Deguforum - Issue 36 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr.36
Volume: 9. Jahrgang
Date: December 2002
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V.
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: EURO 5,00

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research (DEGUFO e.V.), focuses on philosophy, nature, and fringe sciences. The cover story, "Alien Contacts - Levels of Encounter" by Jens Waldeck, delves into the possibility of unconventional contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, questioning the success of traditional methods like SETI and exploring phenomena like the Mimikry Hypothesis and the OZ-Factor.

Articles and Features

Top-Thema: Alien Contacts - Levels of Encounter

• Author: Dr. med. et Dipl.-Phys. Jens Waldeck, DEGUFO
• Content: This in-depth article examines the current state of UFO phenomena and the prospects for extraterrestrial contact. It notes the limited success of radio astronomical searches (SETI) and a perceived decrease in UFO sightings as physical phenomena. Waldeck proposes that unconventional approaches, drawing from UFO and consciousness research, might offer new avenues for contact. He introduces the Mimikry Hypothesis, developed by Dr. Johannes Fiebag, which suggests that manifestations of alien intelligence adapt to the cultural understanding of observers, drawing parallels to religious apparitions and cargo cults. The article also discusses the OZ-Factor, conceptualized by Jenny Randles, referencing Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" to illustrate the idea of adapting to new environments.

Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness

• Author: Ernst Meckelburg
• Content: This article explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and consciousness, likely delving into philosophical and scientific considerations of machine intelligence and self-awareness.

Lucid Dreams

• Author: Hans-Joachim Heyer, DEGUFO
• Content: This piece focuses on the phenomenon of lucid dreaming, where individuals are aware they are dreaming and can sometimes control the dream environment.

Sightings and Experiences

This section compiles several eyewitness accounts of unusual aerial phenomena:

• Pulsating Lights over Bremen (August 2002): A witness described a formation of 35-40 circular objects in a sickle formation, moving at an estimated speed of 7,000 km/h at an altitude of 2-5 km. The objects were faintly luminous and appeared untypical of natural phenomena. DEGUFO noted similarities to the "Lubbock Lights."
• Pulsating Lights near Chemnitz (January 2000): A witness reported observing three pulsating lights, later joined by two more, at close range and low altitude.
• "Like a Stealth Bomber" over Stralsund (August 2002): A witness described a triangular, black object with lights, silent and extremely fast, resembling a Stealth bomber.
• Zigzag Star over Neustadt a. d. Weinstraße (August 2002): An orange-yellow light source moved in a zick-zack pattern, unlike conventional aircraft, and disappeared. DEGUFO suggested a hot air balloon was not entirely ruled out.
• Saturn-shaped Object over Lübeck (1956): An old report detailed a Saturn-shaped object, silver with a pink center, hovering and then rapidly ascending. The object was described as rotating and having a diameter of about 30 meters.
• Cat Mutilations (Colorado, Utah, Missouri, USA, June-November 2002): Reports of strangely precise cuts on cats, rabbits, and squirrels, with some animals found dismembered. DEGUFO acknowledged the phenomenon but offered no explanation.
• UFO Fleet over Turkey (November 2002): Multiple witnesses, including pilots, reported an object being destroyed by a UFO. Analysis suggested it was not a meteor, citing altitude, speed, and the presence of a secondary pulsating object.
• A Georgian UFO File (May 1988): An account of a linear destruction of trees in a forest, attributed to a hovering, metallic object observed by witnesses.

Astronomy

• "Elevator to Orbit" by Peter Hattwig, DEGUFO: This article likely discusses advancements or concepts related to space elevators or orbital transport.

Consciousness Research

• "Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness" by Ernst Meckelburg
• "Lucid Dreams" by Hans-Joachim Heyer, DEGUFO

Psychology

• "Lucid Dreams" by Hans-Joachim Heyer, DEGUFO

UFO-Thematics

• "Will 2003 be the Year of the Aliens?" by Whitley Strieber: This piece speculates on the possibility of alien contact in the coming year.
• "50 Years of UFO Research in New Zealand": A historical overview of UFO investigations in New Zealand.
• "Would ET Visit Earth?" by Seth Shostak: A discussion on the likelihood and potential implications of extraterrestrial visitation.
• "UFO Launchpad in China": An article focusing on UFO-related activity or sightings in China.

