JUFOF - Issue 022 - 1982 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, dated July/August 1982 (Number 4, Volume 3, Issue 22), published by the Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene e.V. (GEP), delves into various aspects of UFO research. The cover prominently features an interview with Professor Zigel, alongside articles on a UFO sighting over Hagen, unusual UFO material, and the status of NICAP.

Interview with Prof. Zigel

The central piece is an extensive interview with Professor Zigel, a respected figure in UFO research. He discusses his long-term conviction that UFOs are likely extraterrestrial probes, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and dismissing sensationalist claims. Zigel highlights the challenges in studying UFOs, noting the scientific community's general skepticism and the lack of institutional support. He posits that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might be observing humanity without direct contact, waiting for Earth's civilization to reach a certain developmental stage. He also addresses the phenomenon of 'angel hair,' describing it as a substance with unusual properties, and discusses the varied sizes and types of observed UFOs, suggesting explanations involving multiple dimensions and different craft designs.

Leuchlobjekt über Hagen (Luminous Object over Hagen)

This article details a UFO sighting that occurred on April 20, 1982, in Hagen, Germany. The witness, Heike S., reported observing a bright, point-shaped object that changed color from white to reddish and blue, and later to green and yellow. The object exhibited slight movements and appeared to rotate. GEP leader Hans-Werner Peiniger was able to follow much of the observation via telephone. Despite initial thoughts of a weather balloon, meteorological data indicated no such launches. The article concludes that the object was most likely a model hot air balloon, citing its light maneuvers, slow speed, color changes (possibly due to its multi-colored fabric and rotation), and potential for emitting sparks from burning fuel.

Illo Brand: Das UFO - Sichtungsspektrum (Illo Brand: The UFO - Sighting Spectrum)

Illo Brand's contribution discusses the classification of UFO sightings and the challenges of scientific investigation. He argues that UFO phenomena are primarily physical and not mere psychological projections or hallucinations. Brand criticizes the scientific community's reluctance to engage with UFO research, often dismissing witnesses without proper investigation. He points out that many UFO reports are not made public due to fear of ridicule. The article also touches upon the French government's past interest in UFOs, with the Minister of the Armed Forces acknowledging the phenomenon's reality and the establishment of a dedicated department.

Wahhaft Seltsames UFO-Material (Truly Strange UFO Material)

This section critically examines UFO-related material allegedly originating from a 'Secret US UFO-Group' and provided by Walter Schilling. The author expresses strong doubts about the authenticity of photographic evidence, including UFO images and portraits of 'extraterrestrial friends,' suggesting they are likely montages or fabrications. The article criticizes Schilling's claims of contact with extraterrestrials and his alleged flight to a 'base spaceship,' deeming his material as lacking credibility and harmful to serious UFO research.

Professor Zigel und die Sowjetische UFO-Kontroverse (Professor Zigel and the Soviet UFO Controversy)

This article recounts the Soviet Union's official stance on UFOs, initiated by a public appeal in 1967 by Generalmajor P.A. Stoljarow and Professor Zigel, asking citizens to report sightings. This led to a surge in UFO reports. However, the official attitude quickly shifted to disapproval, with the Soviet Academy of Sciences dismissing UFOs as a product of mass hysteria. Professor Zigel was instructed to cease his research but continued it privately. The article details the difficulties faced by Western journalists in interviewing Zigel, attributing the reluctance to official government pressure and Zigel's own caution due to the risks involved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently advocates for a scientific, yet open-minded, approach to UFO research. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous data collection, witness credibility assessment, and the physical nature of the phenomena. The GEP positions itself as a serious research organization, distinguishing itself from sensationalist reporting and pseudoscientific claims. There is a clear critique of the mainstream scientific community's dismissive attitude towards UFOs, highlighting the need for more funding and dedicated research institutions. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, seeking to demystify UFOs through methodical investigation rather than succumbing to unfounded speculation or outright denial.

This issue of the magazine, identified as 'Nr. 5'82' and dated October 1982, is published by GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene e.V.) and focuses on UFO research, particularly in Germany and the USSR, with a special section on pre-astronautics.

