JUFOF - Issue 016 - 1981 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Volume 2, Issue 4 from 1981, priced at DM 3.50, is published by the "GEMEINSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG UNBEKANNTER PHÄNOMENE" (GEP). The cover highlights articles on a lecture in Düsseldorf about a potential solution to the UFO problem, the first part of 'Invasion from Mars,' and reader letters.

Leserbriefe (Reader Letters)

Two reader letters are featured. Dieter von Reeken from Lüneburg expresses satisfaction with the journal's content, particularly a contribution by Herr Fiedler, and hopes the 32-page format is maintained. Werner Walter from CENAP, Mannheim, comments on the article "Fotografische Aufnahmen mit Spektralgitter" (Photographic Recordings with Spectral Grids). He notes that similar attempts by the USAF yielded little, and that UFOs are often 'chance products' that appear when cameras are not ready. He also finds the remarks about UFO photographers particularly apt.

GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene)

The "Impressum" section provides details about the GEP, stating its goal since 1972 is to investigate UFO phenomena on a 'pre-scientific' basis. They specialize in field investigations, including witness interviews and trace evidence collection, using instruments like Geiger counters and magnetometers. The GEP believes the UFO problem can only be solved from a natural science perspective, with a particular interest in electromagnetic effects. They dismiss 'contactee' reports as fantasy and are skeptical of extraterrestrial spaceship hypotheses. The section also includes contact information for membership and reporting sightings.

The "Zum Titelbild" (About the Cover Picture) section explains the cover image: on the left, a partial view of the GEP office; on the right, Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck, both leaders of GEP, after 'work done.'

UFO-Untersuchungen mit Fragebogen (UFO Investigations with Questionnaires) - Part IV

By Hans-Werner Peiniger, GEP. This article delves into the objectivity, reliability, and evaluation of UFO investigation methods, specifically focusing on the GEP questionnaire. Peiniger discusses 'inhalttliche Objektivität' (content objectivity), arguing the GEP questionnaire is constructed objectively. 'Durchführungsobjektivität' (execution objectivity) is addressed, suggesting standardized working environments and a single test leader to minimize external influences. 'Auswertungsobjektivität' (evaluation objectivity) is presented as a challenge, as free descriptions and sketches can be interpreted differently by each test leader. The article emphasizes that interpretation objectivity is the weakest point in UFO research, regardless of the method's sophistication. 'Reliabilität' (reliability) is defined as the consistency and accuracy of a test. Two methods for assessing reliability are proposed: a simple 'test-retest method' and a more complex 'split-half method' requiring computer analysis.

Die Kontaktler-Literatur (Contactee Literature) - Part III

By Gerald Mosbleck, GEP. This section critically examines the book by Buck Nelson, focusing on the 'sachliche Möglichkeit' (factual possibility) and the author's intention. Mosbleck questions Nelson's descriptions of Venus, noting they contradict findings from Venus probes. He argues that Nelson's intention is to proselytize, using pseudo-religious arguments and portraying extraterrestrials as superior beings to encourage a specific worldview. Mosbleck concludes that Nelson's book lacks factual content, is largely fictional, and serves as a vehicle for a pseudo-religious message, suggesting Nelson might be a naive victim of fanatical UFOlogists.

Steckling-Vortrag in Düsseldorf (Steckling Lecture in Düsseldorf)

This report covers a lecture by American ufologist Fred Steckling on June 15, 1981. Steckling, presented as a follower of Adamski's theories, discussed extraterrestrial life in the solar system, including on the Moon. The author finds Steckling's scientific justifications weak and unsubstantiated, noting his reliance on the 'astronaut saga' and 'atomic bomb theory.' The report criticizes the lecture for lacking scientific rigor and catering to a sensationalist audience.

Stehen wir vor einer Lösung des UFO-Problems? (Are We Facing a Solution to the UFO Problem?)

By Werner Walter, CENAP. This article reflects on the enduring mystery of UFOs over 34 years. It contrasts the work of private UFO groups with official government research, which is often driven by national defense interests (e.g., Project Blue Book, CIA, FBI). Walter notes that while official findings are released, the private UFO scene often ignores them. He critiques the 'pop-UFOlogy' scene for its reliance on sensationalist literature and lack of critical analysis, suggesting that many UFO reports are misinterpretations of natural phenomena, hoaxes, or mass hysteria.