Science Briefs

• "Flying Saucer" Discovered by Astronomers
• Life on Venus Suspected
• Celestial Body Beyond Pluto
• Comet Lander Rosetta: Docking with a Comet
• Beagle 2: Landing on Mars

Book Reviews

• "Our Lonely Earth" by P. D. Ward & D. Brownlee
• "UFOs and Abductions" by David M. Jacobs
• "The Secrets of Indian Palm Leaf Libraries" by Thomas Ritter
• "God Came from the Stars" by Peter Krassa

DEGUFO Intern

Members' Meeting 2002

• Report: The minutes from the DEGUFO members' meeting held on October 19-20, 2002, at Hotel Caravelle are detailed. Key agenda items included elections for the board and planning for the 2003 anniversary event. Frank Menhorn was elected as the 1st Chairman, and Reinhard Nühlen as the 2nd Chairman. Alexander Knörr was elected as the treasurer. The meeting also discussed the DEGUFO's website, membership growth, and financial matters, including income from Amazon book orders.
• Anniversary Event Planning: Discussions for the 2003 anniversary event in Bad Kreuznach focused on setting clear objectives: showcasing DEGUFO's work, presenting the organization as a competent UFO research society, and emphasizing the seriousness of the UFO topic. Alternatives for the event's scale were considered, with a preference for a balanced approach. An exhibition was planned, with Roland Göttert taking charge of artistic design. A special commemorative volume of DEGUFORUM articles was also proposed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The DEGUFORUM consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including scientific investigation, eyewitness accounts, and theoretical frameworks like the Mimikry Hypothesis. The journal aims to present UFOs not as mere "spinners' tales" but as a serious area of research. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet grounded in seeking explanations, whether conventional or unconventional. There is a strong emphasis on documenting sightings and fostering a community of researchers, as evidenced by the detailed reports from the members' meeting and the UFO-Treff Bremen event.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled "Außerirdischen-Forschung" (Alien Research), dated December 2002, delves into multifaceted aspects of consciousness, intelligence, and the potential for encounters with non-terrestrial entities. The magazine features a diverse range of articles, from literary analysis to scientific and philosophical explorations.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the OZ-Faktor

The issue begins with a piece referencing L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (1900) and introduces the concept of the "OZ-Faktor." This factor is proposed as a way to understand encounters with alien intelligence on a non-ordinary level of consciousness. The article suggests that sensitive individuals might act as mental receivers for cosmic messages, and that these encounters could create a perceived external reality, rather than being mere hallucinations. The OZ-Faktor is presented as a potential explanation for the seemingly magical abilities of alleged alien abductees, such as defying physical laws.

Ken Wilber's Great Chain of Being and Developmental Stages

Philosopher Ken Wilber's concept of the "Great Chain of Being" is explored, which suggests a hierarchical progression of consciousness through various stages. This framework is applied to understanding human development, with figures like Buddha and Jesus representing higher levels of being. The article outlines different developmental stages, from the archaic and magical to the mythical, rational, existential, sensitive, subtle, and causal levels. These stages are linked to the "Mimikry Hypothesis" and the "OZ-Faktor," suggesting how different levels of consciousness might influence the perception and interpretation of encounters with alien intelligence.

Exploring Different Levels of Consciousness and Perception

The magazine details various stages of human development and perception. The archaic stage is characterized by basic sensory input and immediate needs. The magical stage introduces symbols and rituals. The mythical stage involves concepts, rules, and divine powers. The rational stage emphasizes analytical thinking and scientific laws. The existential stage involves visionary logic, while the sensitive stage allows for direct perception of the psychic realm and a sense of oneness with nature. The subtle stage expands awareness to the supernatural or divine, and the causal stage represents pure awareness or will.

The Mimikry Hypothesis and the OZ-Faktor in Relation to Developmental Stages

The "Mimikry Hypothesis" is presented as encompassing developmental stages from magical to existential, while the "OZ-Faktor" is linked to stages from existential to sensitive. The article then explores how these developmental stages might influence potential encounters with alien intelligences, suggesting that at more primitive stages, such encounters might be interpreted as divine visitations.

