JUFOF - Issue 028 - 1983 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, published by GEMEINSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG UNBEKANNTER PHÄNOMENE e.V., is the 4th issue of Volume 4, dated July/August 1983. It features a cover headline about a UFO photographed over Mallorca and includes articles on UFO phenomena, witness accounts, and scientific analysis.

UFO über Mallorca fotografiert

This article, by Hans-Werner Peiniger, details a UFO sighting by Ewald Holst, a 75-year-old retired teacher, in Paguera, Mallorca, on March 15, 1983. Holst observed a stationary, blue-green glowing, round object for five minutes from his hotel balcony. The object emitted sulfur-yellow discharges. The article includes a map of the location and a photograph of the object, noting that the original is in color and shows the object better. The size of the object was estimated based on cloud height, suggesting a diameter of approximately 18 meters at 500 meters cloud height and 55 meters at 1500 meters cloud height. The author notes a similarity to a UFO photographed over Mallorca in 1950 by Herr Hausmann, with a difference in the direction of rotation of the 'discharges'.

UFO über Köln identifiziert

This section reports on a UFO sighting over Köln-Holweide on the night of May 2-3, 1983. Numerous citizens reported a 'glowing flying object'. Police observed a 'glowing, circular object with a luminous halo'. Investigations with other police departments suggested a similarity to a UFO seen over Nürnberg. Subsequent analysis, including statements from the police president in Köln and meteorological data, identified the object as a stratospheric balloon. The article cites reports from the Braunschweiger Zeitung and Westfälische Rundschau.

Studien und Überlegungen zum UFO-Phänomen

Authored by Claude Poher, this extensive article delves into the nature of UFO phenomena and the challenges of collecting and analyzing information. Poher emphasizes the need for an open mind when approaching these questions, citing a quote from Robert Galley, former French Secretary of Defense. He highlights the vast amount of information available from various sources, estimating that millions of sightings may have occurred globally over decades. Poher poses two fundamental questions: 1) Did the witness actually observe something in the sky? and 2) Can the sighting be explained by known phenomena? He discusses the methodology of verifying witness reports by cross-referencing them with meteorological data, noting a high degree of accuracy in reported weather conditions. The article also touches upon the statistical behavior of atmospheric absorption and its relation to UFO sightings, suggesting that the phenomenon might adhere to certain optical and statistical laws. Poher proposes a hypothesis that UFOs are statistically equivalent to objects traversing the atmosphere, with their numbers influenced by factors like witness density and reporting probability. He also introduces a study comparing UFO reports from northern and southern France based on sunshine hours and population density, suggesting a potential factor of two difference in reporting rates.

Zwillingssichtung über Kalifornien, USA

This section, attributed to J. Allen Hynek of CUFOS, details two sightings by a pilot named Dennis. The first incident occurred on November 5, 1980, near Lake Berryessa, California, where Dennis observed a wingless, projectile-like object with a pulsating blue ring and orange glow. The object accelerated upwards at a 90-degree angle. The second sighting took place on April 8, 1981, near San Luis Reservoir, California. In this encounter, Dennis observed a similar object, during which his aircraft's communication and navigation systems failed. The object exhibited rapid acceleration and maneuvers, including a sudden right-angle turn upwards. The article notes that Dennis is a pilot and flight instructor, considered reliable by MUFON staff.

Was haben UFO-Zeichnungen von angeblichen Augenzeugen und Nicht-Augenzeugen gemein? Teil 4

This is the fourth part of an article by Richard F. Haines, translated by Dieter von Reeken. It explores the accuracy of UFO drawings based on text descriptions. Haines conducted tests where participants were given text descriptions of UFO sightings and asked to draw them. The study found that drawings from witnesses and non-witnesses showed similarities, and that text descriptions, even when detailed, could lead to variations in the drawings. Haines discusses the importance of accurate field investigations and the potential for distortion when relying solely on text descriptions. He also analyzes the width-to-height ratios of UFO shapes and 'humps' in the drawings, comparing them to previous studies. The article concludes that while drawings can be useful, a combination of textual and visual descriptions is necessary for thorough UFO reporting.

GEP-Nachrichten

This section provides updates from the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung Unbekannter Phänomene e.V.). It welcomes new members, announces the upcoming CENAP/GEP UFO-Meeting in Mannheim for September 9-11, 1983, and introduces a new, more efficient questionnaire for UFO reports. It also mentions plans for the GEP to acquire a CBM 64 home computer for statistical analysis and administrative purposes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of witness testimony, and the challenges of data collection and interpretation. The journal maintains a stance of rigorous inquiry, seeking to identify and explain sightings through scientific methods while remaining open to the possibility of unknown phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on detailed reporting, photographic evidence, and statistical analysis to support conclusions. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious but open-minded investigation, aiming to move beyond sensationalism towards a more systematic understanding of UFO reports.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), identified as 'GEP' for both volume and issue, is dated March 1975. The publication is from Germany and focuses on UFO phenomena. The cover headline highlights the potential threat to the existence of GEPAN, France's official UFO research group.

