JUFOF - Issue 015 - 1981 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Volume 2, Issue 3, dated 1981, published by the "Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene" (GEP), costs DM 3.50. The cover headline focuses on the use of complex devices in "hunting" for UFOs, with an article by Beatrix Schwarzer detailing the GEP's investigative methods.

Investigations and Equipment

The issue highlights the GEP's systematic approach to UFO investigations. Beatrix Schwarzer describes how the association gathers information from witnesses, using detailed questionnaires and even consulting with astronomers and psychologists to assess reliability. The GEP aims for a scientific basis for understanding UFOs, employing tools like Geiger counters and magnetometers. They are considering a computer for data storage to facilitate analysis.

Photographic Analysis with Spectrographic Grids

Dipl.-Phys. Roland Hoffmann contributes an article on "Photographic Recordings with Spectrographic Grids." He explains that while conventional photography can be unreliable due to potential for falsification and misinterpretation of color and light, a spectrographic grid can enhance the informational value of a photograph. By splitting light into its spectral components, it allows for the identification of the light source's process, elements, and temperature. Hoffmann details the principles of spectrographic grids, their use as camera attachments (e.g., B+W "Andromeda" or hama-HOYA "Rainbow"), and provides guidelines for their effective use, emphasizing the need for bright objects and proper exposure. He also includes examples of spectrographic photos of streetlights and discharge lamps.

Contactee Literature Analysis

Gerald Mosbleck continues his analysis of contactee literature in "The Contactee Literature, Part II: The Possibility of the Factual." He critically examines the claims of Buck Nelson, who purportedly traveled to Mars, the Moon, and Venus. Mosbleck contrasts Nelson's descriptions of these celestial bodies and his alleged experiences with established scientific data, finding significant discrepancies. For instance, Nelson's claims about Mars having a similar atmospheric pressure and composition to Earth, possessing canals, and supporting Earth-like flora and fauna are directly contradicted by data from space probes. Similarly, Nelson's descriptions of the Moon's atmosphere, rivers, and dense settlements are dismissed as unscientific.

UFO Characteristics and Propulsion

Dr. Wolfgang Ehrenberg's contribution, "A Contribution to the UFO Problem," discusses the characteristics of UFOs and their potential origins. He argues that UFO phenomena are intelligently controlled and not explainable by natural phenomena like clouds or meteors. Ehrenberg suggests that UFOs are unlikely to originate from technologically advanced Earth nations due to their superior maneuverability, pointing towards extraterrestrial builders. He also entertains the possibility that UFOs might stem from a prehistoric Earth civilization, referencing ancient myths and reports of advanced ancient technologies. Ehrenberg then analyzes the common characteristics reported in UFO sightings, including silent hovering, colored lights, electromagnetic interference with vehicles, rapid directional changes, and apparent ability to pass through solid objects. He proposes that an "electric wind" propulsion system, possibly augmented by an unknown force field or mechanism for manipulating gravity, could explain these phenomena, noting that no known material or organism could withstand such accelerations.

UFO Investigation Methods

Hans-Werner Peiniger, in "UFO Investigations with Questionnaires, Part III: Formulation of Questions," discusses the challenges and types of questions used in GEP questionnaires. He stresses the importance of using clear, universally understandable language, avoiding jargon and complex grammatical structures. Peiniger outlines four types of questions: dichotomous (two-choice), multiple-choice (allowing for multiple answers), semi-open (requiring brief written answers), and open-ended (allowing for detailed descriptions and sketches). He also addresses the limitations of the questionnaire method, stating it is unsuitable for non-esoteric scientific inquiries and higher-level UFO phenomena like landings and direct contact.

Interplanetary Communication and Travel

An article titled "Interplanetary Radio Traffic: Technical Possibilities for Contact with Civilizations Outside Our Solar System" (Conclusion) reviews current efforts and technologies aimed at detecting extraterrestrial signals. It mentions various observatories and research networks involved in SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) projects, highlighting the use of large radio telescopes and sophisticated signal processing techniques. The article notes that despite extensive efforts, no confirmed extraterrestrial signals have been detected, but emphasizes the ongoing nature of the research and the potential implications of success.

Another piece, "Travel with 'Faster Than Light'," by Gerald Mosbleck, explores theoretical concepts for overcoming vast interstellar distances. It touches upon ideas like using "black holes" as shortcuts or altering matter to achieve faster-than-light travel (tachyon theory), referencing scientific concepts and the work of physicists like Burkhard Heim. The article also briefly mentions the concept of an "Inertial Converter" proposed by private researchers.

Other Articles and Notes

The issue includes a brief news item about the mysterious disappearance of two ships near the Azores, drawing parallels to the Bermuda Triangle. There is also a mention of a "MYSTERIA" special print on "UFO Invasion over Westphalia," which includes GEP-investigated cases. A section on "Life in the Universe?" discusses the scientific hope for extraterrestrial life and the role of radio telescopes in searching for it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the critical analysis of contactee claims, and the exploration of advanced technologies for both observation and potential interstellar communication. The GEP's editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry, seeking to apply scientific methodology to a complex and often controversial subject. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between verifiable facts and speculative claims, particularly in the analysis of contactee reports. The magazine also showcases technological advancements relevant to UFO research, such as spectrographic photography and radio astronomy for SETI.