Creating a Suitable Environment for Encountering Alien Intelligences

The issue discusses methods for creating a suitable environment for encountering alien intelligences. It highlights the importance of experiments and direct perception, drawing parallels to scientific methodologies. Techniques such as "Gewahrwerdungsexperimente" (awareness experiments) by Ken Wilber, "Core-Transformation" by Connirae and Tamara Andreas, and the "Nathal Method" developed by Prof. Dr. Gretje Lathan are presented. These methods aim to access higher states of consciousness and facilitate communication with non-terrestrial intelligences.

The Nathal Method and Transpersonal Communication

The Nathal Method, developed by Gretje Lathan, is described as a path to higher initiation that involves relaxation, visualization, and anchoring of non-ordinary feelings. It facilitates a dialogue with alien intelligences by establishing a connection to higher planes of consciousness. The article also mentions "Leit-Kulturen" (leading cultures) that have already achieved sensitive levels of consciousness and developed "Transtechnology," with the "People of Damanhur" cited as an example.

Scientific Approaches to Alien Encounters

The magazine questions how encounters with alien intelligences can be scientifically investigated. It suggests that areas like ethics and art play a significant role, with science being secondary. The article proposes a "spiritual science" that integrates classical science with ethics and art, aiming for a holistic worldview. It emphasizes the importance of reconciling knowledge and wisdom.

The Scientific Process of Knowledge Acquisition

The scientific process is broken down into three strands: instrumental injunction (practical instructions), direct perception (immediate experience), and communal confirmation (verification by a collective of experts). This framework is applied to understanding phenomena like alien encounters, suggesting that a rigorous and collaborative approach is necessary for genuine scientific progress.

The Space Elevator: A Science Fiction Concept Becoming Reality?

An article by Peter Hattwig discusses Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction novel "The Fountains of Paradise" and the concept of a space elevator. It explores the feasibility of building a structure that would extend from Earth into orbit, enabling efficient space travel. The article highlights the material science challenges and the potential of carbon nanotubes, as well as the immense financial investment required.

Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness

Ernst Meckelburg's article "Künstliche Intelligenz und Bewusstsein" (Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness) examines the growing capabilities of computers and the question of whether they can achieve consciousness. It references the chess match between Garry Kasparov and Deep Blue, and discusses the philosophical implications of advanced AI. The article touches upon the definition of intelligence and consciousness, and the potential for machines to develop self-awareness. It also considers the amount of information processing required for consciousness, suggesting that it might be less than commonly believed, and that the capacity of computers is not the primary obstacle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DEGUFORUM consistently explores the intersection of consciousness, technology, and the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider unconventional theories and scientific approaches to phenomena like UFOs and consciousness. The magazine advocates for a holistic and integrated understanding of reality, bridging the gap between science, spirituality, and personal experience. The recurring theme is the expansion of human perception and understanding beyond conventional limitations.

DEGUFORUM, Issue No. 36, December 2002, is a German-language magazine focusing on consciousness research, artificial intelligence, UFO phenomena, pre-astronautics, and astronomy. The issue features articles exploring the nature of consciousness, the capabilities of AI, potential extraterrestrial encounters, and scientific discoveries.

Consciousness Research

The issue begins with an exploration of consciousness research, referencing experiments by Kornhuber, Deecke, and Benjamin Libet. These studies suggest that brain activity initiating movement precedes conscious awareness of the decision to move by a significant margin (approximately 0.8 seconds before conscious awareness, and 1 second before the movement itself). This challenges the notion that consciousness is the primary seat of decision-making. The article details how a person can experience this by attempting to consciously decide to tap their finger, noting that the brain's initiation of the action occurs before the conscious decision.

The Reptilian Brain in Humans

Rodney Brooks, director of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab, is discussed for his work on building small robots that mimic living organisms. Brooks' approach, inspired by the evolutionary analogy of the human brain having reptilian and fish-like components, focuses on creating simple behaviors that, when combined, lead to complex actions. His 'Einordnungsarchitektur' (ordering architecture) allows for new capabilities to be added as simpler ones are mastered. This work aims to simulate life-like behavior in robots, where complex actions appear intentional but are the result of numerous simple processes.

