JUFOF - Issue 001 - 1980 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), designated as Test Number 1 and dated January 1980, is presented by the "Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene -GEP-" (Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena). It serves as a replacement for the previous "GEP-Nachrichten" and is initially released as test issues to gauge interest in further publication. The journal aims to focus on practical, scientific UFO research, distinguishing itself from sensationalist reporting.

In Eigenen Sache (In Our Own Interest)

The editorial explains the transition from "GEP-Nachrichten" to the new "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG." The primary goal is to establish whether there is sufficient interest to warrant continued publication. The journal intends to maintain an objective and factual character, appealing to both MUFON-CES members and other researchers. It welcomes contributions in the form of papers and reports. The publication will feature a simple, factual layout, occasionally including original English-language articles due to time constraints for translation. If approximately 100 subscribers are secured, the journal will be printed, allowing for the inclusion of photographs, detailed drawings, and newspaper clippings. The page count may increase with sufficient manuscript material. Inexpensive classified ads will also be accepted. The journal is not intended for public relations but rather as a resource for UFO researchers to inform themselves and share their experiences. The price of DM 1.50 per issue is intended to cover costs, with 100 subscribers potentially making the printed version viable at the same price. The GEP encourages readers to contribute research and offers small gifts to early subscribers.

Gab es Deutsche Flugkreisel? (Did German Flying Discs Exist?)

This article investigates the controversial topic of alleged German flying discs or "foo fighters" from World War II. It discusses how these unidentified flying objects were observed by both Allied and German pilots, leading to speculation about secret German, American, or Russian weapons. The article examines the claims surrounding German "Flugkreisel" (flying discs), described as aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, and high-speed horizontal flight, allegedly reaching Mach 2 to 2.3 in 1944 and ascending to 12 km in two minutes. The primary figures associated with these projects are Flugkapitän Schriever and Dr.-Ing. Miethe. Schriever reportedly built his first "Flugkreisel" in Prague, but it never flew and was destroyed before its maiden flight. After the war, he claimed his plans fell into the hands of those who later developed flying saucers in the USA. V-weapon engineer D. Richard Miethe is quoted as stating that flying saucers, if they exist, were likely constructed in Germany and possibly reverse-engineered by the Soviets. The article also mentions the "V 7" anti-aircraft mine, supposedly radar-controlled with a range of 21,000 km, but Hitler's decision for mass production came too late. The author expresses skepticism regarding the official accounts, noting inconsistencies in press reports and the technical impossibility of constructing such devices with the materials and technology available during wartime. The article details the immense technical challenges, such as the high centrifugal forces and the need for massive structural components to support the turbines. It also points out the lack of any mention of such projects in official German war documents, despite detailed records of material distribution and personnel deployment. The conclusion is that the German "flying discs" likely never flew and were not deployed, and that the UFOs observed later were not a continuation of these alleged German secret weapons.

Technique all-important: Monitoring for radioactivity a challenge

This section, authored by Tommy Roy Blann, Director of the Texas UFO Study Group, addresses the proper methodology for monitoring suspected radiation related to UFO investigations. Blann emphasizes that simply using a Geiger-Mueller counter and noting the needle response is insufficient. He highlights several critical factors for accurate radiation monitoring:

1. Geiger-Mueller Tube Type and Calibration: The type of tube and regular recalibration (every six months) are crucial for accuracy.
2. Instrument Familiarity: Understanding the instrument's operating limits and potential errors is essential.

Blann briefly outlines the two basic types of radiational monitoring instruments: the Geiger-Mueller-scaler/ratemeter (more sophisticated for measuring total counts and count rates) and the Geiger-Mueller-Portable Survey Meter (useful for detecting radiation but less precise for exposure rates).

He describes different types of Geiger tubes (end-window and side-window) and their varying sensitivities to alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Alpha particles are easily absorbed, while beta and gamma rays are more penetrating. Geiger tubes are nearly 100% efficient for alpha and beta particles but only 1-2% for gamma radiation. Side-window tubes are better for energetic betas and more sensitive to gamma radiation than end-window tubes of the same cross-section.

The article then details common mistakes in radiation monitoring, including:

• Turning on equipment only after entering a suspected area.
• Entering an area without a dosimeter.
• Failing to check background radiation levels first.
• Not knowing the expected radiation exposure levels.
• Handling potentially radioactive materials without precautions.
• Not taking basic safety measures.
• Lacking knowledge of the instrument or basic radiation physics.

