Deguforum - Issue 72 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 72
Date: March 2012
Volume: 19. Jahrgang
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (German-speaking Society for UFO Research)
Focus: UFO research, philosophy, nature, and fringe sciences.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Peter Hattwig, highlights a significant event: the DEGUFO chairman, Alexander Knörr, appearing on the German TV show "TV total" with Stefan Raab. This marked a new step in making the society known to a wider audience. Despite initial skepticism about Raab's humor, Knörr handled the interview skillfully, even presenting his new book, "UFOs im 21. Jahrhundert." The editorial also introduces Karina Kappeler as the new press spokesperson and mentions an article reviewing Knörr's book. It also references Kurt Diedrich's column on recent UFO-related news and announces a special supplement on "UFOs over New Zealand."

DEGUFO Intern

"Es bewegt sich was in der DEGUFO! 100 Tage neuer Vorstand" by Alexander Knörr details the revitalization of the organization under his leadership. Knörr recounts how he, along with Christian Czech and Marius Kettmann, joined the board in late 2011. Since then, they have reorganized UFO case investigations, established a new sighting hotline, and improved the DEGUFO website, receiving positive feedback from MUFON-CES. The organization is also exploring collaborations with other UFO groups and aims to expand its reach into German-speaking regions in Europe, with plans to establish an Austrian regional group in Vienna. They are also considering a TV show concept where DEGUFO would provide cases for analysis.

"Wer macht was in der DEGUFO? Schatzmeister und Webmaster Christian Czech" profiles Christian Czech, who joined DEGUFO in 2010 and has become instrumental as the webmaster and treasurer. Czech has a long history in UFO research, founding DUFOA and managing the ALIEN.DE-Forum and the UFO-Datenbank. He also runs a mail-order service for fringe science literature and has authored several books on UFOs.

"Pressesprecherin Karina Kappeler" introduces Karina Kappeler, a new member and the society's press spokesperson. She expresses her enthusiasm for the role, aiming to improve DEGUFO's public image and ensure UFO phenomena are taken seriously by the media and science.

Press Review (Presseschau)

"Dem UFO auf der Spur" by Bernhard Honnigfort (from Frankfurter Rundschau and Berliner Morgenpost) profiles Alexander Knörr, highlighting his dedication to investigating UFO cases. The article touches upon a Christmas Eve sighting of a fireball, which was explained as a meteor or space debris, contrasting it with other cases that remain unexplained, like a cigar-shaped object reported in Burgthann. Knörr discusses the challenges of UFO research, the division between skeptics and believers, and his own approach, which he describes as being "in between."

"Galaktischer Urlaub in Knittelfeld" by Thomas Kuhelink (from Kleine Zeitung) reports on Knittelfeld, Austria, being considered a potential "UFO hotspot." The article mentions local UFO researchers Waltraud Kaliba and Jürgen Trieb, who have been photographing UFOs since 2003. They collaborate with MUFON-CES researchers Gerhard Gröschel and Wolfgang Steltzig, who use specialized equipment to detect UFOs. The piece also touches on the tourism potential of the UFO phenomenon.

"Das 'Heiligabend-UFO'" by Christian Czech and Natale Cincinnati analyzes multiple reports of a bright object seen on December 24, 2011. Czech identifies it as a Soyuz rocket stage re-entry, countering skeptical media reports. Cincinnati presents five witness accounts, noting the consistent details across reports as evidence of a genuine phenomenon.

Sightings and Experiences (Sichtungen und Erlebnisse DEGUFO)

"Vier Sichtungen eines UFO-Forschers" by Marc Hannemann presents four cases investigated by the author, a member of MUFON-CES. These include a sighting of five orange-glowing objects in formation in the former GDR in 1989, a possible UFO sighting over the Baltic Sea in 1972, a bright light illuminating a bedroom, and a suspected abduction experience in Arizona in 2007.

"Ein Leserbrief zum Bericht 'Das Phänomen der schwebenden Gebäude'" recounts a 1972 sighting of a glowing, six-story building that appeared to hover and move.

"Ein grüner sich öffnender Strahl 2009 Paderborn-Sande" describes a sighting of two 'stars' that emitted a green beam, which then opened into a triangular plasma field, surrounded by a large, faint ring.

"Interstellare Reisen erst ab 2200 zu verwirklichen" discusses a study by US scientists estimating that interstellar travel will not be possible before the year 2200 due to the immense energy requirements.

"Die Ansicht eines Mathematik-Professors zu Kontakten mit Außerirdischen" reports on Michael N. Brown's view that mathematics is the universal language for communicating with extraterrestrials, citing prime numbers as an example.

"Kurt Diedrichs UFO-Rückschau" reviews recent UFO-related news and online reports. It discusses the phenomenon of "Strange Sounds" heard worldwide, a purported fossilized machine from Russia debunked as a misidentified fossil, and a widely circulated photo of a light beam emanating from a Mayan pyramid, likely an artifact of photography. It also mentions alleged "Mars railways" and discusses the prevalence of sightings of light-based UFOs.

"Orb oder Linsenspielgelung?" by Peter Hattwig analyzes a photo of the moon that appears to show a blue orb, concluding it is likely a reflection within the camera lens.

"UFO-Sichtungen weltweit" presents several international sightings: a ring-shaped object photographed near the moon, a triangular object photographed from an airplane over Alabama, another triangular object from a flight between London and Budapest, and a triangular UFO filmed during a storm in Bolivia.

Science and Technology

"Interstellare Reisen erst ab 2200 zu verwirklichen" details a study by US scientists suggesting that interstellar travel is unlikely before 2200 due to the vast energy requirements. The study, led by Marc Millis, calculates the energy needed for both manned and unmanned missions to other star systems.

