Deguforum - Issue 84 - 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: DEGUFORUM
Issue: Nr. 84, 22nd Year, Spring Edition 2015
Publisher: DEGUFO e.V. (German-speaking Society for UFO Research)
Price: Germany: 5.00 EUR; EU: 7.50 EUR

This issue of DEGUFORUM, the official journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research (DEGUFO e.V.), delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, research methodologies, and organizational updates. The cover prominently features an article on John A. Keel and the 'other side' of the UFO phenomenon, alongside an interview with DEGUFO's press spokesperson, Karina Kettmann, and a section dedicated to UFO sightings.

Editorial and Organizational Updates

The editorial by Marius Kettmann highlights the DEGUFO's efforts to adapt and plan for the future, aiming for the next 20 years. A core focus is on refining the organization's internal direction and goals, with a preliminary report to be presented at the 2015 Members' Assembly. The editorial also touches upon the need to analyze UFO cases to understand underlying patterns, referencing Julio Plaza del Olmo's work on 'The Law of Times'.

Key organizational news includes the upcoming Members' Assembly on September 19, 2015, in Leverkusen, chosen for its central location and good facilities. The issue also addresses the ongoing discussion about the association's external presentation and future direction, featuring an interview with press spokesperson Karina Kettmann.

Feature Articles

John A. Keel and the Other Side of the UFO Phenomenon

This significant article by Roland M. Horn explores the theories of the renowned UFO and fringe science researcher John A. Keel. Horn aims to shed light on Keel's ideas, which move beyond the conventional 'natural explanation vs. extraterrestrial influence' dichotomy. A book by Horn on Keel's theses, published in 2013, is also reviewed in this issue.

Erstellung eines Modells über „Das Gesetz der Zeiten" - Teil 2

Julio Plaza del Olmo, translated by Roland M. Horn, continues his exploration of 'The Law of Times'. This section focuses on the application of models to UFO catalogs, discussing how parameters like geographical position and event size influence visibility. The article examines the impact of daylight saving time and time zones on sighting data, using the CUCO and ALLCAT catalogs as case studies. It analyzes the geographical distribution of sightings and proposes a method for converting time zones to a standardized system for better data comparison. The research highlights differences in sighting patterns between eastern and western regions of Spain and compares data from CUCO and ALLCAT catalogs, noting variations in primary and secondary peaks in sighting times.

Interviews

"Die Forschung hat absoluten Vorrang!" - Interview mit Karina Kettmann

In an extensive interview, Karina Kettmann, DEGUFO's press spokesperson since December 2011, discusses her role, her personal journey into UFO research, and her views on the organization's media strategy. She emphasizes the importance of serious and objective reporting on the UFO phenomenon, advocating for a more scientific approach. Kettmann also touches upon the challenges of media representation for fringe topics and the need for a coordinated press network within DEGUFO. She expresses her desire for closer collaboration between UFO research organizations, both domestically and internationally, to gain more recognition.

UFO Sightings Reports

UFO-Sichtungsberichte an die DEGUFO aus dem vierten Quartal 2014

This section compiles numerous UFO sighting reports received by DEGUFO during the fourth quarter of 2014. The reports detail observations from various locations across Germany, describing objects with diverse characteristics:

• Shapes: Disk-shaped, spherical, triangular, oval.
• Colors: Yellowish-silver, red, white, green, blue, orange, purple.
• Behaviors: Hovering, fast movement, sudden stops, erratic flight, silent operation, pulsating lights.
• Estimates: Objects were often described as large, sometimes appearing very close or very far away, with some reports noting silent flight.

Notable reports include:

• A dark gray metallic, disk-shaped object with yellow lights seen near Diez-Limburg.
• A round, yellowish-silver disk observed in Langenhagen.
• A red, flickering, spherical object hovering over Hameln.
• A light cluster with a central point and surrounding lights seen in Hüfingen.
• A metallic object with five bright lights circling Büchen before disappearing.
• A shimmering yellow-white point observed in Unterschleißheim.
• An object with red and green lights seen in Kornwestheim.
• A green point that reappeared as a white point in Gersthofen.
• A bright, reddish-orange, circular object moving erratically near Altwarrenburg.
• A bright light splitting into green and red lights over Stuttgart.

Many reports include witness testimonies, descriptions of flight patterns, and attempts at identification, with some witnesses ruling out conventional aircraft or drones. The DEGUFO team notes that many cases were still under investigation at the time of publication.

Book Reviews (Rezensionen)

• "Die UFO-Drohne - Ein Lehrgang in außerirdischer Technologie" by Dr. Peter Hattwig and Dr. Jens Waldeck, reviewed by Kurt Diedrich. Marius Kettmann also provides additional commentary on this book, which analyzes strange sightings of an alleged extraterrestrial drone from 2007.
• "Interspezies-Kommunikation" edited by Michael Schetsche, reviewed by Marius Kettmann and Dr. Jens Waldeck. This work explores communication with non-human intelligences.
• "John A. Keel und der Stein der Weisen" by Roland M. Horn, reviewed by Torsten M. Roth. This review covers Keel's seminal work from 2013.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DEGUFORUM strongly emphasizes a commitment to serious, scientific UFO research, moving beyond sensationalism. The editorial highlights the importance of rigorous data analysis, as exemplified by the detailed research on 'The Law of Times'. The organization's focus is on methodical investigation and a clear, objective presentation of findings. The interview with Karina Kettmann reinforces this stance, stressing that research takes precedence over media attention, and that any press engagement should be purposeful and contribute to the organization's goals. The magazine also advocates for collaboration among researchers and organizations to advance the field. The recurring theme is the pursuit of understanding the UFO phenomenon through systematic study and critical evaluation of evidence.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled 'John A. Keel and the Stone of Wisdom', delves into the theories of UFO researcher John A. Keel and related topics in ufology and parapsychology. The magazine features articles on electromagnetism, the 'super-spectrum', abduction research, and inter-species communication, alongside book reviews and an interview.

