JUFOF - Issue 017 - 1981 05

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: No. 5-1981, 2nd Year
Price: DM 3.50

This issue of the German UFO research journal focuses on the scientific methodology of UFO investigations, featuring articles on questionnaire validity, an interview with MUFON-CES, the theories of Wilhelm Reich, and a fictional narrative about a Mars invasion.

GEP: Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena

The GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene) is presented as a young team dedicated to the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena since 1972. They specialize in field investigations, including witness interviews and measurements, with the goal of statistically analyzing observation data. The journal serves as a platform for publishing their findings. The GEP emphasizes a natural science approach and is skeptical of sensational 'contactee' reports, preferring to explore hypotheses that can be scientifically tested.

Reader Letters

Two reader letters offer contrasting perspectives. Francis Schaefer praises the journal's serious and critical approach, distinguishing it from less rigorous UFO groups. Walter Schilling, however, criticizes the GEP's perceived over-reliance on terrestrial science to explain UFOs, urging them to broaden their intellectual scope and improve the journal's presentation to achieve greater success. He suggests emulating publications like 'Bild der Wissenschaft' for their engaging style.

Michael Hesemann writes in defense of the GEP's critical stance, particularly regarding an article by Werner Walter on CIA UFO files. Hesemann asserts that the CIA files prove the existence of UFOs and a massive cover-up policy originating from the Robertson Panel in 1953, which aimed to 'banalize' the phenomenon. He cites evidence of ongoing CIA involvement in UFO investigations.

UFO Investigations with Questionnaires

This section, authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, delves deeply into the concept of 'validity' in psychological testing, specifically as applied to UFO research questionnaires.

Validity

Peiniger explains that validity refers to whether a test measures what it intends to measure. He notes that UFO research questionnaires, dealing with a clear subject matter, can potentially achieve high validity coefficients. However, he stresses the importance of rigorous validation methods.

Methods of Validation

Several validation methods are discussed:

• Face Validity (Augenschein-Validität): An external inspection of the questionnaire's content to determine if it appears to cover the intended subject.
• Test-Retest Method: Repeating the test after a period to check for consistency. Significant differences in results might indicate a lack of validity.
• External Criterion Validation (Validierung am Außenkriterium): Comparing questionnaire responses with other sources of information, such as independent witness reports or interviews. This helps assess the degree of agreement.
• Memory Test: Administering a separate memory test to account for potential memory distortions. A correlation between the questionnaire and the memory test can indicate validity.
• "Don't Know" Option: Including a 'weiß-nicht' (don't know) option in questionnaires and setting a threshold for 'don't know' answers to deem a questionnaire unusable, thus mitigating the influence of memory.
• Data Processing and Factor Analysis (FA): Utilizing computer analysis, such as factor analysis, to classify data and determine validity coefficients. This is described as the most comprehensive method.

Witness Deception Tactics

Peiniger warns UFO researchers about witness deception, similar to psychologists. Motives for lying can include a need for attention or discrediting research. Measures to counter this include:

1. Requiring witness signatures and possibly those of other witnesses.
2. Developing specific questions designed to detect deception.
3. Having multiple witnesses fill out questionnaires independently and under supervision.
4. Using a 'lie scale' or test to assess honesty, such as the one from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).

Questionnaire Administration

Proper administration is crucial:

• Questionnaires can be administered individually or in groups.
• Testing should occur in a neutral environment, free from distractions.
• Tests should not be taken home; administration must be supervised to allow for questions.
• Preventing collaboration or copying among witnesses is essential.
• Researchers should provide introductory remarks to set the atmosphere and explain the purpose of the research.
• Post-test discussions allow witnesses to elaborate and serve as a form of promotion for UFO research.
• Participants need writing materials.
• External noise and disturbances should be minimized.
• Smoking should be prohibited during the test, or separate sessions held for smokers and non-smokers.
• In individual tests, the administrator should be present but not act as an overseer to avoid 'test leader effects'.

Purpose of the Questionnaire

Questionnaires serve two main purposes:

1. General UFO Research: To establish general laws of UFO phenomena through statistical analysis of large datasets, such as identifying correlations between object size and shape.
2. Diagnostic Procedure: To analyze individual cases and identify characteristic 'sighting profiles,' determining whether an object is 'identified' or 'unidentified'.

Interview with Illo Brand (MUFON-CES)

Illo Brand, coordinator of MUFON-CES (the German-speaking section of the Mutual UFO Network), discusses MUFON's approach to UFO research.

Brand clarifies that MUFON-CES comprises scientists from various faculties, not just amateur researchers. He acknowledges the need for public relations but emphasizes that MUFON's primary goal is to convince scientists, who are seen as the key influencers. MUFON-CES has about 40 scientists from 12 universities and industries, including physicists, mathematicians, astronomers, and psychologists.

