Deguforum - Issue 39 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 39
Volume: 10. Jahrgang
Date: September 2003
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung)
Focus: Zeitschrift für Philosophie, Natur- und Grenzwissenschaften

Editorial: Rückblick auf den DEGUFO-Jubiläums-Kongress 2003 in Bad Kreuznach

The editorial reflects on the successful DEGUFO Anniversary Congress held on September 13-14, 2003, in Bad Kreuznach. Nearly 130 visitors attended the event, which featured a packed program. Despite some speakers being unable to attend, their contributions were presented via video. The editorial highlights the positive feedback and the strong interest shown by attendees, expressing hope for a future repeat of such a congress.

Congress Reports and Presentations

Day 1:

• Frank Menhorn (1st Chairman of DEGUFO): Presented on "10 Years of DEGUFO e.V. – Review and Future Perspectives." He detailed the founding of the organization in 1993 to investigate UFO sightings scientifically, overcoming initial difficulties and skepticism. He highlighted the DEGUFO's quarterly magazine, DEGUFORUM, and its website, which has garnered significant interest. Menhorn emphasized the ongoing need for scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, regardless of their origin (extraterrestrial, other realities, or future), and the importance of collaboration with media and other research groups.
• Dr.-Ing. Peter Hattwig (Editor of DEGUFORUMS): Delivered an analysis titled "UFO Sightings of the Last 10 Years." He presented a case of a potential abduction attempt and focused on the question of how many observed phenomena can be rationally explained versus how many cannot. His analysis of UFO sightings reported to DEGUFO over the past decade revealed that 192 out of 318 reported cases (from 1977-2002) were evaluable, with 70 identified as potential UFOs, equating to 36% "genuine" UFO sightings. This contradicts claims by other organizations that 95% of sightings are rationally explainable.
• Dipl.-Phys. Illobrand von Ludwiger (Chairman of MUFON-CES): Spoke on "What Science Can Learn from the Observation of Unidentified Flying Objects." He argued that the scientific community avoids UFO research due to media sensationalism and the stigma attached. He noted that government funding for UFO research has been scarce, citing NASA's rejection of a recommendation in 1977. Ludwiger presented evidence from US government investigations and private research, including photographic, film, and radar data, which have convinced some skeptics. He discussed theories suggesting UFOs can manipulate gravity and generate strong magnetic fields, leading to phenomena like air luminescence and vehicle malfunctions near UFOs.
• Christoph Konrad Kalka: Presented on "Time-Riders – They Come from the Future." He shared three examples suggesting historical events were influenced by time travelers, including the founding of the Templar Order by individuals who appeared young and possessed advanced knowledge, the Comte de Saint Germain's prolonged lifespan and appearances, and a Wall Street stock trading incident involving a man claiming to be from the future.
• Hartwig Hausdorf: Discussed "Unheimliche Begegnungen der 5. Art" (Uncanny Encounters of the 5th Kind), focusing on animal and human mutilations. He presented cases from Argentina and Brazil, noting the precise nature of the wounds, often inflicted with laser-like instruments, and the near-complete absence of blood. He also mentioned a case in Frankfurt-Höchst, Germany, suggesting the victim may have been thrown from a flying object. A video of a cow autopsy was shown.
• Douglas Spalthoff: Presented his own sighting from January 1980 and discussed secret US projects and the HAARP project. He also showed a video of the autopsy of a corpse of unknown origin found in Russian labs.
• Kurt Diedrich (Member MUFON-CES): Investigated a mysterious humming sound affecting people's quality of life, successfully isolating infrasonic frequencies of artificial origin.

Day 2:

• Dr. Dr. Walter von Lucadou: Discussed "The Pragmatic Information of the Extraordinary," suggesting that paranormal phenomena are real and can cause significant distress.
• Rainer Holbe: Presented "Fantastic Phenomena" via video and a greeting message.
• Dr. Jens Waldeck: Explored "Time Anomalies in Everyday Life," presenting examples that challenge conventional explanations.
• Prof. Dr. Elchin Khalilov: Showcased "Unusual Celestial Phenomena over Azerbaijan" via video and a greeting message.
• Anke Heitland: Addressed "New Aspects of the Abduction Scenario," detailing psychological and physical effects and relevant support groups.
• Edgar Wunder: Concluded with a presentation on "What Can Social Sciences Contribute to UFO Research?" categorizing research approaches and their focus.