Praktische Anleitungen zu "Felduntersuchungen" (Practical Instructions for Field Investigations)

This section by Hans-Werner Peiniger provides practical guidance for UFO researchers, focusing on methods beyond simple questionnaires to enable technical analysis of sightings. The article covers two main techniques for measuring objects in the sky:

Part 1: Angle Measurements in the Sky

Two methods are presented for determining the angular size of observed objects:

1. Hand Measurements: Using body parts like the thumb (approx. 2.5 degrees at arm's length), a spread hand (approx. 22 degrees), or a clenched fist (approx. 9 degrees). A diagram shows a scale where one division equals 1 degree at arm's length.
2. The "57-Centimeter Test": This method, described by Ernst Berger, allows for more precise angular size determination. It states that 1 centimeter at a distance of 57 centimeters from the eye corresponds to 1 degree of angle. The article suggests holding a comparison piece (like a button or cardboard disc) at arm's length to cover the observed object, then measuring the comparison piece.

Part 2: Angular Velocity

Angular velocity is defined as the distance traveled across the sky per unit of time. It is measured by determining the angular distance of an object's path (using methods from Part 1) and the time it takes to traverse that path. The article advises measuring straight flight paths with uniform motion. A diagram illustrates how to measure angular distance and time to calculate angular velocity (e.g., 9 degrees in two seconds equals 4.5 degrees per second). If the object's altitude is known, its actual speed can be calculated from its angular velocity.

Zum Fall Trier (The Trier Case)

This brief report updates the investigation of a UFO sighting in Trier. The witness who wrote to the local newspaper did not return a completed questionnaire, and the second witness has not been heard from. The case is tentatively classified as a possible balloon observation due to the lack of cooperation and data. The case is being closed.

Pressemeldungen (Press Releases)

• "UFO-Alarm" wegen Luftspiegelung (UFO Alarm due to Mirage): In Hannover, US forces were put on alert due to an unidentified flying object over the Garlstedt training area. The object, observed for six hours, was later attributed to a mirage caused by extreme weather conditions.
• Augenzeugen: Keine Erklärung (Eyewitnesses: No Explanation): Several citizens in Halver and Oberbrügge reported unusual bright lights in the night sky. Witnesses described a round, hovering object that illuminated the night. One witness, Frau Geyer, initially wondered if it was an aircraft but found the observation difficult to reconcile with normal phenomena. Kraftfahrer Kanopka from Lüdenscheid described a bright spot moving at incredible speed, far faster than any helicopter. Thomas Marder also reported seeing a bright spot that could not be explained by terrestrial aircraft.

Anzeign - Angebote (Advertisements - Offers)

This section lists various items for sale and services offered:

• UFOs: The Credibility Factor: A cassette tape featuring fifteen interviews with UFO witnesses and researchers (including Hynek, Saunders, Keyhoe, Friedman, Hill, McDivitt, and Cooper) is available for DM 10 plus postage.
• Meteorites: Various types of meteorites (stone, iron, stone-iron) are offered at prices starting from DM 30.
• Tektites: Available for DM 6 plus postage.
• GEP: Offers classified ads at DM 1 per line (DM 0.70 for members) with an additional DM 2 for a blind box number. They also buy English-language UFO literature.

GEP-Nachrichten (GEP News)

• New Acquisitions (Books): Several books are listed, including "Neue Beweise der Prä-Astronautik" (New Evidence of Pre-Astronautics), "Freunde im Universum" (Friends in the Universe), "Memorandum," and "Unsichtbare Umwelt" (Invisible Environment).

Books and Journals Advertised

Several books are listed for sale, including works on archaeological field methods, practical radiation protection, radiation measurement techniques, and radioactivity and the environment. The "Internationales Para-Psychic-Register" is also advertised.

Journals such as "I AM" (which occasionally features UFO reports) are available via subscription. The "Journal für UFO-Forschung" itself is offered via subscription, with options for monthly, half-yearly, or yearly terms, and special rates for MUFON-CES and GEP members. The journal also accepts exchanges with other publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of alleged German wartime advanced aircraft (flying discs), the practical methodologies for conducting UFO research, and the importance of scientific rigor in data collection and analysis, particularly concerning radiation monitoring. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of serious, objective, and scientifically grounded UFO research, encouraging contributions from the community and aiming for a professional publication. The skepticism towards sensationalism is evident, as is the desire to provide a platform for researchers to share and analyze findings.