JUFOF - Issue 027 - 1983 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by GEMEINSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG UNBEKANNTER PHANOMENE e.V. (Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena), is Volume 4, Issue 3, dated May/June 1983. The cover headline announces "'UFO' NEAR NÜRNBERG EXPLAINED!" and questions whether an exploded object was a weather balloon.

Key Articles and Reports

NL-Sichtung über den USA (NL Sighting over the USA)

Hans Werner Peiniger reports on a sighting from August 1966 involving three bright, white, circular objects observed by Klaus B. and other passengers on a freighter en route to New York. The objects were described as overlapping, slowly moving from northwest to southeast, with brightness decreasing towards the center. The witness compared their size to the full moon or an orange held at arm's length and noted their brightness was less than the moon. They were observed using 7x50 binoculars at an estimated altitude of 60 degrees.

Explodiertes Objekt – Ein Wetterballon? (Exploded Object – A Weather Balloon?)

This article by Hans Werner Peiniger investigates an incident on September 3, 1982, near Ost-Sümmern (Menden), Germany. Amateur astronomer Jörg Freis and colleagues observed a bright, round, unidentifiable object. Before it could be photographed, the object exploded silently. The fragments scattered, and the object's round shape suggested it was not a satellite or known object. The object's brightness was estimated to be similar to Venus (-3m to -4m), and its size was compared to Jupiter. It was observed to be rotating. The article later reveals that this object was identified as a weather balloon launched from Essen, Germany, on September 3, 1982, at 17:00 GMT, tracked by radar at an altitude of approximately 30 kilometers. The 'vorsatz-ähnlicher Körper' (appendage-like body) is explained as a radar reflector, and the balloon likely burst at high altitude, with the reflector descending via a yellow parachute.

"UFO" BEI NÜRNBERG AUFGEKLÄRT ("UFO" Near Nürnberg Explained)

This section details the widely reported UFO sighting near Nürnberg in April 1983. Several press clippings are included, describing the object as large (over 200 meters), triangular, and difficult for aircraft to reach. The Bavarian television chartered a jet to film it. Initial reports dismissed the possibility of it being a weather balloon due to lack of official notification. The object was observed for two days, with estimates of its altitude at around 25,000 meters, suggesting a size of 100-200 meters. The article includes a photo taken by an amateur astronomer and quotes the airport director, Helmut Müller-Gutermann, who described it as looking like a "triangular milk carton." The article also references a similar case from Sarajevo on October 18, 1968, where a UFO was photographed and later identified as a stratospheric balloon of unknown origin, with a detailed analysis published in a 42-page brochure.

UFO-EMISSION VERURSACHT BRANDWUNDE (UFO Emission Causes Burn Wound)

This report by Bob Boyd details an incident on September 11, 1981, involving Denise Bishop, a 23-year-old bank employee in Plymouth, England. She reported seeing a large, silent, dark grey UFO hovering over rooftops. Beams of pastel-colored light (pink, blue-red, white) emanated from its underside. As she reached for her back door, a green beam of light struck her hand, causing temporary paralysis. The beam lasted about 30 seconds. Afterward, she discovered a burn wound on her hand, which appeared as a piece of shiny skin with blood spots and bruising, with new skin underneath. Medical analysis suggested it had characteristics of a laser burn. The case was investigated by PUFORG (Plymouth Unidentified Flying Objects Research Group) and reported to the press. The article notes that Denise was scheduled to travel to Canada and was hesitant about seeking medical attention. The incident occurred near a large NATO naval base, leading to speculation about a connection.

WAS HABEN UFO-ZEICHNUNGEN VON ANGEBLICHEN AUGENZEUGEN UND NICHT-AUGENZEUGEN GEMEIN? TEIL 3 (What do UFO Drawings from Alleged Eyewitnesses and Non-Eyewitnesses Have in Common? Part 3)

This is the third part of an article by Richard F. Haines. He presents findings from experiments analyzing UFO drawings. The research suggests that the number of drawn details tends to decrease when individuals confront a stimulus they believe to be a UFO, leading to less elaborate or 'ridiculous' forms. This could be due to the nature of the stimulus itself or psychological factors. Measurements of the proportions of 'hull' and 'dome' in drawings showed no significant differences between groups who claimed to have seen a UFO and those who hadn't, indicating a pre-existing 'proto-symbol' of a UFO might influence drawings regardless of actual sighting. Haines also discusses experiments on the accuracy of reproducing UFO drawings after viewing them for a prolonged period, noting that participants tended to distort proportions and angles, and that the 'irradiation phenomenon' (where bright areas appear larger) could affect perception.

3. PROGRAMMA DI UFO'S IM TV (UFO Program on TV)

This section reviews a TV program titled "UFO-Rausch in Südamerika" (UFO Craze in South America) by Rolf Pflücke. The program explored UFO sightings in South America, featuring interviews with witnesses and UFO enthusiasts, but also included questionable UFO photos. The review notes an incident where a passenger on a flight reportedly vanished after an unidentified object appeared above the plane. The program also visited the European Southern Observatory in Chile, where an astronomer dismissed UFO phenomena as "nonsense," a view that Pflücke seemed to challenge by conducting his own observations. The review concludes that despite an ironic tone, the program was informative.

GEDANKEN ZUR ORGANISATION DER GEP (Thoughts on the Organization of GEP)

Dieter von Reeken discusses the organization of the GEP (Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena), which has been a registered association for over 10 years. He notes the success of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF) in increasing membership and proposes expanding GEP's activities beyond publishing and annual meetings. He suggests leveraging events like the "Hermann-Oberth-Gesellschaft" (HOG) space congress for GEP's annual meeting. He also proposes a new organizational structure with working groups for photography, translations, bibliography, and a UFO lexicon to alleviate the workload on the existing board.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and identification of UFO phenomena. There's a clear editorial stance favoring rational explanations, as seen in the "Nürnberg UFO" case being identified as a weather balloon. However, the magazine also presents cases with unexplained elements, such as the Plymouth burn wound, and explores the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO sightings through scientific analysis of drawings. The GEP's commitment to serious research is evident in its organizational discussions and the detailed reporting of various cases.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Volume 3, Issue 2'83) from the publisher GEP, dated 1983, focuses on practical aspects of UFO research and critical analysis of related literature. The cover headline highlights 'JUFOF-EINBANDDECKEN' (JUFOF Binding Covers), indicating a practical guide for readers.

JUFOF-Einbanddecken (JUFOF Binding Covers)

This section provides detailed instructions on how to bind the JUFOF journals using special cover jackets. It explains that these jackets can be used for current and future issues, with the spine printing oriented from bottom to top. The process involves sending the unbound issues to a bookbinder for adhesive binding. The article notes that using JUFOF binding covers reduces the cost of binding by approximately 10 DM. It also lists two recommended bookbinders: Buchbinderei Wilhelm Brüggemann in Bremen (18.00 DM) and SELKE GmbH in Koblenz (16.00 DM). The GEP-Geschäftsstelle encourages readers to order binding covers for 1983 and potentially 1984, as higher order quantities lead to lower prices. A 20% discount is offered to members, amounting to 2.00 DM off per cover, with a total saving of 10.00 DM if five covers are purchased.

Das meint der Leser (What the Reader Thinks)

This section features reader correspondence. One letter, a review of the book 'HOONGATE' from JUFOF 1'83, discusses apparent contradictions in information regarding Moon gravity and the 'Neutral Point'. The reviewer suggests that the public may not have been consistently informed, possibly to gain an advantage over the Soviet Union in space projects. The letter acknowledges genuine discrepancies in NASA statements, citing conflicting reports about water on the Moon and permafrost. The reviewer concludes that the book 'MOONGATE' is not sectarian but an attempt to find truth based on observations and theories, and that much remains unknown about the Moon.

Another letter, from Michael Hesemann in Neuss, comments on the book 'MOONGATE'.