Historical Background of UFO Investigations

This section details the history of US government UFO investigations, starting with the 1947 UFO wave. It mentions Ted Bloecher's 1967 report documenting 853 sightings and a statistical distribution of US UFOs from June 15 to July 15, 1947. The article outlines the progression of official projects: the Air Force began investigating UFO reports in July 1947, leading to Project SIGN (later SAUCER) in 1948, which concluded UFOs might be interplanetary. A secret assessment in September 1948 suggested this conclusion, but the report was reportedly suppressed. Project GRUDGE (1949) was established with the premise that UFOs might not exist. By April 1949, Project Saucer reported that about 30% of sightings were explainable, with another 30% potentially explainable with further investigation. The Air Force officially ended the 'Flying Saucer' project in December 1949, citing a lack of evidence for the existence of flying saucers and attributing sightings to misinterpretations, mass hysteria, or hoaxes. However, a special study continued, and by 1952, UFO research was integrated into general Air Force channels, with an ongoing interest in unexplained cases.

Private Interest: An Excursion into Utopia

This section discusses the speculative nature of private UFO research, particularly the idea of extraterrestrial visitors. It contrasts this with the official stance, which often dismissed sightings as balloons or mass hysteria. The rise of 'pop-UFOlogy' is described, characterized by sensationalist stories and claims of government cover-ups, which Walter argues are often based on limited or biased information and personal fantasies.

Invasion vom Mars Teil 1 (Invasion from Mars Part 1)

This article, with a preface by Dieter von Reeken, discusses the CBS radio broadcast of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" on October 30, 1938. The preface notes the broadcast's unexpected success and its lasting impact, including contemporary imitations. The manuscript, originally published in German in 1950 in "Sonderheft Fliegende Untertassen," is presented with the permission of the copyright holder, Rolf Kauka. The article recounts the broadcast's dramatic presentation, which led many listeners to believe it was a real Martian invasion, causing widespread panic. It mentions a similar incident in Ecuador where a radio broadcast resulted in deaths. The article also notes that "The War of the Worlds" has been adapted into films and a musical.

The article then presents a fictionalized radio report from Grovers Mill, New Jersey, detailing the landing of a Martian cylinder and the emergence of alien beings. The report describes the panic, the appearance of the beings, and their attack with heat rays, leading to destruction and death. The broadcast is interrupted due to the catastrophic events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes scientific methodology, questioning sensationalist claims and 'contactee' literature. The GEP, as the publisher, advocates for a natural science approach to understanding UFOs, expressing skepticism towards extraterrestrial hypotheses and 'pop-UFOlogy.' The issue highlights the historical context of UFO research, both official and private, and critically examines the media's role in shaping public perception of these phenomena. There is a clear distinction made between rigorous investigation and speculative or pseudoscientific interpretations.

This issue of Landeszeitung, dated January 31, 1981, features a prominent article titled "REISEN MIT «ÜBERLICHT»" (Travel with 'Faster Than Light'), which includes a commentary by Dipl.-Phys. R. Hoffmann on an article by H. Fiedler. The magazine also includes a section on 'gep-mitteilungen' (GEP Communications) and a detailed report on an object observation over Lüdenscheid.

"REISEN MIT «ÜBERLICHT»" and Commentary

The main article, "REISEN MIT «ÜBERLICHT»," appears to be a response or discussion related to an article by H. Fiedler titled "L'UFO, cést moi" from Journal 3/81. Dipl.-Phys. R. Hoffmann provides a detailed commentary, addressing Fiedler's ideas about the emotional reactions of UFO observers and the possibility of extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Hoffmann acknowledges that the idea of UFOs being spacecraft from alien intelligences is appealing but deems it scientifically unsound to postulate. He suggests that while it can be considered a 'thought experiment,' it's crucial to avoid two major errors: rigorously questioning established scientific knowledge and presenting hypothetical propulsion mechanisms as proven solutions.

Hoffmann believes Fiedler has fallen into the latter trap. He notes that Fiedler's 'disclosure document' offers no basis for successful realization and that his assumption of interactions between electromagnetic fields and inertia lacks any evidence. Hoffmann emphasizes the well-established nature of Einstein's E=mc² equation, where 'm' clearly represents inertial mass, implying that any change requires significant energy.