Other Articles and Reports

• "The Old-Bridge Houses in Bad Kreuznach" (Titelbild): A description of the cover image.
• "Mood Report: A Successful Event" (Tagungsbericht): A positive review of the congress atmosphere.
• "Intermezzo: Excerpts from Peter Hattwig's Sketch": A lighthearted interlude.
• "The Indigo Generation" by Dr. Jens Waldeck: An article discussing the Indigo generation.
• "The Planetary System of Alpha Centauri" by Andreas Haxel: An astronomical report.
• "Australia's Plasma UFO Phenomenon" by Hans-Ulrich Neumann: An article on UFOs observed in Australia.
• "The Lights of Hessdalen" by Dr. Peter Hattwig: A report based on a mirrored article about phenomena in Hessdalen.
• "Crop Circle Forgers Discovered": A report on the discovery of fake crop circles.
• "Crop Formation Artificially Created in the Presence of NDR": Details on the artificial creation of crop circles.
• "Artifacts - Apollo-12 Image ID AS12-51-7541" by Dr. Jens Waldeck: An analysis of an Apollo 12 photograph.
• "The Secret Life of Animals" by Ernst Meckelburg (Bücherschau): A book review.
• "Increased Solar Activity," "Planet Discovered 5,000 Light-Years Away," "SETI: Researchers Investigate Possible Alien Signals" (Kurzberichte aus Wissenschaft + Technik): Brief science and technology news items.
• "Publisher of 'Flying Saucer' Deceased," "Publisher of 'UFO-Magazin' Deceased": Obituaries.
• "UFO Research in France": A report on UFO research in France.
• "Chilean Congress Recognizes the Importance of UFO Research": News from Chile.
• "UFO or UAV?": A question about unidentified aerial phenomena.
• "Cattle Mutilations Continue in Argentina": A follow-up on animal mutilations.
• "And So a Reporter from 'ap' Experienced the DEGUFO Congress" (Presseschau): A reporter's account of the congress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The DEGUFORUM consistently promotes the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, aiming to counter public skepticism and misinformation. The magazine serves as a platform for detailed reports on sightings, analyses, and related topics such as time travel, animal mutilations, and anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging the scientific community to engage with the UFO subject and emphasizing the potential for valuable discoveries. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the ongoing efforts by organizations like DEGUFO to understand them.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled "Jubiläums-Kongress," commemorates the 10th anniversary of the DEGUFO e.V. organization. It presents a collection of lectures and discussions from their anniversary congress, covering a wide array of topics related to ufology, paranormal phenomena, and border sciences. The issue highlights the organization's decade of activity and offers insights into various unexplained events and research areas.

Christoph Konrad Kalka: Bewusstseinsforschung – ein Fall für die Naturwissenschaftler?

Christoph Konrad Kalka's presentation focused on consciousness research and its relation to near-death experiences (NDEs). He cited statistics of reanimated individuals who reported experiences during their 'fast-to-death' phases, describing them as significantly clearer and more comprehensible than everyday reality. Kalka shared a case from France during WWII where an Abbé was asked to visit a young man who was supposedly dying but was found healthy. Later, the Abbé encountered the same man dying after an air raid, suggesting a connection between the initial 'premonition' and the eventual event. Kalka outlined common elements reported in NDEs: the sensation of floating, hearing the thoughts of those involved, experiencing a humming sound, passing through a rotating tunnel, entering an earthly landscape, meeting deceased individuals, and encountering a Christ-like figure. He noted that even children raised in Islamic traditions reported seeing a Christ-like figure, not Mohammed. Kalka presented a case of a young English girl named Daisy who, after an NDE, revealed information about her aunt Martha that was previously unknown to the family, providing 'verifiable evidence' of information obtained from the deceased. He concluded by referencing Schopenhauer's comment on an NDE, stating, "The hope for an absolute nothing has not been fulfilled."