"Die Ansicht eines Mathematik-Professors zu Kontakten mit Außerirdischen" features an interview with Michael N. Brown, a mathematics professor, who believes that mathematics, specifically sequences like prime numbers, offers the most logical basis for communication with extraterrestrials.

Books - Films - Art

"Alexander Knörr (Hrsg.) Ufos im 21. Jahrhundert" is a review of a book edited by Alexander Knörr, likely discussing contemporary UFO phenomena.

"Discerning Alien Disinformation (Außerirdische Irreführungen erkennen)" is mentioned, suggesting a topic related to identifying false information about extraterrestrials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, differentiating itself from sensationalism and outright skepticism. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based research and critical analysis, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained events and extraterrestrial contact. The DEGUFO leadership, particularly Alexander Knörr, is actively working to improve the organization's public profile and credibility. The publication also engages with fringe science topics, exploring their connections to UFO research and broader philosophical questions about humanity's place in the cosmos.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled 'Philosophie: Integrales evolutionäres Denken' (Philosophy: Integral Evolutionary Thinking), focuses on the philosophical implications of quantum theory concerning UFO encounters and extraterrestrial intelligence. The issue is dated March 2012 and is published by DEGUFO.

Key Articles and Themes

Philosophical Implications of Quantum Theory: The SOBT Experiment

Dr. Jens Waldeck's article, 'Philosophical Implications of Quantum Theory: Part 5: The SOBT Experiment for Close Encounters with the Others,' explores the concept of close encounters with UFOs and aliens. It references an experiment initiated in October 2011 at the OOBE Research Center in Los Angeles, involving 20 volunteers. The experiment, led by Michael Raduga, focused on psychological aspects and aimed to induce out-of-body experiences and encounters with aliens. The article suggests that the results are reproducible and could offer new ways for UFO researchers to understand human perception filters and potentially facilitate communication with alien intelligences. The experiment is framed within the broader agenda of CSETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).

Robert Bigelow, a billionaire, is mentioned for his interest in meeting extraterrestrials. The article highlights that the SOBT experiment suggests that encounters with UFOs and aliens might be related to hidden human abilities and spontaneous out-of-body experiences. Michael Raduga, founder of the OOBE Research Center, authored 'School of Out-of-Body Travel. A Practical Guidebook.' The experiment's findings are presented as a psychological study adhering to scientific guidelines, suggesting that mental techniques can lead to experiences with aliens, irrespective of personal beliefs.

'Real-Time' Abductions

Chris Holly and Ed Fleming contribute with articles detailing 'real-time' alien abductions. These accounts describe individuals experiencing missing time, physical discomfort, and unusual phenomena during their daily routines. One case involves a young girl in the 1960s who experienced missing time, burns on her legs, and illness after encountering a bright light. Another account describes a man who encountered a dense fog and figures, leading to missing time and physical distress. A third case details an elderly couple who experienced a significant temporal displacement during a road trip. The authors note common characteristics among abductees, such as negative Rh blood factor, blue or light eyes, pale skin, and above-average intelligence. They also convey a message from abductees to be mindful of the environment and avoid becoming easy targets.

Exopolitics and Official UFO Files

Alexander Knörr writes about the confirmation of official German UFO files. He explains that a cross-departmental federal institution, the NLFZ (National Center for 'Security in Airspace'), manages these records. Despite previous denials, DEGUFO's inquiry revealed that UFO sighting reports received by police are forwarded to the NLFZ. The article also touches upon a legal dispute initiated by Frank Reitemeyer in Berlin, who is seeking access to UFO-related reports from the Bundestag's Scientific Services, highlighting the complexity of public access to such information and potential copyright issues.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

Daniel J. Kramer discusses the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life. Paul Horowitz, a SETI researcher, explains the initiative to detect signals from intelligent extraterrestrial life using radio telescopes. Despite no confirmed signals yet, the search continues. Benjamin M. Zuckerman expresses skepticism about the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life, questioning why contact has not been made. David Charbonneau, an expert in exoplanets, believes that habitable planets will be discovered within three years, and the Kepler mission is expected to yield significant results in finding Earth-like life.

Mathematical Study on Galactic Colonization

A mathematical study by Thomas Hair and Andrew Hedman suggests that the Milky Way should have been extensively colonized by extraterrestrial civilizations long ago, based on the probability of intelligent life and interstellar travel. The study posits that if such civilizations exist, they are either not communicating with us or are deliberately hiding their presence. The article contrasts this with the mainstream scientific view and mentions alternative theories involving UFO sightings and government cover-ups.

UFOs on the Moon and in the Media

An article by Alexander Knörr proposes a systematic search of lunar surface images for traces of ancient alien visits, suggesting that scientific instruments, waste, or mining evidence could be found. Another piece reviews the book 'UFOs im 21. Jahrhundert' (UFOs in the 21st Century), edited by Alexander Knörr, which compiles research from German UFO organizations. The review covers topics such as the Roswell incident, alien abductions, and alleged alien bodies. A book review by Martin Kronwitter discusses Montalk's e-book 'Discerning Alien Disinformation,' which aims to expose manipulative extraterrestrial influences. The issue also includes reviews of other books, including 'Hagar Qim - Auf den Spuren eines versunkenen Kontinents' and 'Orbs - Analyse eines Rätsels.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the philosophical and psychological dimensions of UFO encounters, the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the scientific and investigative approaches to these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and research findings while maintaining a critical perspective, particularly in the context of scientific methodology and the distinction between evidence and speculation. The magazine encourages readers to consider unconventional ideas and actively participate in the search for answers.