He calls for a public debate with H. Fiedler.

Wilhelm Fiedler's Explanations

Following inquiries about his manuscript, Wilhelm Fiedler provided several explanations:

• Physics Knowledge: He states that current physics knowledge represents about 80% of attainable total knowledge, based on well-established natural laws formulated by the 'Unified Field Theory,' which he believes is complete due to the discovery of tachyons.
• Inductive Precision: Defined as the accuracy or perfection of inferring general, law-like behavior from individual cases.
• Universal Field of All Masses: Refers to the concept of a gravitational field body formed when all masses converge at a single point, which persists even when masses are distributed as stars, with field strength diminishing and compensating in the spaces between.
• Inherent Inertial Resistance: This relates to the concept of a 'field body' in physics, where a force field in vacuum is considered a substance ordered by force lines or made of a vacuum-like material. This field body is spatially infinite and, unlike historical ether theories, possesses only measurable properties.
• Influence on Inertial Mass: Fiedler mentions a conjecture by Werner von Braun from 'ASTRONAUTIK' magazine (1977) as the only known reference.
• Physical Approach: He states that his hypotheses and equations are entirely his own development and are not currently accessible for planned research projects.
• Experimental Experience: Fiedler indicates no personal experimental experience due to a lack of funding and resources, which he finds questionable given the poor financial situation of the country.

"Brainstorming" Suggestion

Hoffmann highlights an idea from the "Brainstorming" section by Dipl.-Phys. R. Hoffmann, suggesting it is particularly relevant for research groups.

"Brainstorming" by Dipl.-Phys. R. Hoffmann

Hoffmann's hypothesis is that apparatuses influencing gravity or mass can be realized through the application of electrodynamics, primarily because electrodynamics is the best-understood natural force. This hypothesis formation is therefore psychologically driven.

He notes that new propulsion systems, even those not solely based on electromagnetic effects, are unlikely to be achieved through current electrodynamics, requiring new imaginative approaches. Hoffmann admits that no leading scientist, nor himself, is currently capable of providing solutions for exceeding the speed of light. He advocates for 'brainstorming' (or 'spinnen' in German), a creativity technique where all ideas are initially accepted without criticism, followed by expert evaluation for feasibility.

Report on an Object Observation over Lüdenscheid

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred several years prior to the article's publication, based on a witness's diary entry from 1978.

On December 5, 1977, around 8:30 AM, Frau Erika K. (61, housewife) observed the front part of an object directly above a Belgian military transmitter tower near Lüdenscheid (Azimuth: 152.5 degrees, Elevation: 10 degrees). The rear part was obscured by a house. The witness observed the object tilt slowly and move slightly to the right, revealing its full form. This maneuver lasted for the entire observation period. Suddenly, the object shot off westward at an "enormous speed," disappearing behind a forest within a second. It left behind a pink "condensation trail." Approximately three seconds later, a second object of similar shape appeared in the same position and then followed the first. The "condensation trail" of the first object was still visible.

The objects were described as "saucer-like in the joke pages" ('Witzblättern'), metallic, and silvery, with sharp, solid, and permanent outlines.

Information for a possible identification is still pending. A data sheet and detailed account can be requested for DM 1.50.

gep-mitteilungen (GEP Communications)

This section reports on the renovation of the GEP's office, which took approximately 1.5 weeks. The process involved moving all office furniture and equipment to one side of the 10 sqm room to renovate the other side, then switching. The renovation included painting the walls white, installing new electrical wiring, and adding new shelves. The GEP office is located at Herzogstr. 1, 5880 Lüdenscheid, open Monday-Friday from 4 PM to 5 PM, and Wednesdays from 6 PM.

New Members

The GEP welcomes new members: Dieter von Reeken (Lüneburg), Jochen Ickinger (Heilbronn), and Wilhelm Fiedler (Lüneburg). A member directory is planned for a future issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a strong interest in UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial possibilities, and the boundaries of current scientific understanding. There is a critical yet open-minded approach to speculative theories, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor while acknowledging the appeal of extraordinary ideas. The GEP's activities and the reporting of specific sightings indicate a commitment to investigating unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging discussion and research within the scientific community, while also engaging the public with reported events and theoretical possibilities.