JUFOF - Issue 030 - 1983 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (ISSN 0723-7766), Number 6, Heft 30, from November/December 1983, is the fourth year of publication. It is published by the "GEMEINSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG UNBEKANNTER PHÄNOMENE e.V." (GEP) and costs DM 4.00. The cover headline prominently features "CE 2 - FALL IN JÜCHEN".

CE 2 - Fall in Jüchen

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger details a UFO sighting that occurred approximately six months after a previous case in Bedburdyck. On May 24, 1983, at around 6 PM, 14-year-old Jürgen R. from Jüchen observed a round, red flying object descend from a cloud layer and stop over a field. The object then emitted a pyramid-shaped beam field that touched the ground. After a period, the beam field dissipated, and the object ascended back into the clouds with the same speed it descended. During the observation, Jürgen R.'s CB radio experienced severe interference, disrupting communication on all 12 channels.

The investigation, conducted by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck, gathered specific data: the date (May 24, 1983), time (6 PM to 6:10 PM), location (Jüchen, near Grevenbroich), object color (orange-red to medium brownish-red), and perceived size (approx. 2-3 degrees angular size). The witness described the object's light as self-luminous and flickering, with no audible sounds. The flight path was described as steady and fast, faster than a jet fighter, with an angular velocity of about 11 degrees per second. The weather was lightly rainy with relatively dark conditions and a moderate breeze.

The beam field, described as four red rays forming a pyramid with a lighter red field within, took about 5-10 seconds to build up and lasted for 1-2 minutes, illuminating the ground. Its dissipation took 7-8 minutes, with the ground remaining illuminated for about 10 seconds afterward. Calculations based on a cloud height of 200-300 meters and an observation angle of 11-17 degrees estimated the object's diameter to be around 23.6 meters at 300m cloud height and 15.3 meters at 200m cloud height. The witness's credibility was assessed as high, and the case was classified as CE-II.

UFO bei Mülheim

This section reports on a sighting that occurred on the night of Sunday, May 1, 1983. The witness, driving from Duisburg towards Essen, observed a strange phenomenon in the sky near Mülheim. It was described as a black, oval disc with a glowing red rim, turning orange and yellow outwards. The witness experienced a "shock moment" but managed to photograph the object. The object moved southwest and disappeared. Frau Marion Kazmirek, who filled out a GEP questionnaire, provided additional details, estimating the object's apparent size at 0.5 degrees and its angular velocity at 0.5 degrees per second, comparable to a helicopter. The Bochum Observatory could not explain the sighting. This case is classified as an NL-Sichtung (Night Light sighting).

CENAP UFO-Meeting '83

This report by Lothar Richter covers the 3rd CENAP UFO Meeting held in Mannheim-Wallstadt on September 9-11, 1983, coinciding with CENAP's 10th anniversary. Approximately 30 participants attended, representing various UFO research groups including CENAP (Mannheim, Heilbronn), MUFOG (Munich), GEP (Lüdenscheid), ICUFON USA, CEPS (Luxembourg), and SUFOI (Denmark).

Key speakers included Rudolph Boldt and Ole Christensen from SUFOI, who discussed their organization's success in Denmark with a large membership and a professional magazine. Gilbert Schmitz from CEPS presented on the French UFO scene. Werner Walter of CENAP reported a high clearance rate (97.2%) for investigated cases, classifying them as stratospheric balloons, aircraft, meteors, etc. This classification led to protests from some attendees who were seeking explanations for the remaining 2.8% of unexplained sightings. CENAP's stance was that extraterrestrial spacecraft were a "wild hypothesis," although intelligent extraterrestrial life was not ruled out.

Major a.D. Colman S. von Keviczky of ICUFON USA gave a presentation with photos and documents on UFO activities over the past thirty to forty years, which generated significant discussion and some criticism regarding the authenticity of the images. The meeting concluded with group photos and a general exchange of ideas. The report notes that while the meeting fostered international connections, the organization, including hotel arrangements and catering, was criticized for being subpar.

