JUFOF - Issue 020 - 1982 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of the German magazine 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG' (Journal for UFO Research), published by the GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene), is the second issue of Volume 3, dated March/April 1982. It costs DM 3.50 and is identified as Heft 20.

Featured Articles and Content

"Deutscher Polizist schwört: Ich fotografierte dieses UFO" (German Police Officer Swears: I Photographed This UFO)

This prominent cover story details the case of Police Officer Wilhelm Eisenburger, who photographed an unusual object near the Hamburg Michel church spire on January 7, 1982. The article, accompanied by a 'BILD' newspaper report, initially presents the object as a potential UFO. However, the subsequent article by Gerald Mosbleck provides a detailed analysis, suggesting the object is a 'lens reflection' or 'katadioptrisches Scheinbild' caused by optical phenomena within the camera lens, particularly when photographing light sources at night.

Gerald Mosbleck: "LINSENREFLEXIONEN UND IHRE BEDEUTUNG FÜR DIE UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Lens Reflections and Their Significance for UFO Research)

This in-depth article by Gerald Mosbleck is central to the issue's theme of debunking the 'Hamburger UFO' photograph. Mosbleck explains the physics of light reflection and how it can create spurious images on photographic film. He discusses how camera lenses, made of glass, can reflect light, especially in challenging lighting conditions like night photography or against-the-light shots. He details the characteristics of lens reflections, such as their oval or circular shape, and contrasts them with other optical phenomena. The article includes diagrams illustrating how light rays are deflected within a camera lens to produce these 'ghost images'. Mosbleck argues that such photographic artifacts are often mistaken for UFOs and highlights the unreliability of photographic evidence in UFO research without rigorous analysis.

Jacques Vallee: "DAS UFO-PHÄNOMEN" (The UFO Phenomenon)

This section features an excerpt from Jacques Vallee's work, exploring the broader UFO phenomenon. Vallee distinguishes between UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence, noting the diverse opinions among scientists. He discusses how the UFO phenomenon has evolved into a modern mythology, reflecting societal anxieties and technological advancements. Vallee examines the physical aspects of UFO sightings, acknowledging that while most sightings can be explained by conventional means (balloons, meteors, aircraft), a small percentage remain unexplained. He touches upon the search for physical evidence, such as ground traces or alleged debris, and the challenges in verifying such claims. The article also delves into the anthropological perspective, suggesting that our understanding of UFOs is shaped by our cultural conditioning and preconceived notions, drawing parallels to how primitive societies might interpret unfamiliar technology.

"EIN ARGUMENT GEGEN UFOS" (An Argument Against UFOs)

This section discusses arguments against the existence of UFOs, referencing the 'Condon Report' which concluded that UFO research offered no scientific benefit. It highlights the issue of potential hoaxes and the difficulty in distinguishing genuine sightings from fabricated ones. The article also recounts the 1973 Turin airport sighting, which involved a UFO reportedly seen by air traffic controllers and a pilot, suggesting that some sightings remain difficult to dismiss.

"ANTHROPOLOGIE"

This part of the journal explores the UFO phenomenon from an anthropological viewpoint. It questions whether extraterrestrial intelligence, if it exists, would necessarily be similar to humans and communicate via radio. The article suggests that our interpretation of UFOs is heavily influenced by science fiction and our cultural framework, leading us to associate them with extraterrestrial visitors. It proposes that UFOs might represent a technological manifestation that challenges our current understanding of reality and communication.

UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN (UFO Observations)

This section provides a compilation of recent UFO sightings from late 1981 and early 1982, reported from various locations in Germany and Switzerland. Each entry includes the date, location, number of witnesses, and a brief description of the observed phenomenon, along with the source of the report. A classification system (NL, DD, CE1-CE4) is used to categorize the nature of the observations, ranging from simple light phenomena to potential contact scenarios.

"Kurz berichtet..." (Briefly Reported...)

This section announces the planned formation of an international UFO research organization, aiming to unite national UFO research groups. It mentions the involvement of the 'Center for UFO Studies' and the efforts to create a unified database and data processing system. The article also notes discussions with representatives from various countries and the dissemination of 'food for thought' to other nations.

Other Content

The issue also includes an 'Impressum' (Imprint) detailing the journal's publication details, subscription prices, and contact information for the GEP. There is also a notice about a new telephone number for the GEP's office in Lüdenscheid and information regarding free classified ads for subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal's editorial stance, as expressed in the 'Liebe Leser' (Dear Readers) section, is to approach the UFO phenomenon from a scientific and naturalistic perspective. They emphasize the importance of rigorous investigation and are skeptical of sensationalist claims, particularly those involving 'contactees'. The GEP aims to publish scientifically grounded research and analysis, as evidenced by the detailed examination of the 'Hamburger UFO' photograph. There is a clear effort to educate readers about potential misinterpretations of phenomena, especially concerning photographic evidence. The journal also shows an interest in international UFO research efforts and the development of a more structured, collaborative approach to the subject.

This issue of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (JUFOF), Volume 1, Issue 4, dated January 1982, features a prominent article by Hans-Werner Peiniger titled 'AUSSERIRDISCHE LEBENSSPUREN IN METEORITEN' (Extraterrestrial Life Traces in Meteorites).

Extraterrestrial Life Traces in Meteorites

The lead article by Hans-Werner Peiniger delves into the theory that life did not originate on Earth, citing evidence from found fossil bodies in meteorites. It explains that meteorites are interplanetary debris, primarily from the asteroid belt, and categorizes them into iron, stony, and stony-iron types. The focus is on 'carbonaceous chondrites,' which contain carbon and water and are notable for harboring microfossil-like structures. These structures are described as small, circular, shield-shaped, cylindrical, and hexagonal particles, with Claus and Nagy reporting over 1700 such particles per milligram of sample. They suggest these developed in a moist environment over a long period.

