Deguforum - Issue 55 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 55
Volume: 14. Jahrgang
Date: September 2007
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung
Price: Euro 5,00

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research, focuses on crop circle research, ancient mysteries, and UFO sightings. The cover prominently features a detailed image of a crop circle and highlights articles on a crop circle journey to England, mysteries surrounding Malta, and reports on a mysterious "drone" and the "Black Hole from Mars."

Editorial and Impressum

The editorial section, written by Peter Hattwig, highlights two significant events from the past quarter: a planned trip to the crop circle region in England and the DEGUFO members' assembly. Hattwig recounts his experience visiting crop circles in Wiltshire, England, expressing regret for not having undertaken such a trip earlier. He notes the importance of experiencing these phenomena firsthand and encourages readers interested in the topic to visit.

The editorial also touches upon the DEGUFO members' assembly, mentioning the election of new board members. Hattwig expresses his team's well wishes for the new leadership.

The impressum provides details about the publisher, DEGUFO e.V., its address, and contact information. It lists the editors for this issue as Dr. Peter Hattwig, Dr. Jens Waldeck, and Alf Bodo Graf, with additional editorial contributions from Kurt Diedrich, Lars Uwe Ittig, Alf Bodo Graf, Peter Hattwig, Alexander Knörr, Martin Kronwitter, and Jens Waldeck. The publication schedule is quarterly, with a four-week lead time before the end of each quarter. Subscription prices for Germany and abroad are listed, and it is noted that membership in DEGUFO includes the journal subscription.

Table of Contents

The table of contents outlines the issue's structure, with a main theme on "Crop Circle Research" including a diary of a trip to England. The "Members' Assembly" section details the event in Bad Kreuznach and related presentations on Malta and crop circles. "Sightings and Experiences" covers reports of lights in the sky, unusual objects found via Google Earth, and a triangular UFO. The "Astronomy" section features an article on the "Black Hole from Mars," and "UFO-Research" includes a report on a mysterious "drone" and a piece on Walter Haut, a Roswell witness.

Members' Assembly

The issue provides a detailed report on the DEGUFO e.V. members' assembly held on September 1, 2007, in Bad Kreuznach. Sixteen members attended. Frank Menhorn, the outgoing 1st Chairman, presented statistics on membership, Deguforum subscriptions, and the organization's activities, including a partnership with Amazon that generated 55 Euros. The financial report indicated that while income exceeded expenses, a significant number of outstanding payments were noted, leading to a decision to send reminders to non-paying members.

Kerstin Bossing, as treasurer, confirmed the financial review. The board was formally discharged. In the elections for the new board, Alexander Knörr was elected 1st Chairman, Reinhard Nühlen as 2nd Chairman, Kerstin Bossing as Treasurer, and Ingbert Jüdt as Auditor. All candidates were elected unanimously. The assembly concluded with discussions on public relations, though no concrete decisions were made.

Photographs show the assembly in session, discussions during a break, and an evening gathering. The report also lists individuals responsible for various tasks within the organization, such as managing the DEGUFORUM, website, and member inquiries. Peter Hattwig appealed for more member contributions to the magazine, suggesting book reviews and short news items.

Presentations (Vorträge)

"My Crop Circle Journey to England" by Peter Hattwig:
Hattwig shared his experiences from a research trip to England's crop circle regions, including Avebury and Stonehenge. He drew parallels between his observations and previous reports on Egyptian journeys and Alexander Knörr's research, particularly concerning the scale and precision of certain phenomena. He highlighted the difficulty of explaining large-scale, intricate crop circles created overnight without evidence of conventional methods. Hattwig also noted that some individuals claim to be able to create crop circles, a topic he intends to explore further in a future issue.

"Mystery of the Island of Malta - On the Trail of a Sunken Continent" by Alexander Knörr:
Alexander Knörr, the new chairman of DEGUFO, presented his research on ancient Malta, drawing from his book "Hagar Qim." He discussed the megalithic temples and the enigmatic "cart ruts" found on the island. Knörr contrasted the work of independent researchers with that of official institutions, suggesting that official scholars are often constrained by existing paradigms. He presented evidence suggesting that Malta was once part of a larger landmass and was home to a technologically advanced civilization that predates known historical periods. The "cart ruts," he argued, are too precise and widespread to be explained by conventional means, suggesting they might be remnants of an ancient transport system or even related to UFO technology.

