JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: 6/80
Date: June 1980
Publisher: Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene -GEP-
Country: West Germany

Article: Sind UFOs ein atmosphärisches Phänomen? (Are UFOs an Atmospheric Phenomenon?)

Author: Stuart Campbell
Translation: G. Mosbleck

This article explores the hypothesis that UFOs are atmospheric phenomena, possibly related to the cooling of the atmosphere and forming 'UFO plasma,' similar to ball lightning. The author suggests that statistical and physical tests are needed to verify this hypothesis and proposes predictions about UFO appearances. A graph illustrates the estimated number of UFO sightings versus the average monthly air temperature in Edinburgh, implying a correlation.

The Evidence (Der Beweis)

Claude Poher and Jacques Vallée's research identified patterns in UFO cases, particularly concerning the time of day. They observed that typical daytime UFO descriptions relate more to the number of witnesses than the number of UFOs seen. Since most observers are home at night, the number of reported sightings decreases. To reconstruct actual UFO activity, Poher and Vallée analyzed the proportion of the working population available to observe during the day, using data from Szalai's 'The Use of Time.' The results, presented graphically, suggest that if people were equally available to observe day and night, the number of nighttime sightings would be significantly higher. The GEP adds an explanation: if daytime and nighttime sightings were equal in number, the actual number of UFOs at night would be much greater due to fewer observers. An example illustrates this, showing that with 85% of people awake during the day and 15% at night, a ratio of 80 daytime sightings to 40 nighttime sightings implies a much larger absolute number of phenomena at night (267) compared to the day (94).

Article: Die Kritik an der Relativitätstheorie (The Critique of the Theory of Relativity)

Author: Gerald Mosbleck, GEP
Part: IV

4. Exkurs - Mathematik und Physik (Excursion - Mathematics and Physics)

#### 4.1. Mathematik

Mosbleck argues that mathematics, initially an empirical science, has become detached from empirical reality. He points to the historical development of numbers and the arbitrary rules established for operations with negative numbers as examples of 'errors.' He contends that these rules are mere conventions, not reflections of actual experience. The author suggests that mathematics has moved to a higher level of abstraction, dealing with relationships and structures rather than empirical facts. Axioms are now statements that define relationships between elements, making mathematics an axiomatic science that is no longer concerned with true statements about experience but rather with the consistency of its own internal logic. Despite this detachment, mathematics still provides useful calculation schemes for natural sciences.

#### 4.2. Physik (Physics)

Physics has followed a similar path to mathematics. While early discoveries were empirical, later developments involved complex experiments and laws based on verified facts, such as Newton's axioms. The core principle of physics is that laws must be repeatable and verifiable. However, the introduction of theoretical physics, especially concerning phenomena at the atomic level and beyond, has led to a detachment from direct observation. The author cites the example of the inaccurate descriptions of the Martian surface before probe landings as evidence of this disconnect. Theoretical physics, he argues, contains an inherent uncertainty factor because its statements are based on theories rather than direct evidence.

4.3. Verknüpfung von Mathematik und Physik (Linking Mathematics and Physics)

In classical physics, mathematics served to calculate empirically derived laws. However, mathematics has increasingly dictated physics, with new laws being constructed from mathematical calculations rather than observed phenomena. This has led to physics becoming subservient to mathematics, inheriting any potential errors in mathematical definitions. The author uses parapsychology as an example where statistical methods, a mathematical tool, are insufficient to explain psychologically induced physical effects.

4.4. Der Ste Ontologisierungsfehler Einsteins (Einstein's Ontological Error)

Einstein's conclusion that the speed of light cannot be exceeded is presented as an example of an ontological error stemming from mathematical conventions. The author argues that nature should not be forced to conform to human-defined mathematical laws. This error, he states, is shared by many modern scientists who prioritize mathematical constructs over empirical observation.