The Complexity of Human Action

The article touches upon 'chaotic systems' and how complex interactions of forces can lead to unpredictable patterns, citing examples like leaf structures and weather patterns. It draws a parallel to the complex interactions within the human brain and questions whether human actions and consciousness follow rules no more complex than those governing Brooks' robots. The concept of 'artificial life' is explored, suggesting that even seemingly intentional behavior in robots is a result of programmed processes.

The Unsurpassed Capabilities of the Human Brain

The human brain is described as the most developed organ, capable of abstract thought, morality, and complex reasoning. While computers can process vast amounts of data, they cannot replicate the human brain's ability to interpret sensory information and create a subjective reality. The article contrasts the human brain's interpretive power with the functional limitations of computers, which operate based on programmed instructions.

Computers Do Only What They Are Programmed For

This section highlights the fundamental difference between computers and living beings: computers execute programmed tasks. Even a conscious computer would still operate within its programming. The article notes that humans also operate under basic 'rules' (like survival needs), but this does not preclude a vast range of other activities. The increasing digitalization of the world and the explosion of data are discussed, emphasizing how companies use data collection and analysis for marketing and risk assessment. The trend towards electronic transactions and the growth of information services are noted, with Fred Cate calling the digital data explosion the 'most far-reaching innovation of the 20th century'.

Machine Logic vs. Human Logic

Even if intelligent machines could be developed, their logic would differ significantly from human logic. They might view the universe primarily as a collection of economic data. The article suggests that true artificial intelligence would need to learn from its mistakes, similar to natural intelligence. The effectiveness of computer programs is often measured by how accurately they fulfill human expectations, but this does not equate to true intelligence or consciousness. The example of Deep Blue beating Garry Kasparov is used to illustrate that while a computer can excel at a logic-based game, it does not possess consciousness. A computer programmed to play chess might fail at a simple task like ordering a taxi.

We Will Hardly Have an Artificial Brain in the Foreseeable Future

The article expresses skepticism about the imminent creation of a true artificial brain. It suggests that even if we encountered artificial consciousness, understanding its motivations would be difficult. Current computers are viewed as tools to extend human senses and automate tasks, not as nascent life forms. The emergence of electronic consciousness, if it occurs, is predicted to be accidental rather than intentionally created, possibly arising from a sudden insight that is not immediately understood.

Lucid Dreaming

Lucid Dreams by Hans-Joachim Heyer

This section features a personal account of a lucid dream experienced by the author. He describes a vivid dream of a medieval village where he became aware he was dreaming. He tested the reality of the dream objects, finding them to be solid and real. He notes that in lucid dreams, physical objects and his own body feel real as long as he believes in them. He can fly, pass through walls, and perform other extraordinary feats, with the only limitation being the risk of waking himself up. He ponders the possibility of organizing his lucid dreams into a single, consistent dream world, blurring the lines between dream and reality. He also reflects on the absence of other people in his dreams and the concept of 'collective dreaming,' inspired by Castaneda's work, questioning if our reality itself might be a shared dream of billions of souls.

Creation of a Collective Dream

This speculative section proposes that if souls (or 'gods') were independent in their dream worlds, they might seek connection. To achieve this, they could create a shared reality with fewer dimensions, allowing for communication without merging. This shared dream, the 'real world,' would be a language of the gods, with plants, animals, and humans as its words. The interaction of multiple 'gods' would lead to a complex, seemingly independent world with its own will, where the creators become subject to their own creation.

Visit from Extraterrestrials

This part speculates on how an encounter with beings not part of our collective consensus might be experienced. It suggests that aliens would need to adapt to our space-time structure, potentially appearing as spheres, changing size, or exhibiting shifting forms and colors. Communication might involve visions, optical phenomena, or direct mental input (channeling). The author cautions against uncritically accepting channeled material, emphasizing the need for rational control and critical evaluation of the content, regardless of the source.