Crop Circles

"Diary of an Eventful Journey to the Crop Circles in England" by Dr.-Ing. Peter Hattwig and Lars Uwe Ittig:
This article details a trip to the crop circle areas of Avebury, Silbury Hill, and Stonehenge in July 2007. The authors, active in UFO and crop circle research, describe their experiences, including a delayed arrival due to ferry issues. They visited Stonehenge and Avebury, noting the beauty and complexity of the crop formations. Peter Hattwig, new to crop circle investigation, was impressed by the phenomenon, while Lars Uwe Ittig brought prior experience from a 1995 trip. They observed construction lines within the formations and noted how the stalks were bent or unknotted without damage.

Sightings and Experiences

"Lights Out of Nowhere" - Berlin, July 2007 (DEGUFO 07 07 14):
This section reports a sighting by a couple in Berlin on July 14, 2007. They observed two lights appearing suddenly, moving erratically, and then a formation of 8-10 yellowish objects that moved at high speed, stopping and accelerating in sequence. The objects disappeared as suddenly as they appeared. The witnesses ruled out conventional explanations like balloons, aircraft, or natural phenomena. DEGUFO classified the lights as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) after discussing the report with CENAP members, finding no conventional explanation that fit the description.

Other Sightings:
Brief mentions are made of "remarkable objects via Google Earth" in Siberia and a "triangular UFO over Australia" as an update from a previous issue. Another Google Earth find is also noted.

Astronomy

"The Black Hole from Mars - The Riddle Grows Larger" by Dr. Peter Hattwig:
This article, appearing on page 21, discusses the phenomenon of the "Black Hole from Mars," suggesting that the mystery surrounding it is deepening. The content is not detailed in the provided scan, but it indicates ongoing research and intrigue related to this astronomical topic.

UFO-Research

"The Mysterious 'Drone' (2) - Further Sightings and an Important Witness" by Dr. Peter Hattwig:
This article, on page 22, continues the investigation into a mysterious "drone," presenting additional sightings and testimony from a significant witness. The details are not fully visible in the scan.

"Drones - Unmanned Aircraft" (Page 26):
This brief mention likely discusses the topic of drones, possibly in relation to UFO sightings or technological advancements.

"Walter Haut - and the Credibility of the Roswell Witnesses" by Alexander Knörr:
This article, on page 27, examines the role and credibility of Walter Haut, one of the last witnesses to the Roswell incident. Alexander Knörr likely analyzes Haut's testimony and its implications for the Roswell event.

News

"UFOs in the Mirror" (Page 29):
This news item likely provides a brief overview or commentary on UFO-related news or media coverage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM include the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the exploration of ancient mysteries and alternative historical theories (präastronautik), and the reporting of eyewitness accounts. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet analytical approach, presenting evidence and witness testimonies while also seeking conventional explanations where possible. The editorial stance seems to favor in-depth research and encourages member participation in contributing to the journal's content. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge mainstream scientific understanding, such as crop circles and ancient megalithic structures, and a commitment to exploring these topics through personal accounts and detailed analysis.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled "Kornkreise" (Crop Circles), focuses on investigations and observations of crop circle formations primarily in Wiltshire, UK, during the summer of 2007. The magazine features detailed accounts of visits to various sites, interviews with researchers and witnesses, and photographic evidence, exploring the mystery surrounding their creation.

East Field Formation

The article begins with an introduction to the crop circle scene in the UK, mentioning the Silent Circle Café as a meeting point. The authors meet Janette Ossebaard, a known crop circle researcher, who guides them to the East Field formation near Alton Barnes. This formation, described as one of the largest of the year, consists of over 350 meters of length and 210 individual circles. The authors note that the formation appeared to be incomplete, suggesting it might have been interrupted. They recount the challenging walk through a muddy field in the rain to reach it. A key observation is the time of its appearance, estimated to be overnight. The article mentions that observers had set up video cameras, including an infrared camera, to monitor the field. During the night, a bright flash of light was observed, and by 3:20 AM, the large formation was visible. The observers noted that no lights or lasers were used, and no sounds were heard, leading to the conclusion that the formation was not man-made. The speed of its creation is estimated to be around 100 minutes. One observer described feeling euphoric upon entering the circle.

Cannings Cross and Cliffords Hill Formations

The investigation continues with a visit to the Cannings Cross formation, which features seven circles arranged lengthwise. The authors note that the axis of this formation runs precisely along a tractor track, leading to questions about its origin. They also explore the Cliffords Hill formation, which is described as a complex arrangement of triangles with curved sides. The stalks in this formation are intricately woven, and a small, eccentric tuft of stalks is found in the center, which the authors believe is difficult for human fakers to replicate. They are convinced that these formations are not man-made.