Article: UFOs und ihre natürlichen Erklärungsmöglichkeiten (UFOs and their Natural Explanations)

Author: Gilbert Schmitz, Bettemburg (Luxemburg)

This article discusses the 'UFO craze' that began in Europe around 30 years ago, following similar sightings in the USA. Schmitz asserts that UFO sightings can be explained by scientific means, drawing from fields like astronautics, astronomy, and physics. He dismisses speculations about UFOs being spaceships from our solar system, citing probe missions to Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The author lists various phenomena associated with UFO sightings, including electrical disturbances, image and sound interference, control system malfunctions, abnormal temperatures, fluorescence, radioactive radiation, magnetic effects, and gravitational influences. He then delves into natural atmospheric phenomena that could be mistaken for UFOs.

1. Atmosphärische Erscheinungen (Atmospheric Phenomena)

#### 1.1. Halo Erscheinungen (Halo Phenomena)

Halo phenomena, described as circles formed by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the troposphere, are presented as significant atmospheric occurrences. These halos can appear as large, white circles around the sun, or in rainbow colors depending on the ice crystals. 'Sun dogs' (Nebensonnen) can also appear to the left and right of the sun, sometimes as bright as the sun itself. Other related phenomena include horizontal arcs and circumzenithal arcs. Halos are more common than rainbows and can also be observed around the full moon, though less intensely.

#### 1.2. Kugelblitze (Ball Lightning)

Ball lightning, including pearl lightning, is still not fully understood but is believed to involve high electrical charges. While rare at ground level, its appearance can be easily mistaken for a UFO.

#### 1.3. Sternschnuppen, Meteore (Shooting Stars, Meteors)

Earth is struck by about a billion shooting stars daily. Meteors, which are shooting stars entering the atmosphere and creating larger light phenomena, can also be mistaken for UFOs. This is particularly true during known meteor showers like the Perseids in August, which are visible in these latitudes. The GEP adds that meteors can exhibit peculiar trajectories, including upward flight, sudden changes in direction, light bursts, and explosions, which can lead to misidentification as UFOs.

Advertisement: UFO... Contact from the Pleiades

This section advertises a book titled 'UFO... Contact from the Pleiades' by Genesis III Productions. It is described as an unprecedented photo-journal documenting a series of extraterrestrial encounters by a Swiss farmer/caretaker. The book reportedly contains photographs of 'IDENTIFIED EXTRATERRESTRIAL SPACECRAFT,' color photos of UFOs, and quotes from aliens from the Pleiades constellation. The advertisement notes that the book includes scientific documentation and photos of spacecraft metal samples, witnesses, investigators, and contact sites. The review within the journal criticizes the book, suggesting that while the presentation is excellent, the subject matter (the Eduard Meier case) is controversial, with some sources questioning the authenticity of the photos as 'crude trick shots.'

Other Advertisements and Notes

• An advertisement for 'INTERKOSMOS,' the journal of the Austrian UFO and Parapsychology Research Society, is included. It highlights the journal's work with media, public institutions, and its prominent authors.
• A request for correspondence partners or investigators in the Paderborn, Bielefeld, Detmold, and Tippstadt regions of Germany, who have good English skills, is posted by Terry Hooper of the 'BRITISH FLYING SAUCER BUREAU.'
• An advertisement for 'PEGAP-INFORMATION,' a monthly information sheet on extraordinary phenomena, is present.
• Information on advertising prices for the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' is provided, along with details on subscription rates and the journal's publication schedule.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFOs, exploring potential natural explanations and critiquing the methodologies of mathematics and physics. There's a clear editorial stance that UFO phenomena warrant serious scientific inquiry, but also a critical examination of how scientific disciplines themselves are structured and applied. The journal appears to be open to controversial topics like extraterrestrial contact (e.g., the Eduard Meier case) while maintaining a critical perspective on the evidence presented. The GEP, as the publisher, seems to be actively involved in research and dissemination of information within the UFO field.