A third letter, from H.P. Schwarz of the ETH-Bibliothek in Zurich, addresses the connection between the ETH and UFO research. Schwarz explains that while the ETH does not officially research UFOs, its library collects publications on the subject, particularly those related to technology and natural sciences. The library aims to provide access to these materials for interested individuals and acknowledges that UFOs might one day be recognized as real, making these publications valuable.

A letter from Walter Hein of Zeitschrift CONTRA in Vienna praises the JUFOF journal, particularly its critical approach and articles on 'Einstein-Rosen Bridges' and an alleged 'photo of an extraterrestrial'. Hein suggests CONTRA might review the journal.

GEP-Publikationen (GEP Publications)

This section reviews several publications:

• CENAP Dokumentation: The second documentation from CENAP celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Danish UFO research organization SUFOI. It highlights SUFOI's work and activities, including an interview with its leader Peter A. Hansen, a review of its 20-year history, and details about its 'Alarmzentrale'. The documentation is 59 pages, photocopied, illustrated, and costs DM 12,-. It is available from Hansjürgen Köhler.
• Messengers of Deception: UFO Contacts and Cults by Jacques Vallee: This book is described as a thrilling account of the background of so-called UFO contacts. Vallee examines the social and religious origins of UFO beliefs and exposes UFO cults that use extraterrestrial salvation narratives. He criticizes scientists for their ignorant stance on the topic, which allows 'Messengers of Deception' to influence people. The book is presented as a valuable complement to Haines' 'Investigation UFOs', highlighting the dangers of UFO cults and ignorance surrounding UFO sightings. It is 243 pages, with 29 photos and drawings, priced at $6.95, available from And/Or Press.

Neue Bücher (New Books)

This section reviews two books:

• Tatsachenfeststellung durch UFO-Forscher (Fact-finding by UFO Researchers) by C.H. Deck: This book, published by SELKE GmbH, is presented as a guide for UFO researchers. It covers topics such as the general principles of UFO investigation, techniques for field research and witness interviews, and the analysis of witness testimonies. The book emphasizes the psychological and physiological reactions of witnesses and aims to move beyond pointless debates about the origin of UFOs. It contains 300 pages, 61 photos and drawings, and is available in hardcover for $22.95 and paperback for $10.95 from Nelson-Hall Inc.
• Berlitz – Moore: Der Roswell-Zwischenfall (The Roswell Incident) by William Moore: This review discusses a report by William Moore on the Roswell incident. The reviewer notes that Moore's report, based on interviews with individuals involved, suggests that the object found was not a weather balloon but a craft of unknown origin. The report details the recovery of the object and its occupants, and the subsequent cover-up by the US government. The reviewer mentions that Moore's work is supported by other UFO researchers and that the incident is considered a significant event in UFO history. The review also references other related publications and authors.

Michael Hesemann: UFOs Gibt Es! (UFOs Exist!)

This section reviews a brochure by Michael Hesemann titled 'UFOS GIBT ES!', which is a memorandum to the German federal government. The memorandum, accompanied by an 88-page illustrated documentation, calls for the declassification of UFO information, the organization of a world UFO conference, and the establishment of a UN UFO agency. The reviewer notes that the documentation contains questionable evidence, including alleged UFO photos that are likely reflections or misidentifications. Despite these flaws, the memorandum is seen as an attempt to address important issues regarding UFO transparency.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

This section contains a letter from A. Schneider regarding 'Offizielle Untersuchungsberichte der Russen und der Amerikaner über unidentifizierbare Himmelserscheinungen' and K. Webner's 'DIE NAGORA FOTOSERIE KRITISCH BETRACHTET'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practicalities of UFO research, including the preservation of research materials (binding journals), critical analysis of UFO literature and claims, and the importance of transparency regarding UFO phenomena. The journal maintains a critical yet open stance, encouraging detailed investigation and questioning of evidence, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and avoiding sensationalism, as seen in the reviews of Haines' and Vallee's books, which focus on psychological aspects and critical examination of cults, respectively. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous research and informed public discourse on UFOs.