JUFOF - Issue 019 - 1982 01

Magazine Overview

This issue, Number 1 of Volume 3, dated January/February 1982, of the German-language magazine "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), published by GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene), focuses on UFO sightings, technological investigations, and statistical approaches to the phenomenon. The cover prominently features a report on a UFO sighting over Rosa Pineta, Italy, a test of a UFO detector, and an article on statistical analysis.

GEP and Editorial Introduction

The GEP, a community for the research of unknown phenomena, states its mission to scientifically approach the UFO problem through data collection, analysis, and field investigations. They emphasize their interest in electromagnetic effects and express skepticism towards sensational 'contactee' reports. The editorial introduces the 3rd year of JUFOF, noting a new hardcover binding for improved quality. Financial constraints led to the removal of four advertising pages, and the editors express hope to reintroduce them if finances improve. They highlight that JUFOF is a non-commercial, specialized journal that still struggles to be financially self-sustaining and faces difficulties in acquiring good manuscripts. The editorial also promotes GEP membership, which offers benefits like a discount on the JUFOF subscription and other services.

A note about a supplement is included, mentioning a prospectus from Verlag 2000 and a free index for the second year of JUFOF for subscribers, with additional copies available for purchase.

UFO Sighting: Object over Rosa Pineta, Italy

This article details a sighting on August 7, 1981, from 22:20 to 22:26, in Rosa Pineta, Italy. The object was described as changing color from red to white and moving slowly from northeast to southwest. Witnesses, including Helmut Schwarz (46), Margot Schwarz (45), Sonja Wehrhahn (23), Helmut Wehrhahn (24), and Norbert Schwarz (17), estimated its initial size at 35 arcminutes when an arm was extended, and at full moon size when it came to a standstill. The reliability index for this sighting is rated at 99%. The witness interviews were conducted by Johann Koch of GEP. The object's trajectory is illustrated with a drawing by Helmut Schwarz, showing its movement and a period of standstill. Two photos were taken by Helmut Wehrhahn using a Revue-Flex SDI camera with a telephoto lens. The photos show the object becoming smaller, indicating increased speed. Norbert Schwarz's attempt to photograph the object with a pocket camera was unsuccessful.

Test: UFO Detector

This section reviews the UFO detector from 'Tucker Scientific' in Ferndale, USA. The device is designed to automatically register unidentified aerial phenomena using the principle of mutual influence between two magnetic fields. The detector, which requires a 9V battery, consists of a transparent plastic tube with end caps, two suction cups, a buzzer, two ring magnets, and wire. The construction is described as simple, even for non-English speakers, but the adjustment of the wire end into the eyelet is noted as a difficult and frustrating process. The sensitivity of the detector is considered low, comparable to a compass needle. The article provides a table evaluating the detector's components, including material, description, build plan, assembly, adjustment, and sensitivity, with a total score indicating it is 'below average' due to low sensitivity.

The Reliability Index

Authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this article explains the Reliability Index (Zuverlässigkeitsindex) developed by Dipl.-Phys. Illo Brand. This index, analogous to reliability studies in spaceflight, quantifies the probability of witness statements being accurate. It considers three factors: the Witness Factor (m, the number of witnesses), the Investigation Factor (P_i, quality of the investigation), and the Transcription Factor (P_r, the 'hand' from which the report originates). The article provides detailed formulas and examples for calculating these factors and the overall index. A low index (<50%) renders a report worthless, while values below 80% suggest limited further research value. The author notes that a low index can still be valuable for indicating honest, albeit inconclusive, investigations.

The Silkeborg Fall

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger describes a case from October 1979 in Silkeborg, Denmark. The couple Mortengaard photographed illuminated fountains with a 35mm camera, using Ektachrome film and a tripod. Upon development, three color photos revealed unusual light phenomena. Major Ret. Hans C. Petersen of IGAP investigated the case and submitted the photos to Major Ret. Colman S. VonKeviczky of ICUFON, USA, for expertise. The analysis found no evidence of forgery or photographic errors. ICUFON suggested that the couple might not have noticed the slow-moving objects while photographing the fountains. Photo 2 is highlighted as particularly significant, showing a vehicle 'A' with detailed structural features, including a dark, rounded edge and a highly polished dome, reflecting orange light. The article includes the photos and a diagram of the trajectories.

"Extraterrestrials" and Statistics

Dr. Reinhard Breuer's article discusses the statistical approach to the question of extraterrestrial life. He emphasizes that statistics should be used for illumination, not as a crutch, and that current data is limited. While probability theory can calculate the chances of certain events, applying it to the origin of life and intelligence is complex due to the single known example (Earth). Despite extensive searches with radio telescopes over 20 years yielding no evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence, Breuer cautions that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. He touches upon the Copernican revolutions in understanding Earth's place in the universe and humanity's uniqueness. The article references Frank Drake's equation for estimating the number of technological civilizations in the Milky Way, highlighting the numerous uncertain factors involved, from star formation to the duration of technological civilizations. Breuer suggests that while life might be common, technological civilizations capable of interstellar communication might be rare, with Earth potentially being one of the few.