GEPAN's Future Threatened

Michael Hesemann reports on the precarious situation of GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés), a French government study group established in 1977 as a section of the National Center for Space Research (CNES). While the official reason for its potential closure is a "technical reorganization," the article suggests that the socialist government in France does not believe in UFOs and may be discontinuing GEPAN due to its association with the previous administration of President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. Giscard had ordered the French Gendarmerie to pay special attention to UFO reports in 1977, with GEPAN serving as the central collection and investigation unit. Based in Toulouse, GEPAN involved 50-100 scientists, engineers, and officials who investigated hundreds of cases annually, with complex sightings sometimes taking months to resolve. Approximately 10% of these eyewitness reports remained without a logical explanation. The article notes that GEPAN had access to national radar installations, allowing scientists to study UFO flight behavior in real-time, and the Air Force had agreed to equip interceptors to gather data on UFOs encountered by French pilots. Despite the work seemingly just beginning, the "reorganization" threatens its continuation. GEPAN is reportedly being merged with a "satellite control service," reducing UFO studies to a secondary activity. Alain Esterle, the current director, declined to comment, citing being "too busy," while his staff invoked a "duty of discretion." The article concludes that the socialist government is unwilling to spend nearly a million francs annually on what it considers a "folly" of the previous administration.

GEP on Television

Gerald Mosbleck recounts GEP's appearance on the West German television show "Gesucht-Gefunden" (Sought-Found) in Iserlohn. The segment began with a letter from H.W. Peiniger to the show's editor seeking UFO witnesses. The show's editor, Reinhard Nohn, contacted GEP, and after an extensive preliminary discussion, they agreed to feature a case on the program. The chosen case was the "Dammann" case, deemed "suitable for television," allowing for a field investigation demonstration. Nine days before the broadcast, the GEP team traveled to Grevenbroich/Bedburdyck to reconstruct the case, filming first in the Dammann's apartment and then at the site of the sighting. Despite the rain, GEP staff explained their previous investigation. The live broadcast involved a brief introduction by moderator Jörg Vos, followed by questions directed at Mosbleck about the Dammann case and H.W. Peiniger discussing GEP and the definition of UFOs. An attempt to show a "Concord-UFO film" failed due to lighting issues, but its significance was briefly explained. The segment also included a MAZ (magnetic tape) excerpt from the film "UFO-Rausch in Südamerika." Unfortunately, Gerda Dammann, who had been brought in by the director, did not get a chance to speak, which was considered embarrassing given her role in generating local interest.

NASA Photo Retouched?

Ian Mrzyglod analyzes a photograph of Buzz Aldrin from the Apollo 11 mission, initially interpreting two light objects in the upper left corner as lens reflections. However, he notes that a version of the photo in the book "First on the Moon" showed more detail, including the lunar module. This additional information allowed for the determination of the sun's position, confirming the objects were likely lens reflections. Mrzyglod expresses surprise that Aldrin seemed more interested in his aluminum foil than the two apparent visitors. He later encountered a "Science Museum booklet" titled "Exploring, Man On The Moon," which featured Aldrin with his aluminum foil, but the two UFOs were absent. This led him to investigate, comparing the photos. He found that in the newer photo, where the two light spots were, there was no light object. Although the reproduction had a slight darkening on the left side, he concluded that the photos were either retouched to remove the lights or were taken at different times, with the latter being less likely due to the probable presence of lens reflections in both. He questions the motive for removing the lights if they were not UFOs, suggesting it might have been done to avoid controversy, but ultimately creating more. The article cites "THE PROBE REPORT, March 1981" as the source.

A Catalog of Geophysical Anomalies

This section reviews William R. Corliss's catalog, "Geophysical Anomalies," published in October 1982. The catalog contains a large number of natural phenomena that, due to their form and flight characteristics, could be mistaken for UFO sightings. The article explains the catalog's classification system, which uses codes like 'G' for Geophysical, 'L' for Luminous, and 'B' for Ball lightning. It highlights the entry for 'Foo Fighters' (GLB 18), described as fireballs, single or in formation, that pursue aircraft at high speeds. The catalog notes that these phenomena were reported by pilots during World War II and have been largely ignored by mainstream science. While some sightings might be explained as St. Elmo's fire, others, where the fireballs were seen clearly on the aircraft's surface, remain puzzling. The catalog lists 8 examples of such observations and 9 sources, including the Condon Report. The article also mentions other classifications like 'Low-Level Meteor-Like Object' (GLM1) and provides examples of ball lightning, including a case with a diameter of over 5 meters observed near Albany in 1975.

