Deguforum - Issue 60 - 2008

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 60
Volume: 15. Jahrgang
Date: December 2006
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung
Price: Deutschland EURO 5,00

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research, delves into a variety of topics, with a prominent focus on the potential for manned Mars missions and related scientific and speculative considerations. The editorial by Peter Hattwig reflects on failed predictions of extraterrestrial contact, emphasizing the need for serious UFO research and lamenting the damage caused by sensationalism. He also introduces the magazine's top theme: the manned Mars flight, noting the recent discovery of glaciers on Mars and the planet's readiness for human exploration.

Articles and Features

Topthema: Marsflug (Mars Flight)

This section, authored by Dr.-Ing. Peter Hattwig, provides a comprehensive look at the prospect of manned missions to Mars. It traces the history of Mars exploration, from early telescopic observations and the 'canali' controversy to the impact of science fiction like H. G. Wells' 'War of the Worlds' and Wernher von Braun's visionary work. The article discusses the scientific rationale for exploring Mars, its geological characteristics, the search for life, and the potential for resource discovery. It contrasts manned versus unmanned missions, highlighting the arguments for human presence, such as adaptability and decision-making capabilities. The challenges of long-duration spaceflight, including physical and psychological effects, are detailed, along with the technical hurdles and the proposed timeline for NASA's Mars program, aiming for a landing by 2030. The article also touches upon the possibility of international collaboration and the development of advanced spacecraft and habitats.

Paraphysik: Levitation

This recurring series continues with an article titled "Das verschwundene Erbe des Altertums" (The Lost Heritage of Antiquity), presented as a continuation of "Luxor with the Eyes of an Engineer." The editor notes that changing the title significantly increased attendance at related lectures, suggesting the appeal of the new title. The series also includes an overview of Levitation, specific discussions on Levitation in Tibet, and Levitation of a Table.

Forschung: Integrale Studien zur UFO-Forschung (UFO Research: Integral Studies)

This article, by Ken Wilbers, offers new perspectives on UFO research through the lens of Integral Methodological Pluralism. It is presented as the second part of a series.

Kornkreise: Fehler oder Absicht? (Crop Circles: Error or Intentional?)

This piece examines the nature of crop circles, questioning whether they are natural occurrences or deliberately created.

Sichtungen: Sensationelles UFO-Foto aus Colorado (Sightings: Sensational UFO Photo from Colorado)

This article details a personal account from a woman in Colorado who witnessed four UFOs hovering over her property in 2005. She describes their oval shape with a dome, silvery-grey color, and size larger than the full moon. She later managed to photograph a similar object from her car. The article also includes a discussion about the 'Men in Black' phenomenon and other light phenomena.

Archäologie: Kultplätze in Deutschland (Archaeology: Cult Sites in Germany)

This article, part two of a series, focuses on archaeological cult sites in Albersdorf, Germany.

Psychologie: Wie Homosexualität entsteht (Psychology: How Homosexuality Arises)

An unusual inclusion in a UFO magazine, this article explores the origins of homosexuality. The editor justifies its inclusion by stating that the topic relates to the 'soul' and that conventional scientific journals might not be open to citing engineers on such matters.

Phänomene: Blitzschlag tötete angeblich Kühe (Phenomena: Lightning Strike Allegedly Killed Cows)

This report, by Peter Hattwig, discusses a bizarre incident in Uruguay where 52 cows were allegedly killed by a single lightning strike while lined up along a fence. The article presents a reader's skeptical view, questioning the natural explanation, and includes a similar case from the USA sent by Douglas Spalthoff. The author places this under 'Phenomena' due to its similarity to cattle mutilation reports, though no direct signs of mutilation are present.

Wissenschaft und Technik: Gletscher außerhalb der Pole auf dem Mars entdeckt (Science and Technology: Glaciers Discovered Outside the Poles on Mars)

This brief report notes the discovery of glaciers on Mars beyond the polar regions.