UFO Research in the USSR

The magazine features an interview discussing the state of UFO research in the USSR. It highlights that while most Soviet scientists are skeptical, a dedicated group continues private research. The systematic collection of UFO reports has been discontinued, and witnesses are often hesitant to share their experiences. The primary obstacles to official research are scientific prejudice and the difficulty of separating factual accounts from sensationalism. The interview also touches upon the possibility of UFO landings in the USSR in 1961 and 1967, which remain unclarified.

Organizing UFO Research

The discussion on organizing UFO research suggests creating models of UFOs based on scientific data and exploring theoretical explanations. It emphasizes the need to move beyond debating the existence of UFOs and focus on theoretical explanations. The article also proposes investigating peripheral problems in contemporary physics, such as vacuum energy and non-propulsion systems, and exploring a fourth dimension to explain UFO movements. The work of Soviet physicist I.L. Gerlowin on the fundamental field theory is mentioned as a promising area.

International Cooperation and UFO Sightings

The issue explores the potential for collaboration between American and Soviet scientists in UFO research, particularly within the framework of developing scientific cooperation. The Soviet Academy of Sciences' program for researching possible communications with extraterrestrial civilizations, which includes searching for extraterrestrial probes in Earth's orbit, is highlighted. The article suggests that a joint search effort between the USSR and the USA would be a significant task. It is anticipated that UFO sightings will continue to increase as extraterrestrial beings gather more information about Earth.

NICAP and the 'The UFO Evidence'

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the history and activities of NICAP (National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena), once a prominent UFO research group in America. It details NICAP's efforts to combat government secrecy regarding UFOs and its role in releasing information, including the standard work 'THE UFO EVIDENCE'. The article notes NICAP's fusion with the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) due to financial reasons and its legacy as a critical research organization.

CUFOS and New Documentation Plans

CUFOS, led by Professor J.A. Hynek, is planning an updated version of 'The UFO Evidence'. This new documentation will include recent cases from the past 18 years and new topics such as government secrecy and alleged crashed UFOs. The goal is to present evidence that UFOs are under intelligent control, suggesting an extraterrestrial origin.

GEP Activities and Publications

The GEP organization, based in Lüdenscheid, Germany, actively collects and investigates UFO data. Their research focuses on field investigations, witness interviews, and measurements. GEP publishes a journal, 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG', and also releases brochures on UFO-related topics. The article mentions their efforts to debunk sensational claims and focus on objective research.

Pre-Astronautics and Erich von Däniken

The issue includes a report on GEP member Axel Ertelt's trip to Turkey with author Erich von Däniken. The expedition aimed to find evidence supporting von Däniken's theories about ancient astronaut gods. They visited historical sites like Istanbul, Ankara, and Hattusa, examining ancient structures and reliefs that they interpreted as potential evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• 'THE HOUSE OF LORDS UFO DEBATE': This book documents a debate on UFOs in the House of Lords, UK, and is presented as a significant historical document for UFOlogists.
• 'PLANDOR PLANET DES FRIEDENS': A review of a book by Hans Peter Klotzbach, which describes contacts with extraterrestrials and a utopian planet. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the claims.
• 'EVAKUIERUNG IN DEN WELTRAUM': This book is heavily criticized for its religious and mystical content, deviating from typical UFO research. The reviewer advises readers to save their money.
• 'PSI ALS NEUE STAATSGEHEIMNIS': A review of a book by Henry Gris and William Dick about the Soviet Union's research into PSI phenomena, including UFO research.

Reader's Opinion

A section titled 'Das meint der Leser' (What the Reader Thinks) features a letter from Lothar Richter. He argues against researchers who aim to prove UFOs do not exist, emphasizing that science is still evolving and that current physics may not be sufficient to explain all phenomena. He advocates for continued research and open-mindedness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and progress of UFO research, the skepticism faced by researchers, the importance of scientific methodology, and the exploration of pre-astronautics theories. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of continued, objective UFO research, distinguishing it from sensationalism and pseudoscience, while acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining definitive proof. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and the potential for international cooperation.