MUFON-CES analyzes 20% of the Blue Book microfilm rolls. Their findings suggest that the US Air Force's classification of 'unidentified' objects is significantly underestimated. They conclude that the Blue Book investigators were largely unqualified and their work scientifically worthless compared to private organizations.

Regarding 'CE III' cases (close encounters), Brand believes that the physical effects attributed to UFOs can be adequately studied with current scientific means. However, interpreting subjective experiences, especially those involving psychological factors, remains challenging due to the immaturity of psychological methods.

Brand dismisses 'contactee' cases like Adamski and Allingham as unscientific due to the lack of psychological testing. He touches upon Burkhard Heim's unified field theory, suggesting it might offer possibilities for interstellar travel through phenomena like 'apport' or 'projection' via hyperspace, allowing UFOs to materialize and dematerialize.

Wilhelm Reich and the UFOs

Peter Nasselstein details the work of Dr. Wilhelm Reich and his theories on 'Orgone Energy'.

Reich, an Austrian-born physician and natural scientist, discovered 'Bions' (energy vesicles) and later 'Orgone Energy,' which he equated with life or bio-energy. He developed the 'Orgone Energy Accumulator' to concentrate this energy. Reich's theories proposed that Orgone energy does not follow the second law of thermodynamics but rather flows from lower to higher energy levels.

In 1954, Reich observed that 'stars' seemed to disappear or move away when he directed his 'Cloudbuster' (a device to draw atmospheric Orgone energy) towards them. He concluded these 'stars' were UFOs and informed US authorities about his findings. His research in the Arizona desert suggested that UFOs use cosmic Orgone energy and expel DOR (a form of Orgone energy) as exhaust, contributing to desertification and causing 'DOR sickness.' Reich's Cloudbuster could potentially draw energy from UFOs and hinder their operations, as well as normalize atmospheric energy metabolism.

Nasselstein notes that Reich's work was suppressed, leading to a court order in 1954 to destroy his equipment and writings, and his death in a US federal prison in 1957.

Identified: Terrestrial Products and Natural Phenomena

This section aims to identify terrestrial products and natural phenomena that are sometimes mistaken for UFOs. The current issue highlights cold-formed bottoms made of sheet metal, stainless steel, copper, or aluminum, which can resemble UFO shapes.

Invasion from Mars (Part II)

This is a fictional narrative, presented as a radio broadcast script, depicting a Martian invasion of Earth.

The story begins with Captain Lansing describing soldiers preparing for a potential encounter with a mysterious cylinder. The narrative quickly escalates as the cylinder reveals itself to be a Martian machine, followed by more machines and tripods. The invasion is described as a catastrophic defeat for human forces, with massive casualties and widespread destruction caused by heat rays and smoke.

The broadcast shifts to an announcer relaying dire news from Washington, detailing the overwhelming Martian advance and the breakdown of communication and defense. The interior minister urges calm and mutual assistance. The broadcast reports on Martian rockets and the relentless advance of Martian machines, which seem to be systematically disabling human infrastructure.

Artillery units attempt to engage the Martian machines, with limited success. The narrative culminates with the appearance of a dense, black smoke that is impervious to gas masks and rapidly engulfs cities like New York. The final moments describe the chaos and despair as the invasion progresses, with radio transmissions cutting out amidst the destruction.

Extraterrestrial Intelligences: Bibliography 1979

Dieter von Reeken provides an update to his bibliography on extraterrestrial intelligences, covering books published since August 1979. He explains that this yearly overview continues his previous bibliography and focuses on standalone publications in German related to extraterrestrial life, UFOs, and pre-astronautics. He notes that prices are not included due to potential changes and that only books primarily addressing the topic are listed.

The bibliography includes entries such as:

1. Ancient Astronaut Society (Hrsg.): 'New Evidence of Pre-Astronautics,' a collection of lectures from a 1979 congress.
2. Charles Berlitz: 'Spurlos. Neues aus dem Bermuda-Dreieck' (Trace-less. News from the Bermuda Triangle), exploring theories of extraterrestrial influence.
3. Jean-Claude Bourret: 'UFO. Spekulationen und Tatsachen' (UFO. Speculations and Facts), a documentation of French radio reports from the 1970s.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a rigorous, scientific approach to UFO research, emphasizing critical analysis and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. It advocates for the use of psychological and statistical methods in data collection and analysis. The GEP's stance is to investigate UFOs from a natural science perspective, distinguishing itself from more sensationalist or uncritical groups. The inclusion of Wilhelm Reich's theories, while controversial, suggests an openness to exploring unconventional scientific ideas that might offer explanations for observed phenomena. The fictional Mars invasion narrative, while distinct from the research articles, serves as a dramatic illustration of the potential implications of extraterrestrial encounters.