West Kennet and Chute Causeway Formations

Upon learning of a new formation in West Kennet, the authors visit the site. Their initial impression is that this formation, despite its appealing design, might have been made by humans due to some perceived flaws. However, they acknowledge that without a claimant, the origin remains uncertain. The Chute Causeway formation is described as a pentagram or snowflake, noted for its geometric precision and the elegant bending of stalks. The authors emphasize that replicating such formations would be extremely difficult, even with geodetic measuring devices during the day.

The Butterfly Formation

The Butterfly formation is presented as one of the most beautiful and artistic formations of recent years. Its symmetry is highlighted, with precise angles and junctions that would be impossible to achieve with human error. The article notes that the center axis does not run parallel to the tractor tracks, further suggesting a non-human origin. The complexity of the formation, with its precisely laid stalks and intricate patterns, is emphasized.

Sugar Hill and Other Formations

The Sugar Hill formation is described as having the shape of a flower with small cubes in the center. While appearing simple from an aerial view, it is disorienting from ground level, with numerous triangles scattered across the field. The authors discuss the difficulty of recognizing the cube shapes from within the formation. They also mention visiting other formations, including one near Stanton Bridge, which showed signs of age with some corn growing upright, and stalks bent without breaking. The authors also recount an experience where their camera batteries rapidly drained within a formation, suggesting electromagnetic interference.

Night Watches and Observations

The article details several night watch attempts by the authors to witness the creation of crop circles. During one watch on Knap Hill, overlooking the East Field, they observed numerous aircraft and noted the moon casting shadows. Their video camera malfunctioned due to humidity. A second night watch was also hampered by weather conditions, with fog and drizzle setting in. During these watches, they observed no unusual activity that could explain the formation of crop circles.

Encounters and Conclusions

The authors mention a flight over the landscape in a two-seater ultralight aircraft, which provided excellent aerial views of the formations. They also recount an encounter in a pub with a man who claimed to be a crop circle maker, stating that all formations are man-made and that he and a partner created the West Kennett formation. This claim, however, is contrasted with the authors' own observations and convictions about the complexity and precision of many formations.

The issue concludes with a reflection on the state of crop circle research. The authors note a decline in the dedicated 'scene' compared to 1995, with fewer enthusiasts gathering. They observe a significant commercialization of crop circles, with books, DVDs, and postcards widely available. Despite this, they report seeing many impressive formations that appear to be beyond human capability to create, especially within the short timeframes observed. The article suggests that the motivation of human crop circle makers may be waning, with only a few formations showing signs of their work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mystery of crop circle origins, the debate between human-made and non-human creation, the detailed documentation of specific formations, and the personal experiences of the researchers. The editorial stance leans towards the belief that many of the larger and more complex crop circles are not the product of human activity, citing their intricate designs, rapid appearance, and associated anomalous phenomena as evidence. The magazine highlights the investigative nature of crop circle research, emphasizing the importance of direct observation and analysis of physical evidence like the corn stalks themselves.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled "Das Schwarze Loch vom Mars – das Rätsel wird größer" (The Black Hole from Mars – The Riddle Grows Larger), dated September 2007, delves into two primary mysteries: a peculiar anomaly on Mars and the enduring enigma of the Roswell incident, alongside reports of unidentified aerial phenomena.

The Black Hole on Mars

The lead article by Dr. Peter Hattwig discusses the discovery of a "Black Hole" on Mars in May 2007, based on images from NASA's Mars Odyssey probe. This dark spot, measuring approximately 150 by 157 meters, was initially noted for its lack of discernible details. Subsequent images taken in August 2007 from a different angle suggested a vertical shaft with a depth of at least 78 meters and a steep eastern wall. Hattwig posits that this structure is not natural, like a lava tube, but rather an artificial entrance to an extraterrestrial station, citing its regular shape and the peculiar reflective properties of an overlying field that mimics a "water surface."

The Roswell Incident and Walter G. Haut's Testimony

Another significant section, authored by Alexander Knörr, focuses on the credibility of the Roswell witnesses, particularly through the lens of Walter G. Haut's posthumous affidavit. Haut, the press officer for the 509th Bomb Group in Roswell in 1947, had issued the initial press release about a "flying discs." His affidavit, released in June 2007 by his heirs, confirms the recovery of a "flying disc" and corroborates the events surrounding the initial announcement and its subsequent retraction. The article highlights the discrepancies in official explanations and the methods used by skeptics to discredit witness testimonies, arguing that the sheer volume and consistency of witness accounts, including Haut's deathbed confession, lend significant weight to the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Haut's affidavit details his involvement on July 7-8, 1947, including attending a briefing where debris from a crash site was examined. He describes the material as unlike anything he had ever seen, thin as paper but extremely resilient, with unusual symbols. He also recounts seeing the recovered object, described as roughly 12-15 feet long and 6 feet high, egg-shaped, and metallic, with no visible windows or wings. He also saw covered bodies, noting their heads appeared larger than those of 10-year-old children, estimating their height at around 4 feet. He was informed that a makeshift morgue was being prepared and that the wreckage was not radioactive.

