69756, E-mail: [email protected], Website: http://www.alien.de/degufo

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The DEGUFORUM consistently explores unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, anomalous atmospheric events like ball lightning, and historical mysteries such as the Tunguska event. The magazine also delves into scientific endeavors like space exploration (Mars missions) and probes the edges of scientific understanding with topics like the Pioneer 10 anomaly. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various perspectives and scientific analyses while acknowledging the persistent mysteries. The inclusion of reader letters and responses indicates an engagement with the readership and a willingness to address criticisms, as seen in the exchange regarding the Billy Meier story. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussing these topics from a research-oriented perspective, as evidenced by its affiliation with the German-speaking Society for UFO Research.

Deguforum - Issue 33 - 2002

AI-Generated Summary

Magazine Overview

Editorial: Geht die Menschheit unter? (Is Humanity Doomed?)

Top Theme: Auf der Suche nach den »wahren Aliens« (In Search of the 'True Aliens')

Other Articles and Features:

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

SETI-Forschung

The Habitable Zone of the Galaxy

Expansion in the Milky Way

Number of Civilizations in Our Milky Way

Philosophy: Time and Causality

Interview with a Magician

Personal Encounters with "Greys"

UFO Sighting in China and Tibet

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Tibetan Mandala and Ancient Astronauts

Ancient Stamps and 'Greys'

The Strategy of Prä-Astronautik

Research Projects and Future Directions

UFO Scene in Slovakia

Book Reviews

"Das Rätsel von Nasca" by Anthony F. Aveni

"Wir alle sind unsterblich – Der Irrtum mit dem Tod" by Ernst Meckelburg

"Das Marsprojekt" by Andreas Eschbach

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Articles

Kugelblitze (Ball Lightning)

Woher kam das Tunguska-Objekt? (Where did the Tunguska Object come from?)

Vorarbeiten für eine bemannte Marsmission? (Preparations for a Manned Mars Mission?)

Rätselhafte Kräfte im All (Enigmatic Forces in Space)

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

Schwindel der Billy Meier Story (The Billy Meier Story Hoax)

Response to Reader Letter

Letter regarding DEGUFORUM issue 32

Preview of Next Issue (Nr. 34)

Publisher Information

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance