JUFOF - Issue 023 - 1982 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, number 5 from September/October 1982, is the third year of publication and costs DM 3.50. It is published by the GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene e.V.), an organization dedicated to the research of unknown phenomena.

Editorial Stance and Approach

The editorial addresses criticism that the GEP's reporting is not detailed enough. The GEP explains that while they aim for scientific rigor, overly detailed accounts of investigations, such as phone call logs, are considered less important than the results. They emphasize that their field investigation methods, previously detailed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, provide a 'recipe' for their work, and repeating this for every case would be monotonous. The GEP also stresses the importance of only identifying cases when they are likely or certain, avoiding 'forced' identifications and 'unconditional UFO belief'. They acknowledge that not all sightings will be immediately explained and that updates may be necessary, including admissions of misjudgments.

UFO Classification Systems

UFO-Klassifikationen by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This section introduces various UFO classification systems to help identify the 'type' of observation at first glance. It notes that systems are not uniform, with many organizations having their own. The most common system discussed is by J. Allen Hynek of the CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES, which is based purely on observations without preconceived notions.

• Hynek's system includes:
• NL (Nocturnal Light): Frequently observed and easily explained phenomena at night, such as satellites, meteors, aircraft landing lights, planets, balloons, and advertising planes.
• DD (Daylight Disc): Objects described as oval or disc-shaped, observed during the day, typically from a distance of over 150 meters. Most UFO photos are of DD objects.
• RV (Radar / Visual): Reports of UFOs detected only by radar are generally excluded due to natural phenomena that can cause radar echoes. However, radar observations confirmed by visual sightings are important.

• The issue also details Hynek's 'Close Encounter' categories:
• CE 1 (Close Encounter of the First Kind): Near-observations of objects (within 150 meters) with no interaction with the environment. These are difficult to explain.
• CE 2 (Close Encounter of the Second Kind): Involves interactions with the environment, causing physical or psychological effects like paralysis, nausea, burns, fever, depressions, landing traces, equipment failures, etc. These are considered interesting for laboratory study.
• CE 3 (Close Encounter of the Third Kind): Reports of apparent 'occupants' in or near UFOs, distinguishing between distant observations and direct contact reports.

Danish SUFOI Classification

• The Danish group SUFOI uses a similar system, with modifications:
• 0.0 (Ordinær observation): Ordinary observation.
• C.E.0 (Nærobservation): Near-observation without specific characteristics, where the object's structure or form can be determined with enough certainty to exclude conventional aircraft.
• C.E.1: A flying object as in C.E.0, but seen within 150 meters.
• C.E.2: A flying object as in C.E.0 or C.E.1, which also leaves traces like landing marks, radiation, damaged vegetation, etc.
• C.E.3: A flying object as in C.E.0, C.E.1, or C.E.2, where occupants are observed inside or near the object.
• C.E.4: Cases where individuals report that alien beings associated with an unidentified flying object have clearly intervened in their lives.

SUFOI also distinguishes between 'Nachtlichtphänomenen' (Nocturnal Light Phenomena), 'Tageslichtphänomenen' (Daylight Phenomena), and 'Nahbeobachtungen' (Close Observations).

Allan Hendry's Classification Symbols

Allan Hendry's classification symbols are presented, including types of occupants (A-G) and the manner of UFO appearance and disappearance (D1-D6, A1-A6, H1-H5).

GEP Investigations Examples

• The journal provides examples from GEP investigations:
• NL: A gold-yellow object in Altena on Jan. 21, 1980, emitting sparks, with a smaller blue object maneuvering.
• CE 1: In Nachrodt-Wiblingwerde on Nov. 24, 1979, four witnesses saw a large object with a 'brightness difference' to the background, which then vanished.
• CE 2: In Hagen on July 30, 1974, a witness reported a point-like object causing radio interference, followed by eight yellow-red objects, one cigar-shaped, which gave a 'light lesson' leading to unconsciousness and physical symptoms.

Italian Classification (Corrado Tedeschi Editore)

A classification system using pictograms from the Italian publisher Corrado Tedeschi Editore is also shown, including symbols for veracity, shape, movement, and meteorological conditions.

Case Reports and Analysis

Neues zum Fall Rosapineta

This section provides updates on the Rosapineta case previously reported in JUFOF 1'82. Initial analysis by Klaus Webner suggested the photographed object was a construction site lantern and the 'starry sky' was a lit village. However, other astronomers like Joachim Herrmann could not definitively identify the object. The Bavarian astronomers suggested the 'starry sky' was a film defect. The GEP expresses skepticism towards the lantern and village explanation, finding it contradicts witness testimony.

UFO-Beobachtungen Inland (UFO Sightings Domestic)

• This section presents a series of UFO sightings with classifications, dates, locations, witness numbers, and brief descriptions:
• Jan. 3, 1982, Uslar: A witness saw a stationary oval mist ring with 20-30 bright white stars within it.
• Jan. 7, 1982, Essen-Huttrop: Five white discs, larger than stars, were seen shining in the sun.
• Jan. 28, 1982, Niedernhausen/Taunus: A bright, disc-shaped object changed colors and moved eastward.
• June 12, 1982, various locations: A ship-hull-shaped object was observed moving east, later identified as a balloon.
• March 19, 1982: Eight red, shimmering disc-shaped objects appeared, increasing to 30, and emitted bright light.

Interview with Adolf Schneider

GEP Interviewt Adolf Schneider

Adolf Schneider, a Dipl.-Ing. and expert in UFO phenomena, a member of international research groups, and a representative for MUFON in Germany, is interviewed. He has authored several books on UFOs.

Wedel Case Analysis: Schneider discusses the photogrammetric analysis of the Walter Schilling photo from 1977. He initially found the analysis promising, noting a shadow consistent with the object's illumination. However, due to Schilling's later contradictory statements and perceived untrustworthiness, Schneider concludes that the photo, despite potential lack of evidence for forgery, has lost its credibility as a significant UFO case.

Scientific Analysis vs. Witness Credibility: Schneider acknowledges the significant effort in analyzing the Wedel photo but states that such analysis is only valuable in conjunction with a thorough assessment of the witness. The goal of publishing the analysis was to encourage other researchers.

Geophysical Phenomena and UFOs: Regarding the theory linking UFO phenomena to geophysical events like earthquakes, Schneider finds the idea worth considering. He notes that reports of unusual electromagnetic phenomena around earthquakes often parallel UFO reports, but definitive correlations have not yet been established.

Burkhard Heim's Theory: Schneider briefly mentions Burkhard Heim's 'six-dimensional quantum geometrodynamics' as a potential avenue for future UFO research.

Other Sections

• Nachdruck des "The UFO Evidence": An announcement about the reprinting of the 1964 NICAP (USA) documentation "THE UFO EVIDENCE", considered a highly sought-after book.
• Quellennachweis und Hinweise: A list of sources and references used in the articles.
• Buchbesprechungen: Book reviews (not detailed in the scan).
• Leserbriefe: Letters from readers (not detailed in the scan).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the development and application of classification systems, the critical analysis of witness testimony and photographic evidence, and the challenges of distinguishing credible reports from misidentifications or hoaxes. The GEP's editorial stance emphasizes a cautious, evidence-based approach, avoiding sensationalism and premature conclusions, while encouraging rigorous scientific inquiry into UFO sightings.

This issue of "UFO/Flugscheiben" (Issue No. 5'82) is a German-language publication from GEP, focusing on UFO research and its interpretation. It features a detailed discussion with Adolf Schneider regarding the potential of Heim's theory for understanding UFO phenomena and the scientific community's reception.

