Deguforum - Issue 75 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 75
Volume: 19. Jahrgang
Date: December 2012
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für UFO-Forschung)
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0946-1531
Price: D: 5,00 EUR; EU: 7,50 EUR

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the German-language journal for UFO research, presents a comprehensive look at various topics within the field. The cover prominently features a striking image with a red prohibition sign over Earth, overlaid with headlines about the debunking of the 21.12.2012 world-ending prophecies and an interview with Michael Hesemann. The editorial team, now led by Marius Kettmann, Natale Guido Cincinnati, and Mario Ringmann, introduces new sections and aims to provide a broad overview of UFO phenomena and related research.

Key Articles and Features

Mythos Weltuntergang 21.12.2012: Warum die Prophezeiungen nicht eintrafen

Lars A. Fischinger, an expert on UFO sects and author, addresses the widespread 'Maya prophecy' surrounding December 21, 2012. He argues that the 'end of the world' hype was largely fueled by modern esotericists and conspiracy theorists, not by ancient Maya texts. Fischinger debunks claims about Nibiru, alien interventions, and world-ending events, stating that the Maya calendar simply marked the end of a cycle, not an apocalypse. He criticizes the sensationalism surrounding the topic, particularly mentioning Roland Emmerich's film '2012' and the role of the internet in spreading misinformation. Fischinger emphasizes that the Maya calendar did not predict any doomsday events and points to later dates in Maya inscriptions, such as 9898, as evidence against a 2012 end date.

Interview mit Michael Hesemann

This issue features an in-depth interview with Michael Hesemann, a prominent German author and former UFO researcher. Conducted by Marius Kettmann, the interview explores Hesemann's past work, his views on the current UFO scene, and his reflections on his decade-long absence from the field. Hesemann discusses his significant contributions, including his role in popularizing 'exopolitics'.

Forschungen zum Greifswald-Phänomen und MiBs

This section details the ongoing work of the DEGUFO-initiated, cross-organizational working group on the Greifswald Phenomenon. The group is re-examining the events that occurred over the Greifswalder Bodden in 1990. The article highlights recent media attention, including a report by NDR's 'DAS!' magazine, for which Alexander Knörr was interviewed on location. It also touches upon the controversial claims made by skeptics and the group's efforts to systematically investigate the phenomenon. Furthermore, the establishment of the 'Men in Black' (MIB) working group is announced, aiming to research and systematize reports of MIB encounters.

Abduktionsforschung - Entführungserfahrungen/ Teil 2: Affektives Wissen

This article, by Jens Waldeck, continues the exploration of abduction experiences, focusing on 'affective knowledge' – the emotional and psychological impact on abductees.

Künstliche Befruchtung in der Vorzeit?

Roland Roth delves into ancient texts and mythologies to explore the concept of artificial insemination or 'divine conception' in prehistoric times. He cites examples from various cultures, including the stories of Buddha, Gilgamesh, and biblical figures, suggesting that ancient myths may reflect encounters with advanced intelligences or extraterrestrial beings who influenced human development. Roth posits that these narratives could be interpreted as evidence of early forms of genetic manipulation or 'Paleo-SETI' activities.

UFO-Sichtungsberichte aus dem dritten Quartal 2012

Compiled by Christian Czech, this section presents a detailed report on UFO sightings logged by DEGUFO during the third quarter of 2012. The reports cover a wide range of observations, from simple lights and balloons (often identified as LED balloons or ISS satellite passes) to more unusual phenomena. Notable cases include sightings in Germany (e.g., Rosbach-Rodheim, Konstanz, Mülheim, Lüdenscheid, Sindelfingen, Heroldsbach) and Austria. Many sightings are explained as conventional objects like balloons, satellites, or atmospheric phenomena, while others remain unexplained, prompting further investigation.

Ein schwarzer Kasten über Krefeld

Alexander Knörr recounts a sighting from 1986 in Krefeld, where a witness observed a black, box-shaped object approaching him. The object, estimated to be 8-12 meters in side length, passed directly overhead silently. The witness, initially hesitant to report the incident, provided a detailed account years later. Knörr's investigation confirmed the witness's description of the terrain at the time of the sighting.

Statusbericht über die DEGUFO-Aktivitäten in Österreich

Mario Rank provides an update on DEGUFO's activities in Austria. He highlights the establishment of the Austrian branch, the organization of UFO congresses, and the operation of a UFO sighting hotline. Rank discusses the challenges of investigating cases in Austria and mentions his involvement in an Austrian TV documentary about UFO research. He also notes the growing interest in UFO phenomena and the increasing number of media inquiries.