Peter Krassa: Die Beziehungen der Präastronautik zur modernen Ufo-Forschung

Peter Krassa, an Austrian author, explored the relationship between pre-astronautics and modern UFO research, questioning why there isn't more agreement between these fields. He presented three cases:

1. China, 1975: Two soldiers guarding a military camp in Jianshui, Yunnan Province, witnessed a large, red-orange, glowing object hovering over the camp. The object moved as if searching. One soldier was sent to report it, and when he returned with reinforcements, both the soldier and the object were gone. Later, the soldier was found near the gate, disoriented, with significant beard and hair growth, unusual for the military. His watch had stopped and become magnetized. He had no memory of his absence.
2. Pre-Astronautics and the Apocrypha: Krassa referenced a passage from the Apocrypha about a student of Jeremiah, Abi Melesch, who slept for 66 years and returned to Jerusalem unchanged, unrecognized by anyone. During his sleep, Jeremiah had become an advisor to Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed and rebuilt Jerusalem, placing Israel under Babylonian rule.
3. Arizona, USA, 1975: A group of loggers saw a luminous object descend near a forest clearing. One logger approached the UFO, was enveloped in bright light, and disappeared. The UFO then rapidly ascended and vanished. The remaining loggers reported the incident to the police, who initially suspected foul play. Despite lie detector tests, the loggers maintained their story. The missing logger reappeared five days later, confused and with no memory of the event, which was corroborated by a lie detector test.

Krassa concluded that the consistent reports of 'abductions' throughout history, even into modern times, suggest they were conducted for research purposes, as victims often had memory gaps but no visible injuries. He proposed that the commonalities between ufology and pre-astronautics could be reconciled.

Douglas Spalthoff: UFO-Sichtungen von Piloten – Hintergründe von Flugzeugabstürzen

Douglas Spalthoff discussed UFO sightings by pilots and their potential connection to aircraft crashes. He shared his own UFO sighting in Bremen-Nord in 1973, witnessed by neighbors and a flight controller. A nearby NATO base scrambled F-15 jets to intercept the object, which then disappeared. Despite initial confirmation of a sighting report, this was later officially denied. Spalthoff also cited reports from an Argentinian airline about air traffic being massively disrupted by UFOs, leading to crashes. An investigation by Harvard University suggested that military devices, possibly related to SDI, could generate ionized gas that caused interference leading to three aircraft crashes on the US East Coast. Other aircraft experienced partial or complete electronic failures. Spalthoff criticized UFO research groups for not being active enough on the World Wide Web, hindering information flow and allowing censorship to obscure the backgrounds of significant cases.

Dipl.-Geol. Kurt Diedrich: Der geheimnisvolle Brummton und seine Untersuchung auf elektromagnetische Ursachen

Kurt Diedrich presented his research on the 'hum' phenomenon, a mysterious sound reported by some individuals, often at night. He began by discussing experiments with crop circles, where low-frequency electromagnetic fields were monitored for signals during their formation, though these projects were unsuccessful. Diedrich then focused on the 'hum' phenomenon, first reported in Taos, USA, in 1993. This sound is only perceived by a few people and is often accompanied by a tingling sensation in the legs and feet. Scientific investigations in the USA and Germany have yielded no results. Diedrich described his own research, including building a custom VLF receiver. He installed his equipment at a woman's home in Tailfingen, Germany, who reported experiencing the hum and tingling. The VLF receiver recorded rhythmic noise, described as sounding like an old steam locomotive, and other distinct sound patterns. He found that similar signals could be received in other locations in Germany and that these signals, in the 0.5 to 20 Hz range, were generated by currents originating from the Earth's interior. While the exact cause remained unclear, the regular structure of the signals suggested a potential artificial origin. Diedrich plans further research, including synchronized measurements at various locations.

Rainer Holbe: Phantastische Phänomene (Grußbotschaft und Video)

Rainer Holbe, originally scheduled as a moderator, sent a greeting and a video. The video, from SAT 1's series "Phantastische Phänomene," featured compelling witness accounts and documents. It recalled the 1990 UFO wave in Belgium, presenting radar data of an object that dropped rapidly without an audible sonic boom, which a military expert confirmed could not be of terrestrial origin. The presentation also included an interview with Lufthansa pilot Werner Utter about two significant sightings, including a bright light close to his aircraft over Labrador. A viewer pointed out that the accompanying illustration of the object was inaccurate. The report by Robert Deans, a former NATO employee, suggested that defense organizations possessed documents confirming the existence of UFOs and provided detailed descriptions of 'Greys,' which, if true, would challenge our worldview.