UFO-Thematik

Will 2003 Be the Year of the Aliens? by Whitley Strieber

Whitley Strieber discusses the potential for 2003 to be a significant year for UFO phenomena. He cites several indicators: Bill Clinton's John Podesta requesting classified UFO material from the Pentagon, Steven Spielberg considering the reality of alien abductions, and the SF Channel demanding revelations. He notes that 72% of US citizens believe the government is withholding information. Strieber mentions recent high-profile close encounters that have altered the government's perspective on the UFO phenomenon. He anticipates further crop circle formations and speculates about a significant event in August 2003, possibly linked to Mars' close approach to Earth. He calls for biologists, anthropologists, physicists, religious leaders, writers, and intellectuals to address the question of who these beings are and what they want. He warns of the potential shock to the intellectual and cultural elite, who have dismissed UFOs. Strieber expresses hope that the 'others' are benevolent and forgiving, acknowledging that mistakes could jeopardize contact. He questions whether humanity is engaging in a 'cargo cult' by trying to copy alien technology and whether we might trade our world's well-being for perceived alien gifts. He raises the possibility of multiple extraterrestrial intelligences with different agendas and describes a personal encounter with a 'ball of light' that was both shocking and wondrous. He concludes by hoping that 2003 will bring answers and a genuine effort from humanity to understand and protect itself.

50 Years of UFO Research in New Zealand

This section reports on the 50th anniversary of UFO research in New Zealand, as stated by Murray Bott, Director of MUFON New Zealand. The research began in 1952 with the formation of the Civilian Saucer Investigations (CSI). The article traces the evolution of UFO research groups in New Zealand, including the Adamski Correspondence Groups (ACG) and the New Zealand Scientific Space Research Group (NZSSR). It notes the eventual recognition of Adamski's reports as hoaxes by some groups. The article mentions significant UFO events, such as a close encounter reported by Eileen Moreland and the R/V case with filmed light spheres. It highlights the Tauranga UFO Investigation Group as potentially the oldest continuously active UFO group in the world.

Would ET Visit Earth? by Seth Shostak

Seth Shostak addresses the question of why extraterrestrials might visit Earth now. He acknowledges that many Americans believe in alien visits but emphasizes that evidence, not opinion, is key. While he believes advanced societies exist in the galaxy, he finds no convincing evidence of alien visitors to Earth. He considers three possibilities for why aliens might visit: 1. Earth is a rare, randomly chosen destination. 2. Earth is visited routinely. 3. Human activities (nuclear tests, environmental damage) have attracted attention. Shostak finds the 'randomly chosen' scenario unlikely, akin to winning the lottery. He considers routine visits more plausible but questions the frequency. He notes that the only clear signal humanity has sent into space is radio and television transmissions, which have only traveled for about 70 years. For an extraterrestrial civilization to have detected these signals and traveled to Earth by 1947, they would have to be within a very small radius (about 8 light-years), implying a highly improbable concentration of advanced civilizations. He concludes that while it's pleasant to believe we have attracted alien attention, the numbers do not support this idea.

UFO-Launchpad in China

This brief report mentions a hill in China's Qinghai province, known as the 'E.T. Relic,' which locals believe was a UFO launchpad. Chinese researchers are investigating this pyramid-shaped formation, which contains three caves and red-colored tubes. The presence of rusty scrap metal, unusual stones, and tubes leading into the mountain and a nearby saltwater lake has fueled speculation about extraterrestrial builders.

Astronomy

"Flying Saucer" Discovered by Astronomers

Astronomers led by Nicolas Grosso from the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics have discovered a disk-shaped object resembling a 'flying saucer' near the Rho Ophiuchi dark cloud complex. While searching for the optical counterpart of an X-ray source, they found this unusually shaped celestial body. The object is described as a protoplanetary disk, potentially evolving into a planet-forming disk. Its location, away from the disruptive UV radiation of nearby stars, makes it a unique subject for study.

Life Suspected on Venus

Astrobiologist Dirk Schulze-Makuch from the University of Texas suggests there is a strong indication of life on Venus. He points to a lower-than-expected level of carbon monoxide in Venus's atmosphere, which could be consumed by bacteria. He also notes the simultaneous presence of two gases that normally react with each other, implying a constant replenishment. The presence of carbon oxysulfide is considered a strong indicator of biological activity, as its artificial production is very difficult. Schulze-Makuch hypothesizes that organisms similar to Earth's early bacteria might inhabit the Venusian clouds. Separately, a Russian researcher, Anatoli Pavlov, claims to have found bacteria that migrated from Mars, which can survive high levels of radiation. However, skepticism was expressed at a workshop regarding the theories, with concerns about the amount of water available on Venus and the similarity of the proposed Martian bacteria to Earth microbes.