Several researchers, including Eugster, Henessy, and Nagy, are mentioned for finding similar 'organized elements' in other meteorites like Alais and Tonk. Ross, Skujy, Timofeer, and Palik also found organized elements, while Mamikunian and Briggs described rounded, bubble-like structures. However, some researchers like Staplin concluded these were unusual mineral grains or terrestrial contaminants.

The article addresses the debate on whether these findings represent extraterrestrial life or terrestrial contamination. It acknowledges that meteorites can be contaminated upon entering Earth's atmosphere or after falling. While abiogenic (terrestrial) origins were long favored, more scientists are now supporting a biogenic (extraterrestrial) origin, viewing these elements as proof of life beyond Earth.

Researchers M. Calvin and S.K. Vaugh are quoted stating that similar evolutionary processes observed on Earth have occurred elsewhere, suggesting humanity is not unique. Eugster highlights the definitive presence of a cell membrane in cross-sections as strong evidence for fossilized elements, and the presence of Fe, Cl, and Ni suggests they are not terrestrial impurities. The ultimate proof, however, would be a sterile meteorite found before it hits Earth.

Recent advancements in chemical analysis have provided new insights. Paleontologist Hans Dietrich Pflug states that modern spectral microscopes can analyze the organic composition of inclusions, distinguishing them from foreign particles. He asserts that certain finds belong to the original substance of meteorites and that no paleontologist would hesitate to interpret these cell structures as remnants of organisms if found in terrestrial rocks.

The age of meteorites is estimated at 4.6 billion years, the same as Earth, implying life could be older than Earth. This hypothesis is now considered significant, making the question of life's origin even more complex.

Illustrations show an organic inclusion in the Murchison meteorite and a rock thin section of the 4.6-billion-year-old Murchison meteorite, highlighting structures similar in size and shape to terrestrial colibacteria.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews related to UFOs:

• 'FLYING SAUCERS AND PLANETS' by Gilbert F. Sanders: A 36-page brochure available from SPACE FACTS for $2.00.
• 'UFO'S WHAT'S AHEAD?' by Bob Barry: A 32-page brochure with 18 photos, available from the 20th Century UFO Bureau for approximately $3.00.
• 'THE FLYING SAUCER STORY' by Brinsley Le Poer Trener: A paperback available for DM 10.- plus postage.
• 'THE FLYING SAUCER READER' edited by Jay David: A 252-page book available for DM 12.- plus postage.
• 'DAS BERMUDA DREIECK Fenster zum Kosmos?' (The Bermuda Triangle: Window to the Cosmos?) by Charles Berlitz: A 255-page hardcover with numerous illustrations, available for DM 15.- plus postage.

'THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF UFOS' by Ronald D. Story

Reviewed by Klaus Seidensticker, this encyclopedia is praised for its comprehensive and objective approach to the UFO phenomenon. It features a main lexicographically ordered section of about 400 pages, three appendices, and a bibliography of English-language UFO literature. The appendices include a timeline of UFO history up to mid-1978, a directory of UFO magazines, and a compilation of abbreviations. The main part contains around 300 entries by various authors, covering biographies of UFOlogists (like Gray Barker, Allen Hynek, Phillip Klass), sighting reports (Great Falls, Montana; Walton abduction), and overview articles on UFOlogy aspects (demonic UFO theory, hypnosis, Betty Hill's star map). While it mentions figures like Stanton T. Friedman and James Oberg, the review notes a significant drawback: its heavy concentration on the North American region, neglecting many international aspects. The editors acknowledge this and seek suggestions for future editions. Seidensticker recommends the book for those with some prior knowledge, offering a quicker and better overview of UFOlogy than other works.

'THE UFO ENCYCLOPEDIA' by Margaret Sachs

Also reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book is similar in content to the one by Story, with a lexicographical structure covering about 370 pages and over 500 entries. It includes short biographies, organizations, magazines, sightings, and UFO photos. While author Margaret Sachs made an effort to cover all aspects of ufology, the review points out some shortcomings, such as mentioning boxer Muhammad Ali instead of contactee Allingham. An expanded, improved edition is suggested. German UFOlogists like DUIST, CENAP, Werner Walter, and Illobrand von Ludwiger are mentioned. The book features a chronological list of 100 well-known UFO sightings, from Thutmose III in Egypt to the Quentin Fogarty film. It also includes a bibliography, maps, and an index. Peiniger recommends this book as well.

Reader's Opinion

Klaus Seidensticker writes about the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (JUFOF), noting the fragmented nature of the German UFO scene. He suggests JUFOF should focus on being a communication and information platform for German-speaking UFO enthusiasts, rather than striving for a 'scientific' image. He proposes reducing the journal's scope (e.g., a new title, quarterly publication) to allow more time for editorial work. He also advocates for supporting the creation of a European UFO research journal to unite authors capable of conducting scientific investigations.

Roland Gehardt from Heilbronn congratulates JUFOF on its launch, calling it the best-made UFO magazine in Germany and appreciating the inclusion of case studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the scientific investigation of potential extraterrestrial life, particularly through the analysis of meteorites. It highlights the ongoing debate between terrestrial contamination and genuine extraterrestrial biological origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting scientific findings and expert opinions while acknowledging the need for further, irrefutable evidence (like sterile meteorites). The reviews of UFO encyclopedias suggest a growing body of literature on the subject, though with noted limitations in scope and regional focus. The reader's opinion section reflects a desire for more focused, communication-oriented UFO publications and a call for broader European collaboration in UFO research.