JUFOF - Issue 029 - 1983 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published in September/October 1983 as Number 5 of Volume 4, is dedicated to exploring UFO phenomena. It features detailed investigations, witness accounts, and scientific analysis from the "GEMEINSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG UNBEKANNTER PHÄNOMENE e.V." (GEP).

CE 2 - Fall in Bedburdyck?

The lead article by Gerald Mosbleck details the sighting by Gerda Dammann in Bedburdyck on November 19, 1982. Dammann reported seeing a bright, silent, metallic silver object, approximately 8-10 meters long, with a triangular rear, hovering over a field and later following her car. The object was described as pulsating and emitting light. The article notes that other witnesses in the area also reported seeing a similar object.

Investigation of the 'Land Track'

The GEP investigation found a track on the field, approximately 200 meters long and 25 meters wide, with sparser vegetation. Initially interpreted by some as evidence of a landing, the GEP concluded it was a natural phenomenon caused by rainwater runoff, following a known depression on the terrain.

Analysis of the Sighting

Regarding the aerial sighting, the GEP considered the hypothesis of a helicopter, noting that a Bo 105 helicopter from the "Rheinland" squadron was in the area at the time. However, the witnesses, particularly Gerda Dammann, vehemently denied it was a helicopter. The article discusses the influence of media coverage, including a radio appearance on Rainer Holbe's show and a report in the "Erft-Kurier," which amplified the case and potentially influenced witness testimony. The GEP expressed frustration with sensationalist reporting that hindered objective investigation.

Conclusion on the Bedburdyck Case

Ultimately, the GEP stated that while they could not definitively explain the sighting as a helicopter, they could not fully clarify it due to lack of information and the compromised objectivity of the witnesses. They emphasized that they do not believe the Dammanns invented the sighting but attributed the difficulty in investigation to irresponsible journalism.

Amateur Astronomers Observed a Bright Object

This section, written by Hans Werner Peiniger, reports on an observation by amateur astronomers from the Solingen Observatory on the night of June 3-4, 1983. They observed a six-sided, bright object with high speed and high altitude, described as pulsating and changing color from red to orange/yellow. The object was visible for about nine minutes before disappearing. The Solingen newspaper "Solinger Tageblatt" reported on this, and two additional witnesses came forward with similar accounts.

Possible Explanations

Initial inquiries with the Düsseldorfer Flugwetterwarte suggested wind speeds of 20-30 km/h at an altitude of 2 km. Dr. Gottfried Schertl from the German Aerospace Research Establishment could not provide a definitive explanation but noted that such phenomena are not uncommon. The article discusses the possibility of a weather balloon or a re-entering satellite, but these are deemed unlikely. The GEP's analysis leans towards a party-hot-air balloon as a possible explanation, citing the object's visual characteristics and the context of a local giveaway. However, the conflicting wind direction data and the duration of the sighting make a definitive conclusion difficult, leading the GEP to classify it as a UFO.

Cologne: 2 Phantom Jets Hunted a UFO

This report by W. Schlagehan and B. Vogt describes an incident on July 25, 1983, in Cologne. Police officer Rolf Behrmann and his colleague observed a shimmering object over Cologne that appeared to be pursued by two Phantom fighter jets. The object was described as round, changing color, and rotating. The article mentions that the object was tracked by radar in Düsseldorf. The GEP's inquiry to the air force regarding the deployment of fighter jets had not yet been answered. The article notes that the fighter jets' presence might not be related to the UFO sighting, and the search for the object by the jets is a speculation by the "Bild" newspaper.

UFO on TV II

Gerald Mosbleck provides a transcript and commentary on a television appearance related to the Bedburdyck case. The segment included a short film of the Dammanns' account, followed by an interview with Mosbleck and Hans Werner Peiniger. The TV host, Sonja Kurowski, introduces the concept of a UFO. Mosbleck explains the GEP's methodology, including using questionnaires and on-site investigations. He presents the helicopter hypothesis for the Bedburdyck case, based on the A 46 highway being nearby and the possibility of a traffic jam. Peiniger discusses the GEP's approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for objective data and investigation, and mentions their collaboration with international organizations like MUFON.

Concorde Test Flight Object

Mosbleck also presents a film of a Concorde test flight from June 1975, where an unidentified object was observed. The object appeared as a small white point and its movement was considered interesting, ruling out simple film manipulation or atmospheric reflections.

Further Observations

This section compiles several other reported UFO sightings:

• Wolfgang E. (Datteln): In two separate incidents about 11 years prior and on October 13, 1981, Wolfgang E. reported seeing a large, round, rotating object making humming noises, and later a saucer-shaped object with changing colored lights.
• Dagmar T. and Brunhild R. (Gummersbach): Over a period of five weeks starting May 1, 1983, these two women observed multiple flying objects described as slightly larger than a point, with constantly changing shapes and a 'golden' color. The GEP suggests this could be explained by the planet Venus, which was prominent in the western sky during that period.
• Erich Klemp (Kirchlengern): Reported seeing two closely spaced light sources in the sky, one of which suddenly moved north. This is also considered a potentially natural phenomenon.

Claude Poher's Studies and Reflections on the UFO Phenomenon

This multi-part article by Claude Poher delves into a statistical analysis of UFO sightings. In this installment, Poher addresses two key questions: whether witnesses actually observed something in the sky, and whether these sightings can be explained by known phenomena.

