Gazette des Mousquetaires - No 30 - Ovnis en Allemagne

Magazine Overview

Title: La Gazette de l'Ufo
Issue: Number 30
Date: Thursday, October 13, 2016
Cover Headline: Ovnis en Allemagne (UFOs in Germany)

This issue of "La Gazette de l'Ufo" delves into the phenomenon of UFO sightings in Germany, presenting a comprehensive interactive data visualization covering the period from 1945 to spring 2016. The magazine explores the data compiled by German ufological organizations and discusses the implications and potential explanations for these sightings.

Editorial and Personal Reflections

The issue opens with a personal reflection on the ufological community, describing it as a "carnival of good devils" filled with "excessive affinities" and a "wind of freedom." The author touches upon the summer holidays and the desire for pleasant days, contrasting this with the often complex and sometimes discouraging nature of UFO research. There's a sense of shared passion and intellectual exchange within the community, aiming to elevate UFO studies beyond mere intellectual entertainment to a form of art and knowledge. The author notes the challenges of working within a classic UFO milieu and the potential for losing the interest of the general public due to overly technical or esoteric discussions.

A humorous anecdote about a magazine that deeply engaged the authors' interest is shared, highlighting the camaraderie and passionate discussions among friends, sometimes involving food and drink. The author reflects on the nature of shared opinions and the "Zaouïa" (a term possibly referring to a specific group or dynamic) within the UFO world. The text uses vivid metaphors, comparing discussions to a "broken violin" and individuals to "austere and hieratic sphinxes," ultimately emphasizing the sincere, albeit sometimes eccentric, nature of these passionate researchers.

II - Ovnis in Deutschland (UFOs in Germany)

This section, introduced by Michel Turco, focuses on the abundance of information available on UFO sightings in Germany, despite a perceived lack of frequent reports. It highlights a collaborative effort between the German society for ufological research (DEGUFO) and the society for the study of the OVNI phenomenon (GEP) to create an interactive visualization of UFO data from 1945 to spring 2016. This project, made accessible by journalists Alsino Skowronnek and Hans Hack from the online magazine "Vice," aims to provide a comprehensive overview of sightings.

The interactive map, accessible via links provided, allows users to explore UFO observations categorized by "Sichtungen" (sightings) and "Zentren" (centers). It offers supplementary information on phenomena and specific cases, including those investigated by GEP President Hans-Werner Peininger. The data includes elucidated cases and those related to meteorological phenomena or terrestrial aircraft. A notable point is the increase in sightings linked to the sale of "Thai magic lanterns" (Kong Ming lanterns) between 2006 and 2009, which are visually striking and often mistaken for UFOs.

The "Data Explorer" feature within the visualization allows for in-depth analysis and sorting of recorded data. Christian Czech, the administrator of the "UFO-Datenbank," expressed surprise and satisfaction with the visualization, noting that while his database distinguishes between "Good UFOs" and "unexplained cases," the visualization primarily presents a simplified view. He also points out the absence of specific mentions of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (CE III) in the current presentation, suggesting a potential lack of respect for witnesses and a less serious approach to investigations.

Czech also suggested extending the project to a global map and exploring specific UFO waves, such as the French wave of 1954 or the Belgian wave of 1989-1991, highlighting the infinite possibilities for further research across various disciplines. MUFON-CES also participated in the database, and they are open to collaboration for further development.

Skowronnek and Hack explained that they did not initially contact the UFO-Datenbank operators due to unsuccessful attempts, leading them to use the existing data. They emphasized their role as creators of a visualization rather than investigative journalists, though they acknowledged that more in-depth analysis would have been beneficial. They stated that the focus on demystified cases was due to their perceived excitement for the reader.

Ein Land sieht UFOs: A Region Sees UFOs

This section details the statistical overview of UFO sightings in Germany. Between 1945 and 2016, nearly 9,700 UFOs were sighted. The number of observations has increased since 2007, attributed to the widespread use of smartphones for documentation. The year 2008 saw a record 792 observations. The article presents a chart showing the trend of sightings from 2005 to 2011 and a list of cities with the most UFO sightings, with Berlin leading with 337 reports.

Die Sichtungen: The Sightings

Sightings are more frequent in large cities and densely populated urban areas, where artificial lights and air traffic can lead to misidentifications. However, the "hotspots" for actual UFO observations are often found away from major cities.

Die Zentren: The Centers

When comparing locations with more than 10 UFO sightings per 1,000 inhabitants, a different picture emerges. Small municipalities are responsible for a significant number of sightings, particularly in southern and western Germany. The town of Pillig in Rhineland-Palatinate reported the highest rate with 81.7 sightings per 1,000 inhabitants. The article lists the top 10 UFO municipalities based on this metric.

Die Phänomene: The Phenomena

The high number of UFO sightings in smaller communities is linked to the presence of passionate UFO observers and associations dedicated to recording and documenting these events, such as the association located in Lüdenscheid. Other phenomena are communicated to the media.

Pillig: Die Akte Wörner (The Wörner File)

This subsection details the case of ufologist August Wörner, who became interested in UFOs in the early 1970s. On October 16, 1971, Wörner photographed a flying object with a 10-minute exposure, which was heading northwest. The image is presented.