Rezensionen

The issue includes reviews of books and media related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena, such as 'UFOs über dem KKW Neckarwestheim' by Gerhard Gröschel and 'Mystery' by Luc Bürgin.

UFO-News

This section offers international news related to fringe science and UFO research, compiled by Marius Kettmann.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the debunking of popular doomsday prophecies, particularly the 21.12.2012 Maya calendar predictions, and the critical examination of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of rigorous investigation, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of genuinely unexplained cases. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between sensationalism and credible research, as seen in the articles on the Maya calendar and the 'Greifswald Phenomenon'. The magazine promotes the work of DEGUFO and its various working groups, encouraging reader participation and the submission of sighting reports. The issue also touches upon ancient mysteries and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on early human history, advocating for a scientific approach to these complex subjects.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled "Internationale grenzwissenschaftliche Nachrichten" (International fringe science news), focuses on UFO phenomena, exopolitics, and related scientific and psychological perspectives. The issue features extensive interviews, reports on recent events, and book reviews, offering a comprehensive look into the current state of fringe science research in Germany and internationally.

Key Articles and Interviews

Interview with Michael Hesemann

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to an interview with Michael Hesemann, a well-known journalist and historian who was instrumental in shaping the German UFO scene through his magazine "2000" and numerous books. Hesemann discusses his departure from UFO research, citing the increasing political drift of the magazine "2000" and his disillusionment with certain factions within the UFO community. He explains that his focus shifted to Christian-historical topics after publishing "Die Kornkreis-Chroniken" (The Crop Circle Chronicles), which he considered his last book on the UFO phenomenon. Hesemann expresses his belief that the UFO topic had become too ideologically charged and that he had found answers to his questions. He also touches upon the concept of "Exopolitics," which he helped to initiate, and expresses his support for Robert Fleischer's initiative.

DEGUFO Member Meeting 2012 Report

This section details the proceedings of the DEGUFO's 2012 member meeting. The report highlights a positive overall development for the organization, noting an increase in membership, a modernized logo, and an improved online presence. The report also mentions the successful coordination of UFO sightings and the establishment of various working groups, including those focused on international cooperation and the abduction phenomenon. The DEGUFO's efforts to secure sponsorship are also noted, with Slightly Mad Studios Ltd. providing support. The meeting included several lectures, with topics ranging from the Mayan calendar and the 2012 myth to the phenomenon of alien abductions and the role of neuropsychology in understanding these experiences.

Interview with Alexander Knörr

Alexander Knörr, head of DEGUFO, is interviewed about recent UFO sightings, including those in Neukirchen-Vluyn, which garnered media attention. He discusses the challenges and goals of UFO research, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and the importance of international collaboration. Knörr also touches upon the DEGUFO's efforts to address the 'Greifswald incident,' a significant UFO case from the 1990s, by forming a cross-organizational working group.

Abduction Research - Affective Knowledge

This article delves into the neuropsychological aspects of the abduction phenomenon. It explores how the brain constructs reality and how affective knowledge, or intuitive understanding, plays a role in processing these experiences. The article discusses the concept of 'model-dependent realism' and the theory of 'microgenesis' in the brain, suggesting that these modern psychological approaches can offer new insights into the abduction phenomenon, moving beyond traditional psychoanalytic methods. The author highlights the importance of scientific investigation and the potential for neuropsychology to shed light on the subjective experiences of abductees.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• "UFOs über dem KKW Neckarwestheim" by Gerhard Gröschel: This review highlights Gröschel's work in instrumental UFO research, focusing on UFO sightings over a nuclear power plant. The reviewer praises the book's innovative approach and its contribution to the field, despite noting a lack of professional editing.
• "Mystery" by Luc Bürgin: This review discusses Bürgin's latest book, which explores unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, time travel, and unusual medical cases. The review commends the book's engaging narrative and its extensive interviews with over 100 individuals.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on the DEGUFO's archives, UFO reporting, and opportunities for members to get involved. It previews upcoming content for the next issue, including an interview with Erich von Däniken and an investigation into the Roswell incident by Philip Mantle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DEGUFORUM are the ongoing investigation of UFO phenomena, the promotion of exopolitics, and the application of scientific and psychological methodologies to understand these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous, evidence-based research while remaining open to unconventional explanations. There is a clear emphasis on international collaboration and the need for transparency from governments regarding UFO information. The magazine also highlights the importance of distinguishing between credible research and sensationalism, as evidenced by its critical stance towards certain organizations and its focus on scientific approaches to complex phenomena like alien abductions.