Other Sightings and Reports

Lenticular Cloud over Malaysia: A report by Ahmad Jamaludin describes a bright, saucer-shaped object photographed over Raub, Malaysia, on August 30, 1981. The object was visible for over 6 minutes and appeared against a sky with lenticular clouds. The strong brightness was attributed to the setting sun.

Case Bedburdyck: The issue revisits the Bedburdyck UFO sighting, noting that a luminous disc was also seen in Wevelinghoven by Joachim Klöpler. Klöpler described a hovering, silent object that performed maneuvers before disappearing. He intended to photograph it if it reappeared. The report also mentions that the Bedburdyck object reportedly appeared multiple times in the same location.

"It wasn't an Airplane": Brigitte Hamacher, a 19-year-old from Neuenhausen, reported seeing a bright light hovering 50-100 meters above a field near Jüchen. She described a black mass behind the light and experienced a bright flash and thunder. She was certain it was not an aircraft.

"A Funny Flying Thing": Adolf Pelzer, a 65-year-old retiree from Neuenhausen, reported seeing a round, luminous object hovering silently for about twenty minutes. He was certain it was not an aircraft, drawing on his experience as a WWII gunner. His neighbor also witnessed the object.

1977 Photo and Sighting / 1982 Sketched Similarity: This section presents two cases investigated by CUFOS, USA, highlighting similarities in object shapes. Case 1 involves James R. Leming's sighting on August 17, 1977, where he photographed an object described as a disc with downward curving 'wings'. Case 2 describes Stephan Eric Alexander's sighting on December 10, 1982, of an object with a similar shape.

Further Investigations and Possibilities: The issue includes discussions on possible explanations for sightings, such as helicopters and ball lightning, and notes the lack of similar cases in catalogs of natural phenomena. It also mentions a report about a hot air balloon intended for a long-duration record.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, often accompanied by investigative efforts, witness interviews, and attempts at scientific analysis. There is a clear emphasis on gathering data, assessing witness credibility, and exploring potential explanations, ranging from conventional aircraft and natural phenomena to more speculative hypotheses about extraterrestrial origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the limitations of amateur research and the need for rigorous investigation. The CENAP meeting report highlights a tension between amateur enthusiasm and professional research standards within the UFO community.

This issue of GEP JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research) features several key articles and reports. The primary article, "DAS CENAP - SYNDROM" by Gerald Mosbleck, critically examines the CENAP organization, highlighting perceived organizational flaws and statistical inaccuracies, and distinguishing GEP's research approach from CENAP's.

Another significant section is "GEP-NACHRICHTEN," which includes a travel report by Axel Ertelt titled "Auf der Suche nach Beweisen" (In Search of Evidence). This report details a trip to Mexico, including attendance at the 9th World Congress of the Ancient Astronaut Society (AAS) in Chicago and subsequent explorations of ancient sites in Mexico such as Chichen Itza, Palenque, and Teotihuacan. The report focuses on evidence supporting pre-astronautic theories, including observations of ancient observatories and reliefs interpreted as depicting ancient technology.

DAS CENAP - SYNDROM by Gerald Mosbleck

Gerald Mosbleck begins by addressing potential confusion between two different congresses, implying that the "superlative" description of a congress could apply to both the attendees and the chaotic organizational shortcomings. He recounts issues such as the congress hotel being closed on the arrival day. Mosbleck criticizes CENAP's self-portrayal as the primary source for UFO reports in West Germany, calling it an "outsider" position. He specifically questions the accuracy of a CENAP statistic, noting that 2.8% of unexplained cases, after recalculation, became 22.11%, raising doubts about the data's reliability. Mosbleck also points out a perceived hypocrisy in CENAP's criticism of the German MUFON group, despite CENAP's own alleged polemical attacks on other UFO research groups.