Analysis of Observation Duration

Poher's statistical analysis of observation durations indicates that UFO sightings are distinct from known phenomena. He categorizes phenomena into three types based on duration: short (seconds, e.g., meteors), long (hours, e.g., weather balloons, planets), and intermediate (seconds to minutes, e.g., aircraft, helicopters). His data shows that UFO sightings do not align with the typical durations of known celestial events.

Analysis of Observation Distance

Poher also examines the distance of sightings. His research suggests that 70% of reports involve observations of silence within a distance of 1000 meters, a characteristic that he states has nothing to do with known phenomena.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Based on his six-year study, Poher concludes that UFOs represent a genuinely observed phenomenon with unique characteristics that cannot be explained by known aerial objects. He emphasizes the multi-disciplinary scientific interest in UFOs and recommends approaching the subject with an open mind, conducting thorough research, and avoiding preconceived notions. He suggests that a dedicated official authority should be established to study the phenomenon systematically.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a serious, investigative approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of the UFO phenomenon, the GEP emphasizes rigorous investigation and the search for natural explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism towards sensationalism and a commitment to objective data collection and analysis. The publication highlights the challenges of investigating UFO reports due to media influence and the subjective nature of witness testimony, while also advocating for a more systematic and scientific approach to the study of these unexplained events.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), dated April 1983 (Issue 4/83), is published by GEP and focuses on various aspects of UFO phenomena, research, and related literature. The magazine features articles, book reviews, and news updates concerning UFO sightings and investigations.

Articles and Features

The Importance of Scientific Rigor in UFO Research

The issue highlights the importance of a rigorous and informed approach to UFO research, drawing on the experience of Claude Poher. Poher, an engineer and doctor with expertise in electronics, aviation, and astronomy, co-founded GEPAN (Study Group for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) and has conducted extensive statistical analyses of UFO reports. The article emphasizes the need for researchers to be deeply familiar with the phenomenon, cautioning against repeating the perceived mistakes of the US "Condon Committee," which allegedly involved scientists not sufficiently motivated or knowledgeable in the subject.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Several specific UFO incidents are discussed:

• Cherbourg, France: A luminous disc was observed over the city and harbor, initially mistaken for a tethered balloon with a reflector. This sighting prompted investigations by the Cherbourg port authorities.
• Nürnberg and Köln, Germany: The journal examines the case of a UFO sighting in Nürnberg, which some speculate was a stratospheric balloon. It also discusses a related incident in Köln involving a "Balloon-Net" – a net with one hundred helium-filled balloons – suggesting this might have been the cause of the Nürnberg observation. The article clarifies that the Köln "Balloon-Net" was not the cause of the Nürnberg sighting, nor was it a stratospheric balloon.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several books related to UFOs and fringe science:

• "The Awesome Force" by Joseph H. Cater: This book is described as attempting to explain UFO phenomena, PSI, pyramid energy, and the Searl effect by proposing a theoretical basis for occult and ufological speculations. The reviewer is critical, calling it a "shock" to science and suggesting the author has not fully withdrawn from physics.
• "Flying Saucers - Magic in the Skies" by Otto Billig: This book is presented as a psychohistorical analysis of the origins of celestial beliefs and the rise of occult and pseudoreligious sects, using UFO phenomena as a case study. It is recommended for its detailed background information on UFO contacts and organizations.
• "Los Visitantes" and "La Gran Oleada" by Juan José Benítez: These Spanish-language books are reviewed as the largest UFO photo documentation to date, covering UFO photos from 1883 to 1980. While the author is noted for being uncritical in his selection of photos, the sheer volume of images, some in color, is considered impressive.
• "Feuer fiel vom Himmel" (Fire Fell from the Sky) by Peter Krassa: This book deals with the Tunguska catastrophe and a mysterious UFO crash in Siberia.
• "Men in Black: The Secret Terror Among Us" by Gray Barker: This review discusses the myth of the "Men in Black" (MIBs) who allegedly harass UFO witnesses. The reviewer finds Barker's attempt to prove their existence unconvincing, suggesting it remains in the realm of rumors and deliberate misinformation.
• "The Mundo UFO Report" by Laura Mundo: This book is criticized for ignoring serious research and focusing on contactee stories and questionable evidence, making it suitable only for those interested in UFO cults.

New Publications and Research Groups

• PROJEKT UFO 2: A review of Werner Walter's follow-up to his 1982 book, which primarily translates foreign UFO literature, including contributions from Allan Hendry and Donald H. Menzel. The reviewer notes CENAP's tendency to focus on debunking stories but finds the translation of international reports valuable.
• CENAP-Heilbronn UFO-Information: The emergence of a new UFO journal from a subgroup of CENAP in Heilbronn is announced. The journal aims to present itself as a serious UFO research group.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section for advertisements, including a call for manuscripts for a publication on UFOs, SF, PSI, pre-astronautics, and New Age topics, as well as information on an "Aussteiger-Klub" (dropout club). There is also an advertisement for JUFOF binders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO research. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and the importance of distinguishing between serious investigation and sensationalism or pseudoscience. The editorial stance appears to favor detailed analysis and the publication of translated research, while also being critical of certain approaches, such as those perceived in the Condon Committee's work or in some of the reviewed literature that leans towards cultic or unverified claims. The journal also acts as a platform for disseminating information about new UFO research groups and publications within the German-speaking UFO community.