Nachrichten: Sowjetische Kosmonauten verschweigen Wahrheit über UFOs (News: Soviet Cosmonauts Conceal Truth About UFOs)

This news item suggests that Soviet cosmonauts may be withholding information about UFOs.

Veranstaltungen (Events)

This section lists upcoming events, including the FGK Spring Conference, the Wandsdyke Project, a GEP conference, and the DEGUFO e.V. Spring Conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The DEGUFORUM consistently explores the intersection of ufology with science, technology, and fringe topics. The editorial stance, as articulated by Peter Hattwig, favors serious, research-oriented investigation into UFO phenomena while acknowledging the challenges posed by sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse perspectives, including those from scientific disciplines, paraphysics, and historical/archaeological research, often linking these to potential extraterrestrial influences or phenomena. There is a clear interest in space exploration, particularly Mars, and its implications for humanity, as well as a willingness to tackle controversial subjects like homosexuality if they can be framed within a broader context of human experience or consciousness.

DEGUFORUM, Issue No. 60, dated December 2008, is a German-language publication focusing on paraphysics, psychology, and UFO research. The issue features several in-depth articles exploring scientific discoveries, historical mysteries, and esoteric theories.

Mars Exploration: Glaciers Discovered Outside the Poles

The lead article, "Gletscher außerhalb der Pole auf dem Mars entdeckt" (Glaciers discovered outside the poles on Mars), reports on a significant discovery made by the NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Scientists have identified vast glaciers of water ice, shielded by layers of dust and gravel, located in regions of Mars away from the polar caps. These ice masses are estimated to be up to 800 meters thick and represent a substantial water resource on the planet. The radar technology of the orbiter allowed scientists to peer beneath the surface, revealing these hidden glaciers. The article references a report in the journal *Science* and suggests that these formations might be remnants of an ancient ice age, similar to hidden glaciers found in Earth's Antarctic region. The discovery helps explain peculiar geological formations observed by earlier Viking probes.

The Lost Heritage of Antiquity (1-3): Levitation

This multi-part series by Dr. Ing. Peter Hattwig and Prof. Dr. Werner Schiebeler delves into the phenomenon of levitation.

Part 1: The Lost Heritage of Antiquity (1) - Levitation or Antigravitation?

Hattwig begins by questioning how ancient megalithic structures, like those in Luxor, could have been constructed with massive stones, suggesting levitation as a possible explanation for their transport. He defines levitation as the ability of a person to float without aids, a form of psychokinesis. He distinguishes between antigravitation (technically induced levitation) and levitation (mind or spirit-induced). The article traces the history of levitation, noting its presence in various cultures and its association with both holiness and demonic possession in religious contexts. It mentions biblical accounts, such as Jesus walking on water, and numerous saints who were reportedly capable of levitation. The famous case of Simon Magnus is also discussed, along with the numerous documented flights of Joseph of Copertino.

Part 2: The Lost Heritage of Antiquity (2) - Levitation in Tibet

This section recounts the observations of a Swedish doctor, Dr. Jarl, in Tibet in 1912. While visiting a friend, he witnessed monks using what appeared to be levitation to transport massive stone blocks hundreds of meters through the air. The process involved a complex arrangement of musical instruments, including drums and trumpets, played by monks. Dr. Jarl, initially skeptical, filmed the event, but the films were reportedly confiscated and kept secret for decades. The article describes the stones being lifted from a prepared platform and flown to another location, with the process repeated for multiple blocks.

Part 3: The Lost Heritage of Antiquity (3) - Levitation of a Table

Prof. Dr. Werner Schiebeler details experiments with table levitation, particularly those conducted by Danish photographer Sven Türck around 1940. In these experiments, six participants, including two mediums, would place their hands loosely on a table, and the table would levitate a few centimeters for a short duration. Türck believed that non-terrestrial entities were responsible for these phenomena. Schiebeler also describes his own experiments in 1979, where a table was tilted and balanced on two legs, demonstrating resistance to downward force. He notes that these phenomena remain unexplained by conventional physics and are classified as PSI phenomena.

