JUFOF - Issue 014 - 1981 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Volume 2, Issue 2-1981, published by the "GEMEINSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG UNBEKANNTER PHÄNOMENE" (Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena), is priced at DM 3.50. The cover highlights several key articles, including "MINI-UFO IN FINNLAND" (Mini-UFO in Finland), "UFO-UNTERSUCHUNGEN MIT FRAGEBOGEN" (UFO Investigations with Questionnaires), "DIE KONTAKTLER-LITERATUR" (Contactee Literature), and "INTERPLANETARER FUNKVERKEHR" (Interplanetary Radio Traffic), along with a mention of "HAUPTMANN MANTELLS FLIEGERTOD" (Captain Mantell's Flying Death).

Mini-UFO in Finland

The article details a case from the winter of 1979 in Suomenjoki, Finland, which generated more documentation than other Finnish UFO cases. It involved 12 photos, 4 landing traces, and metal fragments found by UFO investigators. The primary witness was 24-year-old electrician Jarmo Nykanen, with Reijo Kolehmainen also reporting finding three of the four landing traces near his house.

On February 2, 1979, Nykanen discovered a 2.5-meter diameter crater in the snow, with the snow melted to the ground in the center. Unusual red liquid, metal pieces, and a metallic 'lid' were found in the crater. The liquid smelled of vinegar. Police photographed the scene and collected samples.

On the night of February 5, 1979, a loud "shooting" sound was heard. The next morning, a second crater, 10 meters away, was found. Police initially suspected a homemade bomb, but the Kolehmainen family denied any reason for such an act.

On February 21, 1979, a third landing site with three holes was found, again with red liquid and metal, but no lid. Notably, snow was absent from the power lines above the holes, but present on other lines.

Reijo Kolehmainen then asked his friend Jarmo Nykanen to watch his house. On the evening of March 10, 1979, Nykanen saw a beam of light in the forest and later a bell-shaped 'mini-UFO' about half a meter in diameter. The upper half glowed blue, the lower half red. Although he had a camera, the flash did not work, rendering the photos useless. The object hovered at 3 meters, bathing the surroundings in a reddish light before disappearing.

Nykanen later drew a map of the Kolehmainen property, noting the three landing sites formed a triangle. Extending one side led to a summer house.

On March 16, 1979, Nykanen visited the summer house with binoculars and a camera. After eating, he heard a noise and saw a 'mini-UFO' similar to the one on March 10, glowing blue. After taking five photos, he approached, and the object vanished. While searching the area, he heard another noise and saw the object behind a bush. He took more photos and attempted to move around the object, falling and accidentally taking a photo of trees. The object then shot a narrow red beam of light at Nykanen's face, blinding him temporarily. While hiding behind a tree, the object moved away. It then emitted a 'flash' and red smoke, and a cylindrical object shot into the sky. Metal pieces and red liquid were left behind. Afterward, Nykanen met Kolehmainen, who noticed blood on Nykanen's nose and two small, disappearing holes.

The article cites "the apro bulletin", "UFO ASPEKT", and "UFO-NYT" as sources and notes that the police were unable to explain the events.

Captain Mantell's Flying Death

This section, written by Dieter von Reeken, presents the protocol of radio communication between Captain Thomas Mantell and the ground station during the "Mantell Case" of 1948. The report was originally published in German in 1950. The author notes that while research has progressed since then, the full transcript is valuable as many publications only cite excerpts.

The case is described as a pivotal event in the "Flying Saucer" series. Captain Mantell, a decorated fighter pilot, pursued a large metallic disc over Fort Knox, Kentucky, on January 7, 1948. The object was estimated to be over 70 meters in diameter. Mantell's pursuit, ordered by his superiors, was a dangerous undertaking.

The weather on January 7, 1948, was clear with strong sun. The ground at Godman Field was partially covered in snow. Mantell and his squadron took off for a training flight around 2 PM. Shortly after, air traffic control spotted a silver, fast-moving disc estimated at 70 meters in diameter at an altitude of 5000 meters. Base Commander Colonel Hix was informed and went to the observation tower. He contacted Mantell, who was in the air with his squadron.

Colonel Hix instructed Mantell to engage the object. Mantell reported being at 2000 meters altitude and confirmed the object's presence at 4000 meters, describing it as a large metallic disc with a diameter of 50-70 meters, circling the base. The air traffic control could not identify its origin.

Mantell asked for the object's speed and was told it was traveling east at approximately 500 km/h. He was instructed to gain altitude. Mantell reported climbing to 3000 meters and attempting to reach 6000 meters, stating he had sighted the "thing" about 500 meters above him. He then addressed Lieutenants Taylor and Smiden, urging them to keep pace and prepare for an attack from above.

Mantell reported reaching 4500 meters, with his wingmen unable to keep up due to engine heat. He attempted to catch up with full power. He instructed Taylor to cut across the curve from the north. Taylor reported needing to reduce power due to engine overheating and could not maintain speed.

Mantell then heard from Leutnant Smiden, who was 2000 meters behind and trying to keep up. Taylor reported engine trouble and radioed he was aborting. Mantell reported being at 5000 meters, with the disc about 500 meters above and 70 meters in diameter, showing no defensive reaction. He continued to climb.

Smiden reported he could no longer keep up, his machine was not performing at high altitude, and his oxygen equipment was failing, so he was aborting and landing.

Mantell reported being at the same altitude as the disc, which was about 5 meters thick with a slightly yellowish coating. He was 1000 meters above the disc and preparing to attack from the sun's direction.