Title: GEP-Mitteilungen
Publisher: GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of GEP-Mitteilungen, a German-language publication focused on UFO research and related phenomena, presents a comprehensive review of recent literature and discusses specific cases. The cover prominently features the headline "DAS LÜNEBURGER UFO" and showcases several book covers related to UFOs and space mysteries.

Literature Review

The magazine provides an extensive list and brief descriptions of numerous books and publications, primarily in German, covering topics such as "Foo Fighters" from World War II, pre-astronautics, ancient civilizations, and theories about extraterrestrial influences on human history. Notable authors and works reviewed include:

• Illo Brand (Ed.): "Ungewöhnliche Eigenschaften nichtidentifizierbarer Lichterscheinungen" (Unusual Properties of Unidentifiable Light Phenomena), a collection of papers from a 1978 conference, covering "Foo Fighters" and "Solid Lights."
• Robert Charroux: Works like "Phantastische Vergangenheit" (Fantastic Past) and "Verratene Geheimnisse" (Betrayed Secrets), which speculate on pre-astronautic visits to Earth.
• Erich von Däniken: "Im Kreuzverhör" (Cross-Examination), addressing questions about gods on Earth.
• Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe: "Die Lebenswolke" (The Life Cloud), presenting the panspermia theory.
• Walter-Jörg Langbein: "Astronautengötter" (Astronaut Gods), a chronicle of pre-astronautic ideas.
• Manfred Marks (Ed.): A special print on Ray Stanford and the UFO project "P.SI."
• Matthes & Seitz: "Die Außerirdischen sind da" (The Aliens Are Here), a survey of public opinion on alien landings.
• Luis E. Navia: "Unsere Wiege steht im Kosmos" (Our Cradle is in the Cosmos) and "Das Abenteuer Universum" (The Adventure Universe), exploring cosmic society.
• Dieter von Reeken: "Extraterrestrische Intelligenzen" (Extraterrestrial Intelligences), a bibliography of German-language publications on UFOs and pre-astronautics.
• Pedro Romaniuk: "Aus dem Kosmos werden wir überwacht" (We Are Watched From the Cosmos), speculating on UFOs and life within the Earth.
• Erich Schulte Berge: Publications on the Great Flood and human history.
• Thomas Trent: "Geheimnisse im Weltall" (Secrets in Space), a 1955 perspective on UFOs.

Several entries also mention the origins of these books and where they can be obtained, often through GEP or specific publishers.

The Lüneburg UFO Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "Lüneburger UFO" incident, which occurred in January 1981. The article, titled "DAS LÜNEBURGER UFO" by Dieter von Reeken, clarifies that the perceived UFO was actually a hot air balloon. The balloon, described as red and white striped, with a height of 2.50 m and a width of 1.50 m, landed in a rose garden in Lüneburg. Initially reported by the local newspaper "Landeszeitung," the balloon was later identified as a promotional device from a Hamburg cigarette factory. The article notes that such objects are easily mistaken for UFOs, especially at higher altitudes, and that the increasing prevalence of such devices can lead to misunderstandings and misidentifications.

The article also references the historical context of hot air balloons, mentioning the Montgolfier brothers' pioneering work in 1785. It contrasts these with modern hot air balloons used for advertising and recreational purposes, and high-altitude research balloons that use gas. The piece touches upon Jim Woodman's 1973 flight over Nazca, Peru, in a hot air balloon, suggesting it as a possible explanation for the large geoglyphs, an idea that aligns with pre-astronautic theories.

Reader Contributions and Editorial Notes

The "gep-mitteilungen" section includes a humorous letter from a reader named "Ufomanski" who jokingly describes being constantly harassed by UFOs in the shape of saucers, ashtrays, or flower pots. This letter is presented in the context of the magazine's desire to approach UFO research with seriousness, akin to scientific publications.

The editorial also mentions the upcoming "1. MYSTERIA-KONGEESS" in Holzhausen, planned for October 1981, featuring pre-astronautic themes. New members are welcomed, and the delay in publishing a report on the "2. CENAP-Konvent" in Syrgenstein is noted due to its proximity to the editorial deadline. A future special issue is planned as a directory of UFO research organizations and magazines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO sightings, the exploration of pre-astronautic theories linking ancient civilizations with extraterrestrial visitors, and the importance of scientific rigor in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational and evidence-based approach, as exemplified by the debunking of the "Lüneburg UFO" and the call for serious scientific inquiry. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the latest literature and ongoing research in the field of UFOlogy.