JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene - Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena), is dated May 1980. It focuses on UFO sightings, particularly a "Grelles Licht" (Bright Light) reported over Lüdenscheid, West Germany, and includes articles on scientific theories and the nature of UFOlogy.

UFO Sightings Over Lüdenscheid

The main article details sightings over Lüdenscheid, referencing a previous brief report in Journal 1/80. The research encountered both support and rejection, with some witnesses not fulfilling their promises to fill out questionnaires. However, two witnesses did complete the GEP questionnaire. The report includes details from two specific observations on January 13, 1980:

Beobachtung 1 (Observation 1): Occurred on January 13, 1980, between 16:15 and 16:20 Uhr, at an altitude of approximately 25 degrees. The object was described as white-silver, pea-sized, with no particular peculiarities noted. The form was left blank in the witness drawing section.

Beobachtung 2 (Observation 2): Occurred on the same date, January 13, 1980, between 21:50 and 21:55 Uhr, also at an altitude of approximately 25 degrees. The object was white-silver, pea-sized, and reportedly "disappeared all at once." The form also left the shape blank.

Witness Accounts:

• Kraftfahrer Kanopka: Reported seeing a bright spot moving at breathtaking speed, which he initially mistook for a helicopter but noted it moved far too fast.
• Jürgen Schumann: Saw a UFO around 10 PM, which vanished when he went to get binoculars.
• Frau G. (58): Saw a bright object from her window that did not move and made no noise. She stated it was "brighter than the sun."
• Thomas M. (17) and Marion H. (17): Observed the object for about 5 minutes. It moved from right to left very quickly, comparable to a hot air balloon. They found the light too bright for aircraft position lights.

The report notes that all witnesses worked at the same company, suggesting more people might have seen the phenomenon. Despite advertisements in local newspapers, no other witnesses came forward. The report also dismisses the possibility of the object being the planet Venus, as Venus had already set at the time of the second observation.

Scientific Analysis and Measurement

Brightness Measurement (Teil 6: Helligkeit): This section, authored by Hans-Werner Feiniger, discusses the importance of reporting object brightness. Since laypeople cannot easily determine astronomical magnitudes, GEP has developed a method using a comparison measurement. A 150W spotlight with a dimmer is used, and the witness adjusts it to match the perceived brightness of the UFO. A LUX-meter, connected to an Ohm-meter, is then used to measure the illumination strength. The results are converted from Ohms to LUX using a table, allowing for statistical analysis and a better understanding of the phenomenon.

Relativity Theory (Teil III: Zeit- und Längenmessung): Gerald Misbleck critically examines Einstein's theories of relativity. He discusses the "Lorentz-Kontraktion," suggesting that Einstein's view of length contraction is a measurement-based phenomenon due to the impossibility of simultaneous measurement, rather than a physical shrinking of objects. He uses the example of a rocket moving at high speed relative to an observer. Misbleck also touches upon time dilation, arguing that it too is a metric problem related to signal transmission times, and dismisses the idea of time travel as a "fairy tale."

UFOlogy as a Substitute Religion?

Werner Walter critically analyzes the field of UFOlogy, suggesting it has become a form of "substitute religion." He points to modern trends where religious figures are increasingly discussing extraterrestrial control and UFO landings. Walter cites several past predictions from UFO publications that have not materialized, such as invasions by flying saucers or landings by "superhumans" from space. He questions the value of engaging with UFOlogists given the history of unfulfilled prophecies and suggests that the focus should be on the underlying reasons for these beliefs.

Literature and Media Reviews

Several books and publications related to UFOs are reviewed:

• "GÖTTER DER ATOM-ZEIT" by Sergius Golowin: This book explores modern myths about spaceships and star people, suggesting that UFO encounters are a continuation of ancient myths and that contemporary beliefs are akin to "modern sagas."
• "UFO SIGHTINGS, LANDINGS AND ABDUCTIONS - The Documented Evidence" by Yurko Bondarchuk: Praised as one of the best documentations of Canadian UFO cases, it features 108 photos and drawings.
• "THE ZETA RETICULI INCIDENT" by Terence Dickinson: A reprint discussing the Betty Hill abduction case and the star map she described, linking it to the Zeta Reticuli star system.
• "FLYING SAUCERS AND PHYSICS" by Stanton T. Friedman: This work details why UFOs might not violate physics laws and includes poll data.
• Fotoseite 5/80: Features photographic evidence of UFOs, including images from Spooksville, USA, Onomichi (Japan), and Cordoba (Argentina). The quality of the photographs is noted as being poor due to printing issues.
• Journal of TRANSIENT AERIAL PHENOMENA: A publication from the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) is mentioned, with articles on UFO event duration, vehicle interference, and Ubatuba magnesium UFO fragments.

Other Content

• Astro-Vorschau (Astro-Preview): Provides astronomical data for June 1980, including moon phases and planet visibility (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn).
• Advertisements: Includes information on advertising prices within the journal and subscription rates (1/2 year DM 10,-, 1 year DM 18,-).
• Call for Volunteers: GEP is seeking voluntary collaborators, particularly those who can translate English reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on the Lüdenscheid events. There is a strong emphasis on attempting to apply scientific methods, such as brightness measurement and critical examination of physical theories like relativity. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning the sensationalism often associated with UFOlogy and seeking factual, verifiable evidence, while also acknowledging the persistent nature of UFO phenomena in human culture and mythology.