The article also touches upon Jesse Marcel Jr.'s upcoming book, "The Roswell Legacy," which promises further revelations from the son of Major Jesse Marcel, who allegedly confessed the truth about Roswell to him before his death.

UFO Sightings and 'Drones'

The magazine features several reports of unidentified aerial phenomena, often referred to as "drones," based on witness sightings and photographic evidence. These include:

• Fall 1-3: Sightings in California, with photos attributed to pseudonyms like "Chad," "rajman1977," and witnesses from Lake Tahoe.
• Fall 4: A sighting by "Mr. Smith" in Birmingham, Alabama, in May 2006, involving an object near power lines.
• Fall 5: Sightings in Big Basin, California, by "Stephen" and "Ty" in June 2007, with photographic evidence.
• Fall 6: A sighting in Yosemite National Park, California, by a witness and her sons, who observed an object that reacted to light.
• Fall 7: A sighting by "Ned White," a 41-year-old electrical engineer in Phoenix, Arizona, in October 1995, of a drone-like object exhibiting electromagnetic effects.
• Fall 8: An anonymous submission of a photograph of a mysterious craft.
• Fall 9: Discussion of YouTube videos purporting to show "drones" in flight, with the article asserting these are not trick films but actual footage of the "drone" from the CARET Institute.
• Fall 10: An account from "Isaac," who claims to have worked on the "drone" research program (CARET) in the 1980s, suggesting the US possesses extraterrestrial technology.

The article contrasts these "drones" with known terrestrial UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), emphasizing their lack of visible propulsion and unusual flight characteristics.

International Sightings and Events

Further international reports include:

• Siberia: Strange rectangular objects observed via Google Earth, with sides estimated at around 2 km, exhibiting a pattern resembling knitting.
• Australia: An update on a triangular UFO sighted near Perth, Australia, reported by a witness who saw three lights moving in formation.
• Google Earth: Another interesting find on Google Earth, described as a park with uniquely shaped bushes.

Other Content

The issue also includes a report on a "UFO wave" in Germany, as noted by the magazine "Der Spiegel," and an announcement for the FGK (Forschungsgesellschaft German Association for Crop Circle Research) autumn event in Zierenberg, Germany, featuring various speakers on topics ranging from crop circles to space phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

DEGUFORUM consistently explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life and technology, giving significant weight to witness testimonies, especially those from credible sources like military personnel or individuals with technical backgrounds. The magazine appears to lean towards the belief that many unexplained phenomena, including the Roswell incident and the "drones," are evidence of non-human intelligence and advanced technology. The editorial stance is critical of official explanations that are perceived as cover-ups and supportive of alternative hypotheses, particularly those involving extraterrestrial visitation. The recurring theme is that "we are not alone" and that the truth about these events is gradually being revealed through persistent investigation and the courage of witnesses.

Title: Astronomie
Issue: 55
Date: September 2007
Publisher: DEGUFORUM
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of "Astronomie" magazine, published by DEGUFORUM, focuses on the groundbreaking discovery of an Earth-like exoplanet, Gliese 581 c, located approximately 20.5 light-years away. The magazine also delves into various topics related to UFO research, Kryptozoology, and philosophical inquiries.

Erdähnlicher Planet in 20 Lichtjahren

The lead article details the discovery of Gliese 581 c, an exoplanet found orbiting the red dwarf star Gliese 581. This planet is described as being roughly five times the mass of Earth and having a radius about 1.5 times that of Earth. It orbits its star in just 13 days, but because Gliese 581 is a smaller and cooler star than our Sun, the planet resides within the star's "habitable zone." This zone is defined as the region where temperatures could allow for liquid water to exist on the planet's surface, a key ingredient for life as we know it.

European astronomers, using the 3.6-meter telescope at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in La Silla, Chile, identified Gliese 581 c. This discovery marks it as the most Earth-like exoplanet found to date. Stéphane Udry from the Geneva Observatory, the lead author of the scientific publication, stated that calculations suggest the planet's average temperature could range between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius, making liquid water possible. He further speculated that the planet might resemble Earth or be entirely covered by oceans.

Xavier Delfosse from the University of Grenoble emphasized the importance of liquid water for life and suggested that Gliese 581 c would be a prime target for future space missions searching for extraterrestrial life.