Celestial Body Beyond Pluto

US scientists have discovered the largest object in the solar system since Pluto, named 'Quaoar.' With a diameter of 1250 kilometers, it is half the size of Pluto and orbits the sun in 288 years. This discovery, along with other similar objects in the Kuiper Belt, leads scientists to question Pluto's classification as a planet. Astronomer Mike Brown suggests that if Pluto were discovered today, it would not be classified as a planet. The object is located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy debris from the solar system's formation.

Bücherschau (Book Reviews)

"Gott Kam Von Den Sternen" (God Came From The Stars) by Peter Krassa

This book review discusses Peter Krassa's work, which attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of biblical passages interpreted as evidence of extraterrestrial visitors in the past. The reviewer focuses on four themes: Moses, Elijah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Ezekiel. Krassa interprets the burning bush and the pillar of cloud and fire as encounters with extraterrestrials. He suggests that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah might have been caused by atomic weapons used by aliens. The reviewer, however, expresses skepticism about Krassa's tendency to attribute earthly technologies (like jet propulsion) to these supposed alien visitors, arguing that beings capable of interstellar travel would have far more advanced technology. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges that the book presents clear indications of past extraterrestrial presence.

"Unsere Einsame Erde" (Our Lonely Earth) by P. D. Ward & D. Brownlee

This book review discusses a work by two US-American professors who argue that complex life in the universe is unlikely to be common. While single-celled life might be widespread, the development of complex multicellular organisms and intelligent life is considered highly problematic due to various threats and the need for specific environmental conditions. The book traces the evolution of life on Earth, highlighting factors like solar radiation, plate tectonics, and atmospheric composition, and concludes that life on Earth has always been under threat.

"UFOs and Abductions: Challenging the Borders of Knowledge" by David M. Jacobs

This review discusses a collection of essays edited by David M. Jacobs, which explores UFO phenomena and abductions. The reviewer notes that the book presents various perspectives, including those of Jacobs, Budd Hopkins, and John E. Mack. A key question addressed is whether witnesses report real or psychologically based events. The review mentions Stuart Appelle's historical overview and Ballard's connection of UFOs to religion and sects. Jacobs' discussion of the 'agenda' of the 'beings from somewhere' is highlighted. The reviewer finds the book informative and challenging, but questions why certain evidence, like that from the 'Journal of Scientific Exploration' and parapsychology, was not included. The review concludes by quoting Jacobs: "It is an invasion, we can do little or nothing."

"Die Geheimnisse Indischer Palmbllatt-Bibliotheken" (The Secrets of Indian Palm-Leaf Libraries) by Thomas Ritter

This book review introduces Thomas Ritter's work on the legendary palm-leaf libraries in India, which are said to contain the destinies of millions. Ritter's philological and C14 dating of a personal palm leaf yielded sensational results. The review suggests that this knowledge offers a completely different perspective on human history and civilization, challenging conventional scientific understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM include the nature of consciousness and decision-making, the potential and limitations of artificial intelligence, the ongoing mystery of UFO phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, and the exploration of ancient astronaut theories through religious texts. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting various theories and scientific findings while encouraging readers to question and critically evaluate the information. There is a clear interest in exploring the boundaries of current knowledge and the implications of scientific and speculative ideas for understanding humanity's place in the universe. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and a willingness to consider unconventional hypotheses, particularly in the realms of consciousness and extraterrestrial phenomena.

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 36
Date: Dezember 2002
Publisher: DEGUFO e. V. Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0946-1531
Price: 3.75 Euro (Einzelpreis pro Heft Inland)

This issue of DEGUFORUM, a publication of the German Society for UFO Research, covers significant space exploration missions and delves into philosophical and spiritual themes. The cover story focuses on the ESA's Rosetta mission to Comet Wirtanen and the planned landing of its robot probe, while another article details the Beagle 2 lander mission aboard Mars Express.