Colonel Hix repeatedly tried to contact Mantell, but received no response after his last transmission. Mantell's aircraft was later found in pieces over 500 meters apart, suggesting it exploded in mid-air, possibly due to an unknown defensive weapon.

The article includes a postscript by Dieter von Reeken, discussing various theories about the Mantell case, including the Condon Report's suggestion of a "Sky Hook" balloon. It also mentions differing accounts of Mantell's last words, with some claiming he saw "people in the thing" and others "windows" and "enormous size."

UFO Investigations with Questionnaires

Hans-Werner Peiniger outlines the structure and purpose of the GEP's UFO investigation questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to be systematic, starting with personal data, then moving to sighting details (time, location, object appearance, number of objects), and associated phenomena (sounds, smells, effects). It also covers flight behavior, speed and altitude estimations, and environmental conditions (weather, wind, temperature, celestial bodies).

A crucial part of the questionnaire is Rubric VIII, which includes the question "Explanation for what was seen?" This question is designed to gauge the witness's mindset (skeptical, imaginative, etc.) and to act as a control for honesty. The author emphasizes the importance of psychological aspects and suggests that a well-crafted "trap question" can help identify liars by creating contradictions with their other statements and their signed declaration.

Contactee Literature

Gerald Mosbleck discusses the controversial nature of "contactee reports." He proposes analyzing such literature by examining its literary correctness (fictional vs. expository), factual possibility, and the author's intention. He provides examples from various books, arguing that many contactee accounts, despite claiming to be factual reports, often exhibit characteristics of fictional writing, such as subjective descriptions, religious pronouncements, and overly detailed dialogues that strain credibility.

Interplanetary Radio Traffic

H.P.S. explores the technical possibilities and challenges of establishing radio contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. The article posits that given the vastness of the Milky Way, it's probable that other intelligent civilizations exist. The primary obstacle is the immense distance, requiring advanced technology for transmission and reception.

The article suggests that high-frequency waves or light waves are likely candidates for communication. It also discusses the importance of signals being distinctly artificial and decipherable. The optimal frequency range for interplanetary communication is identified as between 1 GHz and 10 GHz, to minimize interference from interstellar noise.

Key technical considerations include the use of directional antennas (parabolic reflectors) to increase signal strength and the potential use of specific frequencies, such as the hydrogen line at 1.42040575 GHz, as a universal reference point. The article also touches upon the complexities of modulation, suggesting that binary coded signals using circular polarization might be most effective. The challenge of creating a mutually understandable language is also acknowledged, proposing that common knowledge of mathematics and natural constants could form a basis for communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on detailed case studies of UFO sightings, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and data collection, as exemplified by the GEP's questionnaire methodology. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalist "contactee" claims, favoring a more scientific and analytical approach. The publication also delves into theoretical aspects, such as the possibility and technical challenges of interstellar communication, reflecting a broad interest in the UFO phenomenon from multiple perspectives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry grounded in empirical evidence and critical analysis, rather than outright belief or dismissal.

This document is a newsletter titled 'gep-mitteilungen' from the GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene - Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena), located in Lüdenscheid, Germany. The issue number is indicated as '40' on the bottom corner of the page, and the cover price is presented as 'FÜR 24DM'. The date is not explicitly stated but can be inferred to be around the early 1990s based on the currency and context.

Membership and Investigator Information

The primary focus of this issue is on membership and the role of investigators within the GEP. The cover prominently displays a 'MITGLIEDSAUSWEIS' (Membership Card) template, which can be obtained for 24 DM. This amount is humorously contextualized by comparing it to everyday expenses like parking tickets, cinema visits, or a nightclub outing.

Standard Membership Benefits

• For 24 DM, members receive:
• A yearly subscription to the 'Journal f UFO-F'.
• Discounts ranging from 10-20% within the 'GEP-Services'.
• A practical membership card in a plastic sleeve.

New members are also required to pay an additional one-time admission fee of 5 DM.

Investigator Membership ('MITARBEITERAUSWEIS')

In addition to standard membership, the GEP offers an 'MITARBEITER-SCHAFT' (Investigator Membership). This requires a monthly contribution of 10 DM, which can be paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

• Benefits for investigators include:
• A yearly subscription to the journal.
• An additional 5% discount on items designated for members.
• A significant 50% discount on 'Carola von Reeken-Produkte'.
• Upon request, suitable investigation equipment (such as Geiger counters) will be provided free of charge for a limited time for field investigations.
• Free loan of specialized literature from the GEP's library.
• The right to publish their investigation results in the journal.
• Free classified advertising space in the journal.
• Additional information provided for current events.
• Free processing of photographic case materials (e.g., black and white developments, enlargements).
• Reports available at cost price.

Investigator Responsibilities

An investigator holding the 'MITARBEITERAUSWEIS' is authorized to conduct witness interviews and investigations on behalf of the GEP. All witnesses and institutions are requested to support these investigators.

Application Process

Interested individuals are invited to send their application documents to the GEP. The organization explicitly states that they reserve the right to reject applications without providing any reasons.

Editorial Notes and Contact Information

The document includes the GEP's address: Postfach 2361, D-5880 Lüdenscheid 1. It also emphasizes that the membership and investigator passes are the property of the GEP and must be returned upon termination of membership or expulsion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter clearly promotes GEP's activities and encourages active participation through membership and investigator roles. The editorial stance is one of promoting research into unexplained phenomena, providing resources and support to its members and investigators, and maintaining a professional yet accessible approach, as evidenced by the humorous framing of membership costs and the detailed list of benefits for investigators. The emphasis on supporting investigators and the provision of resources suggest a commitment to field research and documentation.