Psychology: How Homosexuality Arises

Peter Hattwig explores the origins of homosexuality, acknowledging the scientific community's difficulty in providing a definitive explanation. He proposes that homosexuality, along with heterosexuality, is a soul trait carried over from previous incarnations. This theory is based on the concept of reincarnation, where the soul progresses through multiple lives, often in the same gender, until a shift occurs. Hattwig cites research on twins, suggesting a genetic predisposition, and theories involving stress hormones during pregnancy. He also references studies on brain structure differences between homosexual and heterosexual individuals. The article concludes that homosexuality is a normal aspect of human existence and should not be condemned, drawing parallels to the concept of karma and soul development.

UFO Research: Integral Studies of UFO Research (2)

Dr. Jens Waldeck presents the second part of his series on integral studies of UFO research, building on Ken Wilber's integral theory. He explains that integral UFO research aims to synthesize the best knowledge from various fields, including natural and human sciences, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The article outlines an eight-zone model of consciousness and experience, with corresponding methodological concepts for each zone. Waldeck emphasizes the need for a refined scientific methodology that is empirical, inductive, and verifiable, drawing on principles from thinkers like Newton, Kuhn, and Popper.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM revolve around the unexplained and the paranormal. The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie outside the scope of conventional scientific understanding, including extraterrestrial possibilities, psychic abilities, and alternative theories of human consciousness and sexuality. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating these topics with a critical yet receptive mind, often drawing on historical accounts, anecdotal evidence, and esoteric philosophies to supplement or challenge mainstream scientific views. The publication seems to advocate for a broader, more inclusive approach to understanding reality, one that acknowledges the limitations of current scientific paradigms.

DEGUFORUM, Issue 60, dated December 2008, is a German-language publication focusing on UFO research, paranormal phenomena, and archaeology. The issue features a prominent diagram illustrating an 'Integral Land Map' for UFO research, dividing experiences into eight zones based on individual/collective and inner/outer perspectives.

UFO-Forschung: Methodological Concepts

The issue delves into the theoretical underpinnings of UFO research, particularly through the lens of Ken Wilber's integral theory. It introduces eight methodological concepts corresponding to the eight zones of experience:

1. Phenomenological Methodology: Focuses on direct experiences.
2. Structuralist Methodology: Examines recurring patterns in direct experiences.
3. Hermeneutic Methodology: Aims to understand intersubjective meanings.
4. Ethnological Methodology: Explores recurring patterns of intersubjective understanding.
5. Autopoietic Methodology: Investigates self-organizing forces in processes.
6. Empirical Methodology: Deals with observable behavior.
7. Systemic-Autopoietic Methodology: Analyzes self-regulating dynamics in systems.
8. Systemic Methodology (Systems Theory): Studies the kinetics and movement patterns within systems.

The article emphasizes that these concepts are not reducible to one another and that omitting any can lead to a partial understanding of reality, potentially missing crucial aspects of the UFO phenomenon.

The 'Men in Black' Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'Men in Black' (MIB) phenomenon, drawing heavily on an essay by Brad Steiger. The article recounts numerous reports from the late 1960s onwards, where UFO researchers and contactees were allegedly visited by three men dressed in black. These visitors reportedly demanded that UFO research be stopped, photos and evidence be destroyed, and often issued veiled threats, stating that 'cooperation would be good for the family, the country, and the world.'

The article highlights the case of Frank Edwards, a radio reporter who had extensively covered UFOs and paranormal events. His sudden death in 1967, shortly after making remarks about attempts to silence him, fueled speculation among UFO researchers that he was murdered. Many believed that UFO research groups were infiltrated by powerful agencies, with the MIB acting as representatives of these agencies.