Dr. rer. nat. Dr. phil. Walter von Lucadou: Die pragmatische Information des Außergewöhnlichen

Dr. von Lucadou discussed his practice in parapsychology, focusing on phenomena like poltergeist activity and its connection to UFO encounters. He explained that objects and people can move through the air, similar to how non-terrestrial beings ('Greys') are described as abducting people. He stated that poltergeist activity is more common than generally assumed, with frequent reports from Baden-Württemberg of objects flying spontaneously and liquids being spilled. Von Lucadou's work aims to explain how these phenomena arise, how they can be interpreted, and how affected individuals can be helped. He introduced the concept of 'pragmatic information' (MPI) as a milestone in border science research, defining it as "what can be understood."

Prof. Dr. Elchin Khalilov: Ungewöhnliche Himmelserscheinungen über Aserbaidschan (Grußbotschaft und Video)

Professor Elchin Khalilov, an expert in geology and mineralogy, sent a greeting and video due to his inability to attend. His parents witnessed an unknown, luminous object over Baku on April 17, 1999. The object, filmed by Khalilov and analyzed by his lab, displayed a complex structure and exhibited characteristics not visible to the naked eye. It moved at high speeds and appeared to change shape, possibly due to its rotation. The object was analyzed in three parts: head, central, and tail. Later, on October 15, 1999, 25 scientists witnessed a UFO approximately 110 meters in size that changed shape and color, surrounded by radiation, suggesting it could shift between energetic and material states. On May 19, 2003, a cylindrical object, about 20 meters long, hovered silently over Baku for two hours, undetected by radar. The scientific team confirmed it as a technical, artificial object. Infrared analysis revealed a warmer, energetic area at the top. Similar objects were sighted in Las Vegas in 1991. The Baku object's ability to remain stationary for 45 minutes, despite wind, suggested an artificial force stabilizing it, and the absence of sound indicated a non-conventional propulsion system. The question of who created these objects and for what purpose remains.

Anke Heitland: Neues zum Entführungsszenario

Anke Heitland discussed abduction scenarios, beginning with the scientific debate surrounding UFO phenomena. She shared her experiences with abductees, sect members, and cult followers in Germany, detailing encounters with human-like aliens, androids, and hybrids, as well as operations, medical manipulations, and the conception of embryos. She noted that abductees are often monitored by secret services and face difficulties in obtaining help in Germany. Heitland also presented hypotheses by the late Dr. Johannes Fiebag regarding groups in Germany involved with extraterrestrial life, including various channel groups, Gurdjieff groups, and organizations like the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ethno-Medizin and the Anthroposophen.

Dr. med. et Dipl.-Phys. Jens Waldeck: Zeitanomalien im Alltag

Jens Waldeck explored the concept of time anomalies in everyday life. He suggested that understanding these anomalies could lead to a new way of perceiving reality, moving beyond a purely causal understanding of cause and effect. Waldeck proposed that perceiving the world from multiple perspectives, similar to stereoscopic vision or stereophonic hearing, could help in understanding these phenomena. He recommended several books for further reading on the subject, including works by Tom Etter, João Magueijo, and Walter von Lucadou.

Edgar Wunder, M.A.: Was können die Sozialwissenschaften zur Ufo-Forschung beitragen?

Edgar Wunder argued that social sciences can contribute to UFO research by examining how humans and society process UFO sighting experiences, regardless of the 'true nature' of UFOs. He discussed factors influencing a UFO witness's interpretation, the societal reaction to such reports, and the role of media. Wunder presented a sociological model to analyze these aspects, distinguishing between five levels: the UFO stimulus, the UFO representation in the witness's mind, the reports to others, UFO case catalogs, and UFO stereotypes in the 'scientific community.' He also described the UFO scene as divided into three distinct groups: 'Enlighteners' (skeptics), 'Researchers' (scientists), and 'Spiritual Seekers' (esoterics). Wunder emphasized the importance of dialogue between these groups to overcome self-confirmation tendencies and advance UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, including near-death experiences, UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and mysterious sounds. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and research findings from both scientific and 'border science' disciplines. While acknowledging skepticism, the articles generally lean towards exploring the possibility of extraordinary phenomena and their potential implications for our understanding of reality. The DEGUFORUM appears to be a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion within the UFO and paranormal research community.

