JUFOF - Issue 012 - 1980 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of the German magazine "JOURNAL für UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated December 1980, is the 12th issue of the 1st volume and is priced at DM 2.00. The cover prominently features a diagram related to securing and measuring a suspected UFO landing site, specifically mentioning the 'Otis T. Carr Bluff' and 'GEP in Mannheim'. The publication is issued by GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung Unbekannter Phänomene).

In eigener Sache (In Our Own Matter)

This section announces upcoming changes to the journal starting with issue 1/81. The publication frequency will change from monthly to bimonthly, but the page count will double, ensuring subscribers receive equivalent content. The subscription price will remain the same. Internal pages will be consecutively numbered, and cover pages will use Roman numerals. Subscribers will receive a multi-page index of the first year's content with the first issue of 1981, which is expected to be released in late January. Due to high demand, the print run has been increased by 50 copies.

Das meint der Leser (What the Reader Thinks)

This section features a letter from Michael Hesemann of Neuss, praising an interview with DUIST President Karl Veit for allowing Veit to express his opinions freely and objectively. Hesemann hopes this example will foster constructive dialogue within the UFO community, replacing current 'self-destruction'. The editors invite readers to share their opinions, reserving the right to publish excerpts.

Practical Instructions for Field Investigations

Securing and Measuring Suspected UFO Landing Sites

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger details methods for investigating UFO landing sites. It elaborates on the requirements for a site sketch, emphasizing the need for precise measurements to relocate sites even years later. The core technique described is the "Bussolenzug" (compass traverse), which can be 'closed' (all points visible and accessible) or 'open' (used near geographical features like rivers or cliffs). The process involves establishing a reference point (Hilfspunkt, H), measuring the distance (L) and direction to the landing site (Landestelle), and then surveying the immediate surroundings. The importance of indicating the exact north direction on the sketch is stressed. The article also touches upon the 'closing error' in traverses and recommends Georg Theodor Schwarz's book "Archäologische Feldmethode" for its correction. For mapping purposes, 'remote points' (Fernpunkte) like church towers or road junctions up to 1000 meters away are determined using angle and distance measurements. Various methods are mentioned, including 'Einkreisen' (triangulation using only angle measurements) and polar plots (direction and distance measurements).

Control Measurements

Subsequent sections briefly mention control measurements using angle and distance readings, and a 'polar plot' method. The article suggests that those interested in more advanced techniques should consult the previously mentioned book.

The Otis T. Carr Bluff

This article by Werner Walter discusses the controversial figure Otis T. Carr, an entrepreneur from Baltimore, USA, who claimed to have developed revolutionary technologies for flying saucers, including an 'electric UT RON accumulator' and a 'CARROTTO GRAVITATION MOTOR'. The article references a 1959 UFO publication that highlighted Carr's "OTC" company and its pursuit of 'free energy' and space travel. Carr reportedly sought to interest the US government in his inventions, but was rebuffed. He then proceeded to build his own spacecraft, the OTC-XI, with the stated intention of flying to the moon and landing at the Pentagon to prove his technology. The article notes that Carr's claims were met with skepticism and that he was later investigated for fraud, fined, and imprisoned for selling unregistered securities. His group operated in various US states, including Connecticut, Maryland, Oklahoma, and California.

Excavated - Older Books on the Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life (Part III)

This section by Dieter von Reeken reviews Diedrich Wattenberg's 1948 book "Materie und Leben" (Matter and Life). The book explores three questions: What is life? Earth and Life (habitability, spread, future). Life in the Universe? Wattenberg examines the 'Panspermia Theory' proposed by Svante Arrhenius, which suggests life spreads between planets via meteors. Wattenberg expresses doubt about this theory, citing the harmful effects of ultraviolet and cosmic radiation on potential 'traveling germs'. He also argues against the idea that Mars or Venus could harbor life, and implicitly against Sir James Jeans' theory of planetary system formation through stellar collisions. Wattenberg concludes that planets likely developed from the same primordial matter as their stars, and that the search for 'brothers on distant worlds' might one day be answered with a definitive 'yes' or 'no' through future scientific advancements. The review also provides biographical details about Diedrich Wattenberg, born in 1909, who worked at the Archenhold Observatory in Berlin and became its director in 1948. He was the last German scholar to speak with Max Planck before his death and has published works on the history of astronomy and other astronomers.

GEP in Mannheim

This report details the GEP's participation in the first 'Perry Rhodan' science fiction convention held in Mannheim from October 31 to November 2, 1980. The event featured lectures by Professor H. Ruppe and E. von Däniken. GEP representatives Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck attended. A panel discussion included Ruppe and Däniken, where Ruppe stated there was no scientific reason to doubt the existence of UFOs, though no proof exists, and considered interstellar travel possible. Däniken expressed personal belief in UFOs. The GEP representatives also met with Werner Walter and H.J. Köhler of CENAP, who showcased their extensive UFO archive. The report concludes positively, noting numerous inquiries from GEP flyers.

Glosse (Gloss)

This short piece laments the demise of another UFO magazine, stating that only two good German-language UFO publications now remain. It expresses regret for the loss of these resources for UFO researchers.

New Books

Advertisement: THE STRANGER AT THE PENTAGON

This is an advertisement for the book "DER FREMDE IM PENTAGON" (The Stranger in the Pentagon) by Rev. Dr. Frank E. Stranges, with a report by Michael Hesemann. The book claims that the US government has been in contact with an extraterrestrial named Val Thor since 1959, who allegedly lived in the Pentagon for three years and conveyed messages to President Eisenhower. The advertisement notes that while the content may be debatable, the book holds a significant place in contactee literature and the German edition includes a background report by Michael Hesemann. It is available for DM 12.80.

UFO MAGIC IN MOTION by Arthur Shuttlewood

This entry reviews Arthur Shuttlewood's book "UFO MAGIC IN MOTION", which examines eyewitness accounts of UFO encounters. The book explores whether these lifeforms are friendly or aggressive and their purpose. It also raises questions about potential connections between UFOs and phenomena like the slowing of Earth's rotation or sunspots affecting weather. The book is described as a penetrating study and a significant contribution to UFO literature, available in paperback for 1.10.

Tektite

This section is a personal advertisement from Hans-Werner Peiniger offering various sizes of Indochinite tektites from Thailand for sale at DM 1 per gram.

Definition of a UFO

A definition of a UFO is provided, attributed to Dr. J. Allen Hynek of the Center for UFO Studies, USA. It describes a UFO as the perceived observation of an object or light that defies logical, conventional explanation and remains unidentified after thorough investigation by qualified personnel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on empirical investigation of UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed article on field measurement techniques. There's a strong interest in historical cases and controversial figures like Otis T. Carr, exploring both the claims and the documented outcomes (including legal issues). The publication also engages with the broader context of UFO research, including reviews of relevant books and participation in related events like the Perry Rhodan convention. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to provide factual information and practical guidance, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some topics. The inclusion of reader feedback and the lament over the decline of UFO publications suggest a commitment to fostering a community of dedicated researchers.