Rhönblick: Das Haselbach-UFO (The Haselbach UFO)

In 1950, an OVNI observation occurred in Haselbach, Thuringia. The mayor of the nearby village of Gleimershausen and his daughter witnessed a strange flying object on the ground accompanied by alleged extraterrestrial visitors. This observation gained significant media attention two years later.

Lüdenscheid: Der UFO-Experte (The UFO Expert)

This part introduces Hans-Werner Peiniger, a prominent German ufologist and president of GEP since 1972. He has documented and studied UFO sightings in Germany for over 40 years and manages the most significant UFO data collection in the country. Peiniger is considered an expert but holds a critical stance, not being convinced of extraterrestrial visitors. He approaches UFO observations factually, using secondary data like weather and flight information.

#### Die Ereignisse: The Events

Peiniger suggests that nearly 90% of UFO phenomena can be explained. He notes that multiple sightings can occur in a given region on a single day, often attributed to natural celestial phenomena or identified aircraft. The article lists five major events that explain most UFO sightings from 1945 to 2016:

• March 31, 2014: 117 observations, attributed to a bright meteor.
• February 13, 2013: 67 observations, attributed to the re-entry of a Russian Soyuz rocket stage.
• March 17, 2012: 62 observations, attributed to a bright meteor.
• December 24, 2011: 41 observations, attributed to the re-entry of a Russian Soyuz rocket stage.
• August 24, 1990: 30 observations, attributed to luminous floating balls over the sea, likely military maneuvers.

Die Kong-Ming: Kong Ming Lanterns

The article discusses the role of Kong Ming lanterns (flying lanterns) in contributing to UFO sightings. Their introduction in Europe around 2006 and subsequent popularity for celebrations led to confusion with unidentified flying objects. The graph shows a peak in sightings in 2008, coinciding with the increased use of smartphones and the popularity of these lanterns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings in Germany, data analysis and visualization, and the challenges of ufological research. The magazine adopts a factual and analytical approach, presenting data from reputable organizations and discussing various explanations for sightings, including natural phenomena, misidentifications, and the impact of technology like smartphones and flying lanterns. While acknowledging the passion within the ufological community, the editorial stance appears to favor a critical and evidence-based examination of UFO reports, as exemplified by Hans-Werner Peiniger's perspective.

Title: La Gazette de l'Ufo
Issue: n°30
Date: October 13, 2016

This issue of La Gazette de l'Ufo explores various facets of ufology, with a particular focus on historical sightings, data analysis, and the philosophical implications of the phenomenon. The content includes discussions on German UFO cases from the mid-20th century, the use of online databases for research, and reflections on the nature of reality and coincidence.

Data Analysis and Visualization

The issue highlights the importance of data analysis in ufology, referencing the "Daten-Explorer" tool which allows filtering of UFO observations by date, location, and other characteristics. The article mentions a map showing 667 UFO sightings where the object could be retrospectively identified as a lantern, explaining a decrease in sightings since 2009 due to the prohibition of Kong Ming lanterns after accidents. The UFO-Datenbank.de is presented as a significant resource, with an introduction to its new software, improved usability, and new functionalities. The database aims to provide a comprehensive and exploitable dataset for rational analysis, encouraging researchers to contribute and verify information.

Historical UFO Cases and German Ufology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to historical UFO cases, particularly those from Germany during and after World War II. The "Haunebu" and "Vril" projects, alleged advanced circular prototypes developed by German scientists, are discussed. The Oskar Linke case from July 1952 is detailed, recounting the sighting of a disk-shaped craft and two beings in metallic suits by Oskar Linke and his daughter Gabrielle near Hasselbach. The article also references the "Cloche" (Bell) and the Gotha Go229, linking them to Operation Paperclip and Operation Highjump, suggesting potential experimental developments that might have been transferred to the US. The destruction or confiscation of German documents after the war is noted as a challenge for historical research.

Philosophical Reflections on Reality and Coincidence

The issue delves into deeper philosophical questions regarding the nature of UFO phenomena and their place in our understanding of reality. Contributors discuss whether the "randomness" of events is truly unpredictable or if it conceals underlying causes. The concept of "chance" is examined, with the idea that it might represent our ignorance or incompetence in understanding an event. The discussion extends to the interpretation of coincidences and the potential for a broader understanding of reality that goes beyond purely rational or material explanations. The role of intuition and "extraordinary perception" is contrasted with scientific knowledge, suggesting that a complete understanding of the phenomenon might require embracing multiple registers of perception.

Specific Sightings and Reports

Beyond the main themes, several specific sightings and reports are mentioned:

• Okinawa, Japan (June 21, 1952): A silver-reflecting flying saucer observed at 8,000 meters.
• Naha, Japan (June 22-24, 1952): Another saucer appeared and remained stationary, later moving at high speed.
• 1914 Hamburg sighting: A report of a "Zeppelin"-like object with multiple windows, a halo, and beings, described as an unusual case that warranted further development.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical investigation of UFO cases, the application of scientific and data-driven methods to ufology, and the philosophical exploration of the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages rigorous analysis and critical thinking, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the potential for phenomena that extend beyond conventional scientific understanding. There is an emphasis on the importance of archiving information for future study and fostering inter-community understanding. The magazine promotes a rational approach to ufology, but does not shy away from discussing more speculative or philosophical aspects of the phenomenon.