• Several anecdotal accounts are presented:
• John Keel described the MIB as 'professional terrorists' tasked with harassing researchers and potentially brainwashing them.
• Researchers reported receiving mysterious phone calls, with conversations being interrupted by a metallic voice.
• A reporter's stay at a hotel was compromised when an unknown person revealed intimate details of his activities, suggesting constant surveillance.
• Brad Steiger himself experienced poltergeist phenomena in his office, which ceased after he confronted the unseen presence.
• A farmer family reported telepathic contact with a being claiming to be from another world, warning them about the MIB and experiencing strange events like disappearing aircraft and apparitions.

The article also touches upon the 'trickster' archetype, comparing the MIB to mythological figures known for their amoral nature and ability to shape-shift. It suggests that while tricksters can cause mischief, they also play a role in balancing consciousness and societal evolution.

Anomalous Light Phenomena

• Kerstin Göbel contributes a personal account of recurring light phenomena she has witnessed. These include:
• An oval, light red light observed in her kitchen on April 21, 2008, which lasted for about a second and cast reflections.
• A yellow light seen near a door on February 23, 2008, and later a stronger yellow light over stairs, suggesting an external source.
• A bright flash of light on December 1, 2007, illuminating the sky without any apparent weather conditions.
• A yellow flash observed while driving on October 21, 2008, which appeared to overtake the car.
• A yellow light sphere observed in the bathroom on November 6, 2008.
• A fast-moving yellow light sphere seen in the sky on November 3, 2008.
• A yellow flash in the laundry room on August 3, 2008.
• Flashes of light on a lawn on August 3, 2008, witnessed by a neighbor.

These experiences, some witnessed by others, are presented as unexplained events.

Crop Circles: Imperfections and Intentions

Peter Hattwig discusses crop circles, focusing on two formations from 2007 in Wiltshire, England, that appeared to have imperfections. The East Field formation, created in a single night, consisted of 210 individual circles but seemed incomplete, with a missing crown on one of the arches. Hattwig questions whether this was due to the creators being observed or an intentional asymmetry.

The West Kennett-Long-Barrow formation also showed an apparent flaw: a crooked base on its middle left 'pillar'. Hattwig suggests this imperfection points towards human creation, contrasting it with the possibility of extraterrestrial origin for other formations.

Archaeology: Cult Sites in Germany

André Kramer's article explores archaeological sites in Albersdorf, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Albersdorf is noted for its numerous megalithic monuments from the Neolithic period, suggesting it was a significant cult site for the Funnelbeaker culture.

• Key sites mentioned include:
• A museum displaying artifacts and models of the early Funnelbeaker culture.
• A small dolmen with a short passage in the Kurpark.
• The Brutkampstein, a large dolmen dating to around 2500 BC, weighing 25 tons, which legend associates with offerings to the goddess Freya.

The article also references historical accounts of even larger megalithic structures that have since been destroyed, such as an alleged sacrificial altar described by Pastor Domeier.

It highlights the archaeological-ecological center aöza, which offers a nature trail through a Bronze Age burial mound and reconstructed Stone Age village. The article concludes by mentioning four Neolithic long barrows, noting that most of their surrounding stones have been removed for building material over the centuries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained (UFOs, MIB, light phenomena, crop circles) with rigorous research methodologies, often referencing academic frameworks like Ken Wilber's integral theory. There's a clear emphasis on seeking evidence and understanding, even when dealing with phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. The magazine also promotes archaeological exploration, connecting ancient human history with the broader themes of mystery and wonder. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various perspectives and methodologies when investigating anomalous events, while also acknowledging the potential for human-made explanations for some phenomena.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, dated December 2008 (Issue No. 60), focuses heavily on the topics of crop circles and UFO phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to scientific research and government declassified documents.

Crop Circles

The magazine presents several detailed examples of crop circles, highlighting their complexity and the mystery surrounding their creation.

Bild 3: Two-Night Formation

This formation is described as unusual because it was created in two separate nights. The inner 'swallows' were made first, followed by the outer elements. Experts confirmed anomalies in both parts, suggesting it was not a hoax. A small 'accident' occurred where one of the arches was set incorrectly, as shown in a magnified image.