Article: The UFO Sighting Spectrum

This section, authored by ILLO BRAND, critically examines the scientific investigation of UFOs, particularly the US Air Force's Project Bluebook. It highlights the skepticism of scientists like McDonald, who found the Air Force's explanations often meteorologically impossible. The article points out that only a small percentage of UFO sightings were conclusively explained, and the methodology of the Condon Report is questioned for its predetermined conclusion that UFOs do not exist. The author argues that the scientific approach requires data collection, hypothesis formation, and theory testing, which were allegedly not followed in the Condon study. The financial limitations of the Condon project are also mentioned as a factor.

Scientific Theoretical Basis for UFO Research

This part of the magazine delves into the theoretical requirements for UFOs to be considered a scientific phenomenon. It outlines criteria such as a narrow spectrum of appearance, predictable data patterns, and explanatory relevance and verifiability. The author discusses how stringent conditions, such as a large number of credible sightings, independent verification, and physical evidence, would be needed to scientifically prove the existence of UFOs. The article contrasts the skepticism of some scientists with the 'unscientific' nature of blind belief, advocating for a pragmatic, critical approach. It touches upon the concept of paradigms in science, suggesting that UFO phenomena do not fit into current scientific frameworks, leading to their dismissal or reinterpretation as known phenomena.

The text also explores the idea that scientific progress is often driven by anomalies that challenge existing paradigms, and that a paradigm shift might be necessary to accommodate UFO evidence. The financial difficulties of pursuing UFO research are highlighted, as institutes risk their funding and reputation by engaging in such studies. The article suggests that a clear theoretical framework is crucial for advancing UFO research, as science is fundamentally theoretical and speculative.

Reader Mail and Opinions

Several letters from readers express their views on UFO research. Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP argues that UFO phenomena are not necessarily flying saucers but may have a natural, atmospheric core, though he doesn't rule out future extraterrestrial visits. He advocates for friendly discussions within the UFO community to resolve misunderstandings. Wilhelm Fiedler discusses his work on 'Inertial-Wandlers' and suggests that Soviet military technology in this area might be more advanced than publicly known, possibly explaining their secrecy regarding UFO research. Stephan Steuer criticizes CENAP for dismissing certain UFO cases as 'humbug,' comparing it to the general public's tendency to dismiss the unusual.

New Books

This section reviews two books:

• "UFO/IFO: A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION": A collaborative work by English organizations SCUFORI and PROBE, analyzing UFO research. It includes reports on various sightings and misinterpretations of natural phenomena. The brochure is noted for its critical approach to the UFO problem.
• "THE MC.MINNVILLE PHOTOS AND BASIC ANALYSIS OF UFO CASES WHICH INVOLVE PHOTOGRAPHIC DATA" by Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee: This book presents a new analysis of the famous McMinnville UFO photos from 1950. Maccabee's analysis of the original negatives concludes that the case cannot be definitively proven to be a hoax, despite criticisms from debunkers.

Another book reviewed is "DIE EINSTEIN-ROSEN-BRÜCKE" (The Einstein-Rosen Bridge) by Johannes v. Buttlar. While praised for its extensive information on the history of science and modern physics theories, the reviewer finds the book's premise of using the Tunguska event as a hook for discussing Einstein-Rosen bridges and extraterrestrial intelligence to be somewhat flawed.

GEP-Nachrichten

This section provides updates from the GEP (Community for the Investigation of Unknown Phenomena). It welcomes new members, discusses the potential inclusion of 'Pre-Astronautics' in the JUFOF (Youth Research Group for Unknown Phenomena), and seeks a used answering machine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, while acknowledging the difficulties and resistance from the mainstream scientific community. There's a recurring theme of questioning established explanations and advocating for open-minded, data-driven research. The magazine appears to support critical analysis and the exploration of unconventional theories, such as Heim's, while also being wary of unsubstantiated claims and 'debunking' without proper investigation. The editorial stance leans towards a serious, albeit critical, examination of the UFO subject, distinguishing it from mere sensationalism.