UFO mysteriet i Hessdalen

This is a review of Arne Wisth's book "UFO mysteriet i Hessdalen" (UFO Mystery in Hessdalen), which documents hundreds of UFO sightings in the Norwegian village of Hessdalen in 1981 and 1982. Most sightings involved small lights observed from a distance. Researchers from the Norwegian organization NIVFO and journalist Arne Wisth conducted on-site investigations and interviews. Wisth claims to have photographed some of the phenomena, but Jan S. Krogh of NIVFO suspects these photos might be faked, as they show objects not observed by witnesses at the time. Krogh suggests the author may have fabricated photos to sensationalize the story. The book details hundreds of light phenomena, and while the author presents them as potential unknown flying objects, the review suggests that misinterpretations of astronomical bodies and inversions are more likely explanations.

Los Ovnis y la Ciencia

This section reviews the book "Los Ovnis y la Ciencia: Introducción a la Ufología Científica" (UFOs and Science: Introduction to Scientific Ufology) by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Miguel Guasp, published in Barcelona in December 1981. The book is described as a systematic, careful, and critical examination of UFO research. It includes a foreword by Richard F. Haines and analyzes UFO phenomena through cases of unexplained aerial sightings (CE 1-3). The second part of the book discusses scientific arguments, potential explanations, and the methodology and organization of UFO research. The chapter on "Physics and UFOs" is mentioned. While the content is not entirely new, it is presented in a concise and accessible manner for those who read Spanish. The book is praised for its extensive bibliographies and numerous illustrations, making it a worthwhile read.

George Adamski: The Untold Story

This is a review of the book "George Adamski: The Untold Story" by Lou Zinsstag and Timothy Good. The book reportedly presents over 50 previously unpublished reports that shed new light on Adamski's claims of contact with extraterrestrials. The authors argue that Adamski's experiences were not mere fantasies but had a profound impact on his life and the development of UFO research. The review mentions that the book includes a chapter titled "The Verdict - Index" and is 208 pages long with 50 photos, including 17 in color.

The Andreasson Affair Phase Two

This section reviews "The Andreasson Affair Phase Two" by R.F. Fowler. The book is described as a continuation of the investigation into the UFO encounter of Betty Andreasson. It details the work of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) and includes a German translation of a UFO handbook by Chefuntersucher Hendry. It also features an explanation of UFO facts by Professor of Astrophysics D.H. Menzel, who believes flying saucers are real. The review highlights that the book covers various UFO reports from around the world, including the San Antonio UFO, the Engelshaar-Niedergang in West Jutland, Italian research, and Scandinavian UFO scares.

CDSS: New Computer System for UFO Observations

CENAP has acquired a new in-house computer system called CDSS (Coded Documentation of All Sightings). This system allows for the efficient storage and archiving of UFO sighting data, enabling in-depth statistical analysis and the creation of specialized case catalogs. The primary goal is to develop a comparative catalog to identify commonalities among different UFO sightings, thereby aiding UFO researchers. Interested individuals can obtain a brochure on the CDSS code from CENAP-OGH (Heilbronn local group) for DM 1.80.

Project UFO II

This is an announcement for "Project UFO II," a sequel to a 1982 brochure by CENAP co-founder Werner Walter. This independent continuation by UFO investigator Werner Walter is presented in the same format and price as the previous publication. The content includes A. Hendry's investigation of a phenomenon near Alamo, Nevada, an overview of CUFOS, and a German translation of Hendry's UFO handbook. Professor D.H. Menzel discusses the reality of flying saucers, and the publication covers various global UFO reports, such as the San Antonio UFO, Engelshaar-Niedergang, Italian research, and Scandinavian UFO scares. Orders can be placed with Werner Walter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges faced by official research organizations like GEPAN, and the critical analysis of evidence, including photographic and eyewitness accounts. The journal appears to adopt a serious and analytical approach to UFO research, distinguishing between natural phenomena and potentially anomalous events. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous methodology, data analysis, and the importance of distinguishing between fact and speculation. The editorial stance seems to favor a scientific and evidence-based approach, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO reports. The reviews of books and catalogs suggest an effort to provide readers with comprehensive resources for understanding various aspects of the UFO field.