He contrasts GEP's focus on research with CENAP's perceived "PR-wars." Mosbleck notes that while GEP and CENAP might share common ground in assessing many UFO cases and the general UFO scene, their styles differ significantly. He mentions a failed attempt at closer cooperation a year prior and states that GEP will continue to highlight these differences. As a concrete step, the next GEP member meeting will be held in Lüdenscheid, not Heilbronn as initially planned.

Auf der Suche nach Beweisen (In Search of Evidence) by Axel Ertelt

This travel report details a research trip to Mexico as part of the Ancient Astronaut Society (AAS) program from August 5-21, 1983. The journey began with the 9th AAS World Congress in Chicago, which celebrated its 10th anniversary. The congress featured speakers like Andrew Tomas, Dr. Pasqual S. Schievilla, Gerardo Levet, George T. Sasson, Dr. Gene M. Phillips, and Erich von Däniken. The report highlights sensational findings presented at the congress, particularly regarding the past in Ireland and Africa.

The group then traveled to Chichen Itza in Mexico, visiting the Maya ruins and observing a spectacular light show. The next day involved a full-day tour of the ruins, including the Maya Observatory, which is described as a round structure with a dome, bearing striking resemblance to modern observatories and archaeologically confirmed as being designed for astronomical observations.

From Chichen Itza, the group proceeded to Merida and then to Villahermosa, followed by a bus journey to Palenque. In Palenque, they explored temples and pyramids, examining reliefs that reportedly show technical details. The most impressive relief, found in the Temple of the Inscriptions, is interpreted as depicting a "space traveler in a flying machine." The report mentions that D.M. Weiss, a German-born individual living in Illinois, constructed a faithful replica of this artifact, which was presented at the AAS Congress in Chicago.

Challenges encountered in Mexico included strict film prohibitions at archaeological sites. The report also notes the removal of replicas of the Palenque artifact from hotel lobbies, allegedly due to higher instructions.

Palenque and Teotihuacan

The report continues with the group's visit to the Yucatan, including a stop at a waterfall. In Villahermosa, they visited an Open air Park featuring Olmec skulls with helmet-like headgear and stone stelae. The journey then led to Mexico City, the final stop. From there, they visited Teotihuacan to climb the Moon and Sun pyramids. The film prohibition was strictly enforced here, with guards stationed frequently.

The report emphasizes that Teotihuacan is astronomically aligned, indicating advanced astronomical knowledge of its builders. A street made of fire-resistant material, whose origin is mysterious, is also mentioned.

Tula and the Atlantes

The second excursion from Mexico City was to Tula, a ruin site known for its "Atlantes" statues. These statues, about four meters high, are depicted wearing helmets, carrying backpacks with hose connections, and having what appear to be ear-like devices. They also have "pistol belts" with a weapon resembling a laser pistol. The report notes that these statues bear a striking resemblance to depictions of modern astronauts in their suits and are considered key evidence for pre-astronautic research.

Museum Visit and Return

The penultimate day was dedicated to visiting the Anthropological Museum of Mexico City, which houses further evidence of a "fantastic past," including a replica of a rocket engine with three nozzles. The museum's explanation of this artifact as a "cult object" is met with skepticism.

The final day allowed for some free time before the transfer to the airport for the flight back to Frankfurt. The author concludes that the trip was positive but too short, with many more archaeologically significant sites in Mexico yet to be explored. The travelers largely avoided "Montezuma's Revenge."