Contact Attempts with Extraterrestrial Civilizations

This section, also by Dr. Reinhard Breuer, explores methods for detecting extraterrestrial civilizations. These include being visited, receiving radio signals, detecting 'super-technologies,' or finding encoded genetic information. Breuer notes that none of these methods have yielded definitive results, excluding UFOlogists who claim to have evidence. He discusses Earth's current space exploration efforts, like NASA's missions, as relatively modest. The article mentions the Pioneer 10 probe carrying a plaque with information about Earth. It also details the Arecibo message sent in 1974, a binary code aimed at the M13 star cluster, and discusses the limitations of its reach. The article contrasts deliberate signals with unintentional ones, such as radio and radar transmissions from Earth, which are significantly brighter than the sun in certain wavelengths and could potentially be detected by advanced extraterrestrial receivers. The article also touches upon Dyson spheres and the search for infrared radiation from advanced civilizations.

Biological Communication

This part of the article by Dr. Reinhard Breuer introduces the concept of biological communication as a potential channel for detecting extraterrestrial intelligence, alongside space travel and electromagnetic waves. It mentions ongoing projects like the search for artificial radio signals and the 'OZMA II' project, which monitored 650 sun-like stars for signals. The article concludes by stating that the biological communication channel is an interesting possibility that has been largely overlooked.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a serious, scientific approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing data collection, statistical analysis, and critical evaluation of evidence. There is a clear distinction made between sensational claims and rigorous investigation. The GEP's stance is to explore the phenomenon from a natural science perspective, remaining open to various hypotheses but cautious about premature conclusions, particularly regarding extraterrestrial origins. The publication aims to provide a platform for detailed case studies, technical reviews, and theoretical discussions within the UFO research community.

This issue of "bild der wissenschaft" from January 1980, titled "Viren als Träger von interstellaren Nachrichten" (Viruses as carriers of interstellar messages), explores speculative scientific theories about extraterrestrial communication and the search for life beyond Earth. The magazine also includes a review of a complex physics book and news from a UFO research organization.

Viruses as Carriers of Interstellar Messages

The lead article discusses a proposal by Japanese scientists Hiro-mitsu Yokoo and Tairo Oshima suggesting that extraterrestrial civilizations might use the genetic material of viruses, specifically bacteriophages, to transmit messages. This method is presented as potentially advantageous over radio signals due to its ability to self-replicate, overcome background noise, and persist on a planet. The article details how the DNA of bacteriophage X 174, with its unique overlapping genes, could theoretically be used to encode information. Attempts to decipher patterns within the DNA sequence, using methods similar to the Arecibo message, are described, though initial results are inconclusive. The main drawback identified is the requirement for compatible biochemistry on the target planet for the viruses to replicate.

The Shifting Landscape of SETI

The magazine notes a significant shift in the scientific community's outlook on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Optimistic estimates of millions of communicative civilizations, once common, have given way to a more somber and skeptical view, encapsulated by the question "Where are they all?" This has led to a re-evaluation of possibilities, including humanity being alone, the absence of other technological societies, or the idea that humanity might be intentionally isolated, perhaps in a "cosmic zoo" created by advanced civilizations.

Review: Burkhard Heim's "Elementarstrukturen der Materie"

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to reviewing Burkhard Heim's highly complex work, "Elementarstrukturen der Materie." This book is described as the first part of his unified 6-dimensional quantum-geometrodynamics theory. The review emphasizes the immense mathematical and physical complexity, making it accessible only to a select audience. Heim's theory aims to unify all physical force fields and their sources as dynamic properties of geometric structures, a feat that has eluded physicists like Einstein. The review highlights the potential implications for interstellar travel and parapsychology, suggesting that Heim's work could revolutionize our understanding of physics and the universe, even if its concepts are utopian.

GEP News and Information

The issue also contains updates from the GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung Unbekannter Phänomene e.V. - Community for the Investigation of Unknown Phenomena). This section includes information on upcoming meetings, new members, and practical details for members, such as membership fees and the availability of back issues of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research). A list of available back issues is provided, along with ordering information and prices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the boundaries of scientific understanding, particularly in the realms of physics, biology, and the search for extraterrestrial life. There's a clear interest in speculative theories that push conventional scientific thought, as evidenced by the focus on viral communication and Burkhard Heim's advanced physics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting complex and sometimes controversial ideas to a scientifically literate audience, while also acknowledging the growing skepticism and challenges in fields like SETI. The inclusion of GEP news suggests a commitment to fostering a community around the investigation of unexplained phenomena.