This issue of UFO Nachrichten, dated 7/81, focuses on theoretical physics related to advanced technology and UFOs, alongside reports on UFO organizations and a satirical take on the phenomenon.

Theoretical Physics and Interstellar Travel

The lead article explores the possibility of interstellar travel by examining the limitations imposed by the speed of light (c). It posits that the physical knowledge of the mid-20th century has reached about 80% of its potential, and that the concept of UFOs as extraterrestrial craft is a plausible explanation for observed phenomena. The core hypothesis presented is that UFOs are physical transport devices realizable with terrestrial means, and crucially, they are not bound by the speed of light.

The article delves into the physics of overcoming the speed of light, referencing two key observations: 1) A mass body moving at near light speed increases in mass and size, and 2) There is resistance to changes in motion (inertia).

It questions how a body 'moving body' knows it's being accelerated without a direct connection to other objects, presenting two viewpoints:

a) The 'hiding game' of the moving body (A), where effects are only relative to a reference body (B), and are weakened or delayed if B is not nearby.

b) The 'Mach's version' perspective, which posits a permanent, instantaneous connection between all masses in the universe, meaning every body 'knows' about the existence and position of all other masses.

The article proposes a synthesis of these viewpoints, suggesting that every body possesses an extended force field connecting it to all other masses. Relativistic effects like mass increase and inertial resistance are explained as consequences of a universal induction law of motion.

This leads to the concept of a 'Hyper-c transport' method, which involves cancelling the connection between the test body (A) and the cosmic center of mass. This would render the body inertia-free and allow it to move at any speed. The article introduces the 'Inertial-Wandler' (IW) as a device that achieves this by superimposing an antiparallel field to the center of mass, effectively nullifying the impulse of the test body's center of mass. This means arbitrarily large accelerations can be achieved with minimal force.

The IW can be integrated into vehicles, acting as the effective reference point for all forces except its own self-acceleration, which it can compensate for. This technology is claimed to provide high resistance to impact, though friction forces would still be present for heavy vehicles.

GEP Communications

This section reports on a police search of the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Geschehens) organization in March 1981. The search was related to the distribution of neo-Nazi propaganda material from the USA and Canada, specifically three books: "165 Little Known UFO Sightings from Around the World," "UFOs Nazi Secret Weapon?", and the German version "UFOs – Letzte Geheimwaffe des Dritten Reiches?".

It is suggested that other UFO researchers or groups might also have been visited by the police. The search at GEP's office was reportedly called off because the office was already in such disarray that it appeared to have been recently ransacked or hit by a bomb. However, one copy of the journal '7'80' was confiscated.

UFOs and Cars: A Humorous Take

This section presents a humorous campaign linking UFOs to cars. The headline "SEI KEIN UFO! Straßen gibt's Lamele UFOs!" (Don't be a UFO! On Germany's roads there are lame UFOs!) suggests that dirty cars are the 'lame UFOs' one should be aware of.

Professor Dr. Max Danner, an accident researcher, is quoted as stating that "UFOs are more dangerous." He explains that dirty cars are perceived much later than clean ones, with measurements showing a significantly higher gloss for clean vehicles. The article humorously advises readers to wash their cars to 'get rid of UFOs' and offers an 'Anti-UFO sticker' available at car washes.

CENAP-UFO-Konvent

An announcement for the 2nd CENAP-UFO-Konvent is made, following up on a previous convention in August 1980 which discussed UFO films, photo materials, and the controversial claims of Swiss UFO hoaxer Eduard Meier. Interested individuals are directed to contact Werner Walter for details, with the event tentatively scheduled for September 19/20, 1981. GEP employees attending the Konvent can receive a 20% reimbursement for travel costs.

Scherz & Satire (Joke & Satire)

This section features a satirical letter from Erich von Däniken to a 'Ludwig Kirchner'. Von Däniken humorously interprets strange markings on Kirchner's letter, including wavy lines and numbers, as a message from the gods or ancient ancestors, expressing excitement about the possibility of intelligent life in the universe and their shared understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of advanced physics, technology, and the UFO phenomenon. There's a clear interest in theoretical possibilities for space travel that defy current limitations, such as the speed of light. The publication also engages with the UFO community, reporting on events and organizations like CENAP and GEP. A notable aspect is the use of satire and humor, as seen in the 'UFOs as dirty cars' campaign and the Erich von Däniken letter, suggesting a playful yet inquisitive approach to the subject matter. The mention of neo-Nazi propaganda in relation to UFO literature indicates an awareness of the broader, sometimes controversial, context surrounding the topic.