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• "FIELD INVESTIGATOR'S MANUAL" by Raymond E. Fowler: This MUFON publication is described as a comprehensive guide for UFO researchers conducting on-site investigations. It covers various aspects like physical evidence, photographic evidence, radar observations, CE III cases, witness reliability, and "Men in Black." The book presents five basic hypotheses for the origin of UFOs and concludes that while evidence for the existence of UFO phenomena exists, the question of their origin remains unanswered.
• "THE SECRETS OF FLYING SAUCER PROPULSION" by Noel Huntley: This book by a former atomic physicist provides an overview of propulsion systems for extraterrestrial spacecraft. It discusses conventional drives and methods for overcoming vast distances in space. The reviewer notes that the book contains more "thought experiments" than fully formulated theories and is recommended for those interested in the theoretical foundations of future propulsion systems.
• "STRANGERS IN OUR SKIES: UFOs over New Zealand" by Mervyn Dykes: This book fills a gap in literature concerning UFO sightings in New Zealand, covering cases from 1909 to 1980. It includes a case parallel to the 1896/1897 "Airship" sightings in the USA, four CE III cases, and the controversial Kaikoura case. The author's sympathy for ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) is noted, but the reporting is described as factual.
• "THE EVIDENCE FOR UFOS" by Hilary Evans: Part of a series on "border sciences," this book offers a general overview of the UFO phenomenon based on over 70 cases. It addresses topics such as physical and photographic evidence, radar observations, CE III cases, witness reliability, and "Men in Black." The author proposes five hypotheses for UFO origins.
• "ORFEO ANGELUCCI: GEHEIMNIS DER UNTERTASSEN" (Orfeo Angelucci: Secret of the Saucers): This book recounts contact experiences with extraterrestrials. Angelucci describes encounters, conversations with aliens, and visits to other planets. The reviewer notes that some phenomena described could be explained by modern projection theories and that the book includes a prophecy about Earth's future.
• "An Experiment with Space" by Robert Kingsley Morison: This small booklet explores antigravitation (levitation) theories. The author's stated mission is to initiate research in this field. The reviewer points out that such works often lack the necessary scientific discussion found in peer-reviewed journals.
• "Seltsame Flugobjekte und die Einheit der Physik" (Strange Flying Objects and the Unity of Physics): This MUFON-CES report discusses advancements in UFO research, including "declassified intelligence documents" from the CIA. It offers a new explanation for the "Cash/Landrum" case, suggesting it might be a secret US project. The report also includes investigations into UFO reports from German-speaking regions, such as the "Darmstadt Case" and sightings in the Rosenheim area. It features a contribution by Dr. Irene Sänger-Bredt on elementary particle physics and theoretical discussions on field drives, quarks, tachyons, and antigravitation.
• "HANDBOOK OF UNUSUAL NATURAL PHENOMENA" by William R. Corliss: This book is a compilation of unusual natural phenomena, including lights in the sky, strange auroras, ball lightning, and more.

Other Sections

• GEP-Mitglieder: A new member, Gisela Barke, is welcomed.
• MUFON-CES Tagung: The MUFON-CES conference is described as controversial, with the topic of "Hypnoseregression" being particularly debated.
• GEP übernimmt Vertrieb der MUFON-Tagungsbände: GEP is now distributing MUFON conference volumes.
• Adressänderung: Gerald Mosbleck has moved.
• GEP-Lesertreff: This section features letters from readers. Bernhard Weule defends Wilhelm Reich's work as scientific. A.J. Gevaerd from Brazil introduces the CPDV organization, seeking contact with other UFO groups. Jochen Ickinger from CENAP-Heilbronn responds to Mosbleck's critique, clarifying CENAP's stance and relationship with GEP.
• Anzeige (Advertisement): Advertisements for Lothar Richter's books on UFO classifications and the anatomy of extraterrestrials are included.
• AUCH METEORERSCHEINUNGEN MELDEN! (Also Report Meteor Phenomena!): This section encourages readers to report meteor phenomena, as these are often mistaken for UFO sightings. It highlights the work of the NAOM group in collecting and analyzing such observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO research methodologies, the distinction between serious investigation and sensationalism, and the exploration of ancient astronaut theories. The editorial stance, as evidenced by Mosbleck's critique of CENAP and the emphasis on scientific rigor in book reviews, appears to favor a more grounded and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, while still acknowledging the possibility of advanced ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial influences. The journal also promotes international cooperation and information exchange within the UFO research community.