Bild 4: Silbury Hill Formation (2000)

This formation, discovered near the famous Silbury Hill in 2000, is noted for its intricate design of five peripheral arrangements, each with five triangles. The article points out a misplaced triangle, deeming it too significant an error to be accidental, and a subject of much debate among experts.

Bild 5: Internet Discovery

A formation found online, with no specified location or date, is presented. The author notes the number of circles in the outer area, suggesting up to seven could be counted.

Bild 6: Julia Set (1996)

This well-known pictograph was created during the day in direct view of the Stonehenge stone circle, unnoticed by visitors. A pilot reported flying over the field twice within 45 minutes and seeing the formation only on the second pass. The article details the pattern of small and large circles and their accompanying 'companions'.

Bild 7: Woolstone Hill Formation (2005)

Described as beautiful and artistically made, this formation from 2005 near Woolstone Hill had a minor error in the arrangement of outer squares. The author suggests that such imperfections are an indication of human creation, contrasting with the view of some researchers who see them as evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence.

The article invites readers to submit examples of other well-made crop circles.

UFO-Forschung (UFO Research)

England Releases More UFO Files

This section reports on the UK Ministry of Defence's release of 19 previously secret UFO files from 1986 to 1992. These documents include reports from Great Britain and Germany concerning UFO activities.

#### Alitalia Jet Near-Miss

A report details a near-collision in April 1991 between an Alitalia passenger jet and a rocket-shaped UFO over Kent, England. Radar confirmed the incident, and the MoD could not explain it, ruling out British or US rockets, spacecraft, or weather balloons. The UFO was sighted at an altitude of approximately 6700 meters.

#### US Air Force Pilots' Encounter (1957)

Another file describes two US Air Force pilots who were ordered to shoot down an unidentified flying object over East Anglia in 1957. One pilot, Milton Torres, later received a visit from a US National Security Agency (NSA) agent warning him not to speak about the incident.

#### Stanmore Incident (April 26, 1984)

This case involves a woman in Stanmore who, upon opening her back door, witnessed a strange, colorful, flashing light. Police officers also observed the phenomenon for an hour through binoculars. The object was described as round with domes, emitting flashing lights, and moved erratically before shooting towards the witnesses and disappearing. The case file includes witness testimonies and detailed sketches.

#### Other Reports

The files also contain information on a chase involving a UFO and two Tornado fighter jets over Germany, and reports of alleged alien abductions. However, many sightings are explained by conventional means, such as weather balloons or disco lasers.

#### Commentary and Background

Approximately 90% of reported UFO sightings have conventional explanations. However, about 10% remain unexplained, prompting scientific investigation. The question of whether we are visited by extraterrestrial beings is complex and not solely answered by these documents.

The Path of a UFO

This article by Alf Bodo Graf discusses the psychological aspects of UFO sightings, emphasizing that perception is tied to interpretation. It argues that 'seeing is believing' is insufficient, as our brains interpret what we see based on prior experiences and expectations. The article suggests that the 'unknown' aspect of a UFO is key to its mystique, and that if aliens became commonplace, the phenomenon would lose its allure. It also touches upon how familiar shapes like saucers or triangles might be projected onto sightings due to cultural influences (e.g., the Stealth bomber, computer graphics). The author posits that the movement of a UFO, rather than its appearance, is a more definitive characteristic. He suggests that computer analysis of flight paths from orbital surveillance could provide more conclusive evidence than mere photographs. The article concludes by posing questions about UFO behavior, such as their ability to become invisible, their origin and destination, and their interaction with weather phenomena.