Kometenlander Rosetta: Andocken an einem Kometen

The article details the ambitious ESA mission, Rosetta, launched in January 2003, on an eight-year journey to Comet Wirtanen. The primary objective is to study the comet's composition and structure at close range. A key challenge is the planned deployment of a lander robot onto the comet's nucleus in 2012. The comet's nucleus, described as a frozen clump of ice and dust, presents unique difficulties due to its extremely low gravity (a 100kg lander would weigh only as much as a piece of paper). Rosetta's project scientist, Gerhard Schwehm, highlights the uncertainty about the comet's surface, which could range from a soft, snowy layer similar to the Alps to a landscape of craters and boulders, but is unlikely to be as smooth as a parking lot.

To overcome the low gravity and ensure a stable landing, the lander is equipped with a sophisticated system. It automatically compensates for uneven terrain, allowing it to stand upright even on slopes. To prevent bouncing upon landing, the lightweight robot will initially anchor itself with two harpoons. Subsequently, ice screws on the landing legs will drill into the comet's core. Observations of Mars, Titan, and Wirtanen, along with data from other space missions and Earth-based stations, will aid in refining the landing time schedule and understanding the comet's properties, such as its size and rotation speed. However, these insights may come too late to influence Rosetta's complex maneuvers near the comet, as they cannot be influenced from Earth. Schwehm expresses a need to wait and see if the current models prove accurate.

Beagle 2: Landung auf dem Mars

This section discusses the Mars Express mission, Europe's first interplanetary probe, launched in June 2003. Onboard is the Beagle 2 lander, scheduled to land on Mars on Christmas Day 2003. Its mission is to specifically search for signs of organic life. The landing site, Isidias Planitia, was carefully chosen. This flat, relatively crater-free sedimentary basin, located just north of the Martian equator, was selected for its scientific interest and suitability for a safe landing and operation of the Beagle 2. The location in the lowlands allows the lander, cushioned by airbags against impact shock, to be effectively slowed down by its parachute. The strong equatorial sunlight also aids in power generation via solar cells and helps maintain ambient temperatures above -100°C, crucial for the instruments and batteries. The notorious Martian dust storms were also considered. Agustin Fernandez Chicarro, the ESA scientist responsible for the Mars Express project, notes that major dust storms are not expected at the time of landing, but strong crosswinds are anticipated.

Other Content

The magazine also features advertisements and listings for various services and books. These include philosophical and spiritual consulting services offered by Hans-Joachim Heyer, focusing on life purpose, spirituality, reason, and faith. Travel opportunities with writer Thomas Ritter are also advertised. Several book titles are listed, including Roland Roth's "Intelligenzen im Kosmos" (Intelligences in the Cosmos) and two books by Ernst Meckelburg: "Hyperwelt: Erfahrungen mit dem Jenseits" (Hyperworld: Experiences with the Beyond) and "Jenseits der Ewigkeit: Wie man die Zeit manipuliert" (Beyond Eternity: How to Manipulate Time). The next issue (Nr. 37) is announced to feature a top topic on near-death experiences by Ernst Meckelburg.

Editorial Information

The publication details include the publisher (DEGUFO e. V.), responsible editor (Dr. Peter Hattwig), editorial staff, production details (Adobe Pagemaker), and publication schedule (quarterly, appearing at the end of each quarter). The subscription price for Germany is 15 Euros annually or 3.75 Euros per issue, with international rates being 20 Euros annually or 5 Euros per issue. The magazine emphasizes that articles marked with names do not necessarily reflect the views of DEGUFO e.V. The contact information for DEGUFO e.V., including postal address, phone, fax, and website, is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DEGUFORUM demonstrates a strong interest in space exploration, particularly in missions involving comets and Mars, reflecting a scientific and investigative approach to understanding the cosmos. Simultaneously, the inclusion of articles and book promotions on spiritualism, the afterlife, and personal development suggests a broader scope that encompasses unexplained phenomena and existential questions, aligning with the society's focus on UFO research and related topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting information from both scientific and more speculative perspectives, encouraging readers to explore various facets of the unknown.