DEGUFORUM, Issue 39, September 2003, is a German-language magazine focusing on fringe science, ufology, and related phenomena. This issue features a collection of short reports and articles covering a diverse range of topics, from astronomical discoveries and scientific research to eyewitness accounts of unexplained phenomena and investigations into crop circles.

Erhöhte Sonnenaktivität (Increased Solar Activity)

This report discusses an unusual increase in solar activity, raising concerns within NASA about potential dangers to Earth, particularly for satellites. Information is reportedly being withheld for national security reasons. Several classified solar eruptions have occurred, potentially affecting power grids and the Earth's magnetic field, drawing parallels to a 1989 event in Eastern Canada that led to widespread power outages and a return to primitive heating methods. The article questions whether current extreme weather phenomena like tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and record temperatures are linked to this increased solar activity.

5 000 Lichtjahre entfernter Planet entdeckt (5,000 Light-Years Distant Planet Discovered)

Astronomers, using an advanced measurement method, have discovered a planet orbiting a star 5,000 light-years away in our Milky Way galaxy. This Jupiter-sized planet completes its orbit in just 29 hours and experiences surface temperatures of several thousand degrees Celsius. The discovery was made by observing periodic dimming of the star as the planet passes in front of it, a phenomenon described as a tiny dip in brightness, comparable to a mosquito flying past a car headlight. This new method allows astronomers to search for planets much farther into space than previously possible, expanding the known count of exoplanets beyond the roughly one hundred previously identified, which were mostly detected through stellar motion.

SETI: Forscher überprüfen mögliche Alien-Signale (SETI: Researchers Verify Possible Alien Signals)

The SETI project, utilizing the computing power of millions of home computers worldwide through the Seti@home initiative, has filtered 150 suspicious radio sources from cosmic noise over the past three years. These signals are now being scrutinized using the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico. The goal is to determine if these signals originate from extraterrestrial intelligence. While previous attempts to identify alien signals have been unsuccessful, researchers remain optimistic, highlighting the unprecedented computational power now available for signal analysis. The project has achieved a significant computational milestone, even if no definitive alien signals are found.

Nochmal: Die Indigo-Generation - Hoffnungsträger unserer Zukunft (Once More: The Indigo Generation - Hope Bearers of Our Future)

This article revisits the 'Indigo Generation' phenomenon, focusing on potential genetic markers. It suggests that a significant portion of the population (1%) may possess a unique genetic alteration, detectable through liver enzyme analysis. This alteration is theorized to enable the processing of 'junk food' without adverse health effects, potentially indicating the emergence of a new human species with advantageous traits. The author draws parallels to evolutionary theories, suggesting that such advancements could lead to the displacement of existing species, referencing the extinction of Neanderthals as a historical precedent.

Ein Leserbrief von Andreas Haxel (A Letter from Andreas Haxel)

Andreas Haxel responds to a previous article on Alpha Centauri, proposing that planets could exist at Lagrange points within the binary star system. He explains that these points offer gravitational stability and could be potential locations for planets, even in systems with varying stellar distances. He suggests that planets in such locations might be extremely cold due to their distance from the stars, but acknowledges that systems with closer stellar orbits could harbor planets within a habitable zone.

Bücherschau: DAS GEHEIME LEBEN DER TIERE (Book Review: The Secret Life of Animals)

This section reviews Ernst Meckelburg's book, "Das geheime Leben der Tiere," which explores the intelligence, abilities, and emotional lives of animals. The book argues that animals possess complex cognitive functions, emotional depth, and even paranormal abilities that go beyond conventional scientific understanding. It highlights examples of animal intelligence, communication, and sensory perception, suggesting a richer inner life than often acknowledged by science.

Australiens Plasma-UFO-Phänomen (Australia's Plasma UFO Phenomenon)

This article details a series of sightings of 'plasma UFOs' or 'rainbow UFOs' in Byron Bay, Australia, beginning in October 2000. The objects are described as pulsating, spherical, or disk-shaped lights with unusual movement patterns and high-frequency pulsations. Comparisons are drawn to the phenomena observed in Hessdalen, Norway, suggesting a potential link or shared characteristics. Eyewitness accounts from locals, including surfers and a surf magazine editor, attest to the unusual nature of these sightings.