England's UFO Files: A Deeper Look

This section continues the discussion on UFOs, mentioning that the public's interest in UFOs is often met with media ridicule, a strategy allegedly employed by intelligence agencies since the 1950s to discredit the phenomenon. It highlights the Disclosure Project in May 2001, where military personnel reported government cover-ups. The article notes that UFOs seem interested in military installations, citing the Bentwaters landing in 1980 and instances of UFOs deactivating nuclear missiles. Astronauts like Gordon Cooper and Edgar Mitchell have also shared their experiences. The article references the work of Paul Hellyer, a former Canadian Defence Minister, who learned about the Roswell incident after leaving office.

#### The 'Ignorance Theory' of UFOs

Political scientists Alexander Wendt and Raymond Duvall propose that governments maintain an 'epistemology of ignorance' regarding UFOs because acknowledging intelligent extraterrestrial life could challenge state sovereignty and existing power structures.

#### Are Aliens a Threat?

The article suggests that while aliens may be interested in military technology, there is no historical evidence of hostility. It posits that a technologically superior species would likely also be ethically advanced. The potential impact of acknowledging extraterrestrial visitors is discussed, suggesting it would fundamentally alter human society, religion, politics, and economics.

Science and Technology

The First Artificial Gravitational Field

This article reports on a breakthrough in physics where researchers, led by Martin Tajmar, successfully generated an artificial gravitational field. The field, though only one ten-thousandth the strength of Earth's gravity locally, is a hundred million billion times stronger than expected. The research involved over 250 measurements over several years to ensure accuracy. The article explains that gravity, unlike other fundamental forces, is not yet fully described by quantum theory but is well-explained by Einstein's theory of relativity. The new research aims to bridge this gap by describing all fundamental forces mathematically. The researchers observed a 'gravitomagnetic field' generated by a rotating superconductor, similar to how moving electric charges create electromagnetic fields. This field was measured using highly sensitive sensors and decreased with the square of the distance, similar to natural gravity. The scientists adapted Maxwell's equations for electromagnetism to describe this phenomenon, introducing the concept of a 'gravitomagnetic London Moment'. The article also references previous claims by Russian researcher Podkletnov regarding shielding gravity with rotating superconductors, which were not internationally verified. The potential applications of artificial gravity are vast, ranging from everyday tasks to space travel, and could revolutionize propulsion systems and eliminate the effects of weightlessness.

News

Soviet Cosmonauts Withhold Truth About UFOs

Former Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalenok revealed at a press conference that he and his colleagues had experienced unusual, anomalous phenomena during space flights. He recounted seeing a strange object explode into two parts connected by a bridge-like structure, which vanished before he could film it. The incident was reportedly followed by strong radioactive radiation on Earth. Kovalenok stated that many cosmonauts had witnessed similar events but chose not to report them. The article also mentions other cosmonauts' sightings, including a triangular object seen by pilot Pavel Popovich and a spherical object observed by Gennady Strekalov and Gennady Manakov. Musa Manarov filmed an antenna-like object near the Mir space station. The article suggests that these documented but classified sightings might be related to psychological phenomena experienced by cosmonauts, such as visions of transforming into alien beings.

Events

The magazine lists several upcoming events related to ufology and fringe science:

• FGK Spring Conference: May 30-31, 2009, in Zierenberg, Germany.
• Project Wandsdyke Path: July 25, 2009, in Avebury, Wiltshire, England, organized by Joachim Koch.
• 5th Fringe Science Weekend: June 27-28, 2009, in Hude, Germany.
• GEP Conference: May 2-3, in Schmerlenbach, Germany, featuring a 'UFO Research Session' where various UFO organizations will present their work and discuss future research.
• DEGUFO Spring Conference: April 25-26, 2009, in Erfurt, Germany, with presentations on UFOs, alien encounters, and the scientific study of ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mystery and analysis of crop circles, the ongoing investigation into UFO sightings supported by declassified government documents, and the scientific pursuit of understanding phenomena like artificial gravity and extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and expert opinions while acknowledging the unexplained aspects of these topics. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and the critical examination of evidence, even within the context of fringe science. The magazine encourages reader participation and discussion, as seen in the call for crop circle submissions and the organization of collaborative UFO research sessions.