Gliese 581 is located in the constellation Libra and is one of the 100 closest stars to Earth, about 20.5 light-years away. It is a red dwarf star, possessing about a third of the Sun's mass and only about 1/50th of its luminosity. Red dwarfs are the most common type of star in the Milky Way, with 80 out of the 100 nearest stars being red dwarfs.

Xavier Bonfils from the University of Lisbon explained that red dwarfs are ideal targets for finding low-mass planets with potential for liquid water because their habitable zones are very close to the star. This proximity makes it easier to detect such planets using the radial velocity method.

The radial velocity method involves observing the slight "wobble" of a star caused by the gravitational pull of orbiting planets. While this method is effective for detecting massive planets close to their stars (like "hot Jupiters"), it becomes more challenging for lower-mass planets with wider orbits. However, for red dwarfs, a planet with a lower mass orbiting closely can still be detected and potentially harbor liquid water due to the star's cooler temperature.

This discovery follows the detection of another planet around Gliese 581 two years prior, which had 15 times the mass of Earth and orbited the star every 5.4 days. Astronomers had already suspected the presence of additional planets in the system, leading to further observations. Researchers also believe there might be a third planet in the system, with about eight times the mass of Earth, orbiting in 84 days. If confirmed, Gliese 581 would be considered an exceptional system with three planets of 15 Earth masses or less.

The article cites Stefan Deiters from astronews.com as the source.

DEGUFORUM Magazine Contents

The magazine also features a review of past DEGUFORUM issues, highlighting key articles and themes:

• Heft 47: Featured an article on "Kryptozoologie" (the study of creatures not classifiable by zoology) by the late Hans-Ulrich Neumann. It also included summaries of a meeting discussing "German Flying Saucers," "UFO and Abduction Phenomena," and "Investigations into the Light-Sphere Phenomenon."
• Heft 49: Presented a unique account of a space flight experience titled "Space Flight to Jupiter's Moon Ganymed" by Sixto Paz. It also included an article by Alex Knörr on "Pre-Flood Pyramids in Bosnia" and a report by a woman describing "Orbs with the Eyes of a Clairvoyant."
• Heft 51: Focused on the "Brummton-Phänomen" (humming phenomenon) by Kurt Diedrich, exploring paranormal explanations. Anja Volb provided a report on her crop circle visit in England. Articles by Hans Neumann covered "The Praying Mantis" and "The State of British UFO Research." Alf Bodo Graf contributed a philosophical essay titled "The World as Artwork."
• Heft 53: Continued the series on "The Flying Triangles of Belgium" and included an experience report titled "The Mystery of the Reservoir" by Franko Prast. Jens Waldeck presented the second part of his article "Traces of Life on Exoplanet X." Alf Bodo Graf wrote two philosophical essays: "On the Why" and "On the Reality of UFOs."
• Heft 48: Covered unusual sightings and experiences from DEGUFO members and affiliated organizations. Hans-Ulrich Neumann's "UFO Hotspot Brazil" series continued, detailing UFO sightings in South America.
• Heft 50: Offered a comprehensive documentation of all issues from 1 to 50, with brief descriptions and tabular listings of key articles and experiences. It also included summaries of presentations from the Spring 2006 meeting in Halberstadt.
• Heft 52: Summarized the presentations from the DEGUFO Autumn Meeting, featuring Werner Walter. Jens Waldeck's article "Traces of Life on Exoplanet X" was presented in detail. Peter Hattwig continued his series "Evidence for the UFO Phenomenon" with an article on "The Flying Triangles of Belgium." The issue also contained numerous short reports.
• Heft 54: Featured an investigation by Peter Hattwig titled "Luxor with the Eyes of an Engineer." It reported on the first joint meeting of FGK and DEGUFO in Zierenberg. Other topics included a peculiar "drone" sighted in the USA and Peter Hattwig's theory that the "Black Hole" on Mars might be an extraterrestrial station.

The magazine also includes a section on methods for discovering exoplanets, specifically the radial velocity method, and notes that all back issues are available through DEGUFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

DEGUFORUM consistently explores topics at the intersection of science, the unexplained, and fringe research. The magazine demonstrates an open-minded yet analytical approach, presenting scientific discoveries like the Gliese 581 c exoplanet alongside investigations into UFO phenomena, paranormal experiences, and philosophical questions about reality. The editorial stance appears to encourage detailed reporting, personal accounts, and scientific inquiry into subjects that lie beyond mainstream understanding. The recurring focus on UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and unexplained phenomena suggests a readership interested in exploring the boundaries of current knowledge.