Die Lichter von Hessdalen (The Lights of Hessdalen)

This report summarizes a Spiegel report on the mysterious lights observed in Hessdalen, Norway. Since 1983, researchers have been investigating these unexplained aerial phenomena, which have been described as pulsating lights of various shapes and colors. Despite numerous theories involving magnetic fields, wind, radioactivity, or even UFOs, no definitive explanation has been found. A research station has been operating in Hessdalen for years, collecting data and witness reports, but the origin of these lights remains a mystery.

Kornkreise (Crop Circles)

This section features two articles on crop circles. The first, "Kornkreis-Forschungsgesellschaft entdeckt Fälscher" (Crop Circle Research Society Discovers Falsifier), reports on the discovery of a person who claims to have created numerous crop circles in Rügen, Germany. The article details how this individual was caught in the act and subsequently revealed their activities through an anonymous interview. The second article, "Kornformation im Beisein des NDR künstlich hergestellt" (Crop Formation Artificially Produced in the Presence of NDR), describes an experiment by the German Crop Circle Research Society (Invisible Circle) to create a crop circle formation. The experiment aimed to test the feasibility of creating complex formations with a small team and to document the process and its effects on the crops.

Artefakte - Apollo-12-Bild ID AS12-51-7541 (Artifacts - Apollo-12 Image ID AS12-51-7541)

This article analyzes an Apollo-12 photograph, ID AS12-51-7541, which reportedly contains anomalous artifacts. The authors, Dr. Jens Waldeck and Andreas Krug, discuss the challenges of analyzing old film-based photographs and the benefits of modern digital image processing. Through contrast enhancement, two artifacts are revealed: a U-shaped object and a smaller, similar object, both exhibiting blue trails. Hypotheses explored include dust particles, distant stars or planets, reflections from the command module's window, and reflections within the camera lens. The most plausible explanation proposed is an extraterrestrial object, possibly a spacecraft, with a propulsion system that emits heated hydrogen gas, creating the observed blue trails and turquoise glow.

Nachrichten (News)

This section contains several brief news items:

• Herausgeber des >>Flying Saucer Review<< verstorben (Editor of >>Flying Saucer Review<< Deceased): Gordon Creighton, the long-time editor of the renowned UFO magazine 'Flying Saucer Review,' passed away at the age of 95.
• Herausgeber des >>UFO Magazine« (UK) verstorben (Editor of >>UFO Magazine« (UK) Deceased): Graham Birdsall, editor of 'UFO Magazine (UK),' has died. He was known for his advocacy of ufology and his contributions to the field.
• UFO-Forschung in Frankreich: Der Staat soll mehr Mittel bereit stellen (UFO Research in France: The State Should Provide More Funding): This report discusses the ongoing debate in France about the government's role in UFO research. It highlights a report suggesting that UFO phenomena warrant scientific study and recommends increased funding and staffing for the national agency that investigates unidentified aerial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and related aerial sightings, and the intersection of science and the unknown. The magazine consistently presents information that challenges conventional scientific paradigms, featuring articles on exoplanets, SETI, and potential genetic anomalies in humans. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for observed phenomena, while also grounding some discussions in scientific methodology, as seen in the crop circle experiments and the analysis of the Apollo-12 photograph. There is a clear interest in ufology, with multiple articles dedicated to sightings and research in this field, alongside broader scientific and speculative topics.

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: No. 39
Date: September 2003
Publisher: DEGUFO e. V. (Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung)
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0946-1531

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the publication of the German-speaking society for UFO research, delves into various facets of the UFO phenomenon and related anomalous events. It features news, reports from conferences, and analyses of media coverage and scientific investigations.