John A. Keel and the UFO Phenomenon

The issue begins by introducing John A. Keel and his early experiences with UFOs, including sightings of blue and violet lights in 1967. It then explores Keel's theories on electromagnetism, explaining how human eyes and radios act as receivers for specific wavelengths. Keel posits that the UFO phenomenon is primarily electromagnetic, with the ability to manipulate radiation energy across various frequencies, potentially creating matter and phenomena beyond human perception.

Keel's concept of the 'super-spectrum' is detailed, describing energies that exist beyond the conventional electronic spectrum and can influence human minds. These energies are suggested to be capable of creating machines and phenomena, operating on different vibrational levels.

Electromagnetic Spectrum and the 'Super-Spectrum'

The article illustrates the electromagnetic spectrum, from cosmic rays to radio waves, highlighting ultraviolet and infrared light as particularly relevant to UFO phenomena. It suggests that UFOs might operate within or manipulate these energies, explaining potential effects like conjunctivitis reported by witnesses.

Keel's 'super-spectrum' is presented as a realm of energies that can create information without mechanical aid, distinct from the electronic spectrum. This concept is linked to the idea of 'Devas' or luminous beings in ancient traditions and the possibility of 'other planes' of existence.

UFO Sightings and Characteristics

Several UFO sightings are mentioned, including the 1947 Kenneth Arnold case and reports of violet and blue lights. The issue discusses how UFOs might appear to some observers but not others, suggesting that individuals with psychic abilities might perceive phenomena beyond the normal spectrum, influenced by local magnetic fields.

Examples of UFOs described include glowing objects and beings, with the 'little green men' often depicted as small humanoids with an aquamarine glow. The issue notes that such glowing phenomena are a criterion for distinguishing genuine UFO sightings from hallucinations.

Abduction Research and Methodology

The magazine features a detailed section on abduction research, emphasizing the importance of observation and description without pre-conceived notions. Jens Waldeck, in his article 'Abduction Research - Entführungserfahrungen', advocates for a scientific approach based on empirical evidence and methodological critique. He stresses the need to avoid theoretical biases and focus on collecting factual data.

Waldeck introduces the concept of 'model-dependent realism' in the context of abduction research, suggesting that our understanding of reality is shaped by our world models. He advises researchers to initially refrain from explaining phenomena and instead focus on describing them, allowing for the possibility of multiple interpretations, including hoaxes.

Inter-Species Communication

The concept of 'inter-species communication' is explored, particularly in relation to the 'maximal stranger' as defined by Michael Schetsche. This concept attempts to categorize non-human entities that are potentially equivalent communication partners. The discussion highlights the challenges of understanding and communicating with beings that may be fundamentally different from humans, emphasizing the risk of anthropocentric biases.

The issue reviews Schetsche's edited volume 'Interspezies-Kommunikation', which explores the prerequisites and boundaries of communication with non-human entities. It touches upon themes of 'the maximal stranger', 'human-animal communication', and the dangers of projecting human characteristics onto potential extraterrestrial intelligences.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are included:

• "Die UFO-Drohne - Ein Lehrgang in außerirdischer Technologie" by Peter Hattwig and Jens Waldeck: This review discusses a sighting wave of 'UFO-Drones' in California, analyzing the evidence and concluding that the objects are likely not of terrestrial origin. The review praises the book's thorough analysis but notes minor issues with print quality and font size.
• "John A. Keel und der Stein der Weisen" by Roland M. Horn: This review lauds the book as Roland M. Horn's best work, presenting it as a journey through Keel's research and extending his scientific arguments. It highlights the book's factual basis and its contribution to understanding the UFO phenomenon.
• "Interspezies-Kommunikation" edited by Michael Schetsche: This review focuses on the book's exploration of communication with non-human entities, particularly the concept of the 'maximal stranger'. It notes the book's relevance to UFO research and the challenges of understanding alien intelligences.

Interview

An interview with Ingbert Jüdt, a sociologist and software developer, discusses his expertise in critically examining the 'exopolitics' and 'disclosure' movements. Jüdt emphasizes the need for scientific rigor in UFO research, the importance of analyzing conspiracies, and the moral obligations of UFO researchers. He calls for a critical approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon and its implications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific and empirical investigation of the UFO phenomenon, moving beyond sensationalism to a more grounded analysis. There is a strong emphasis on electromagnetism, the limitations of human perception, and the potential for non-human intelligences. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous research, critical thinking, and a multidisciplinary approach to understanding complex and often controversial subjects like UFOs and alleged alien encounters. The magazine promotes open discussion and the sharing of research findings within the UFO community.