Congress in Bad Kreuznach: A Reporter's Experience

Hans-Ulrich Neumann reports on a congress held in Bad Kreuznach, organized by DEGUFO. Neumann highlights the organization's commitment to scientific methodology, with Chairman Frank Menhorn emphasizing that they are not a 'UFO sect.' DEGUFO has registered 318 alleged UFO sightings over ten years, with 192 deemed detailed enough for further analysis. While the majority of these phenomena are explainable as conventional aircraft, fireworks, meteors, or ball lightning, Neumann notes that 70 cases remain puzzling. The article touches upon historical suspicions during the Cold War that UFOs might be secret military projects and mentions four large-scale studies from France, the former Soviet Union, and the USA that yielded no concrete findings. Critical groups, like the Society for the Scientific Investigation of Parapsychology, caution against UFO beliefs, suggesting that persistent investigation often leads to natural explanations. However, Germany's 'UFO-Pope,' Illobrand von Ludwiger, a physicist, believes that the scientific study of the phenomenon has barely begun and stresses the importance of collecting reliable sighting reports. Von Ludwiger posits the existence of flying craft superior to human-made machines, capable of interfering with radio signals and stopping cars, and suggests they operate in strong magnetic fields.

Chilean Congress Recognizes UFO Research Significance

On August 27, 2003, the defense committee of the Chilean Chamber of Deputies analyzed information regarding the UFO phenomenon for the first time. Representatives from CEFAA and OVNIVISION were heard. The director of OVNIVISION clarified that UFOs are not necessarily aliens but unknown phenomena that do not exclude an extraterrestrial origin. He presented cases involving eyewitnesses like pilots and air traffic controllers and proposed a multidisciplinary commission for serious, detailed study. The committee chairman acknowledged that normal air traffic has been repeatedly interrupted, underscoring the need for such a study.

Media's Handling of Anomalistics

A study published in the first issue of 2003 of the 'Zeitschrift für Anomalistik' by Gerhard Mayer examined 2422 press articles from 1950 to the present in 'Der Spiegel' and 'BILD.' The study illustrates how these media outlets often handle topics like hypnosis, placebo effects, 'alien abductions,' the 'Chopper' poltergeist case, and Russian psychokinesis medium Nina Kulagina in an inappropriate and tendentious manner. Facts are frequently distorted to create 'sensations' or reinforce the prejudices of those who consider themselves 'enlightened.' The full 40-page study is available as a 'Study of the Month' on the website of the Gesellschaft für Anomalistik.

UFO or UAV?

Approximately 50 companies in the USA are working on over 150 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) projects. The article notes that many of these 'drones' are unfamiliar to the public and may be used for observing criminal and terrorist activities, particularly at US borders. In 1999, NIDS (a US scientific institute for UFO research) received about 5000 calls to its UFO hotline. Of these, 3900 were identified as rockets, satellites, or meteors. Among the remaining reports were 300 'black triangles' and various accounts of small objects, some observed in daylight. The article suggests that to differentiate these from potential UFOs, it should be noted that they often operate near military bases and borders and do not emit light at night. Publicly disclosing flight paths might help, but the high number of secret UAVs likely prevents this. The author concludes with a hopeful, albeit slightly sarcastic, remark: 'Hopefully, the aliens can cope with this.'

Cattle Mutilations in Argentina Continue

In August 2003, a cow with apparent mutilation signs was found on a road near Córdoba, Argentina. The location was about 17 km southwest of Rufino and 5 km from where a mutilated calf was found the previous year. The cow was estimated to have died at least ten days prior, showing no signs of natural predator attacks, only bird excrement on the carcass. The mutilation is described as remarkable, occurring without interruption, suggesting it happened in one go. The bone was completely stripped, the right eye and ear were removed, and the rear area showed a perfectly circular hole with the anus and vulva removed, leaving the interior empty. As is typical in such cases, the animal was completely bloodless. This case, like many others in the Argentine pampas in 2003, remains without a satisfactory explanation.

Editorial and Contact Information

The magazine is published by DEGUFO e. V. The editors are Dr. Peter Hattwig and Dr. Jens Waldeck, with contributions from Andreas Haxel, Helmut Kopecky, Frank Menhorn, Hans-Ulrich Neumann, Reinhard Nühlen, and Jens Waldeck. The publication schedule is quarterly, with a deadline four weeks before the end of each quarter. Subscription prices are listed for domestic and international rates, with a special offer for DEGUFO members. Reprinting requires written permission from DEGUFO e. V. The magazine also includes contact information for DEGUFO, including a postal address, phone number, fax, and website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of media bias in reporting on anomalous events, and the documentation of unexplained cases, such as animal mutilations. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous, scientific inquiry into these subjects, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the challenges posed by misidentification and sensationalism. The organization actively seeks to distinguish itself from sensationalist or cult-like groups, emphasizing a data-driven approach.