JUFOF - Issue 034 - 1984 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), identified as Number 4 of Volume 5, dated July/August 1984, is published by the GEMEINSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG UNBEKANNTER PHÄNOMENE e.V. (GEP). The cover price is DM 4.00, and the ISSN is 0723-7766. The main cover headline highlights the "CE-1 BEI HOCHHEIM" case.

Articles and Features

CE-1 bei Hochheim

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred on April 11, 1974, near Hochheim, Germany. The witness, along with three other individuals, observed a round, flat, luminous object hovering about 50-100 meters away in a field. The object displayed rotating square lights and a fluorescent blue light. A beam of light descended from the object and systematically scanned the ground before moving towards the witnesses' car, causing them fear. The report notes that the sighting was initially difficult to investigate due to the informant's lack of precise details, but subsequent research by Hans-Werner Peiniger helped to identify the witnesses and gather their account.

Spurensicherung in der UFO-Forschung, 2 (Securing Traces in UFO Research, Part 2)

Authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this article continues a series on the methodology of UFO investigation, focusing on physical trace evidence. It details how to identify and secure various types of traces, including:

• Footprints (Fußspuren): Differentiating between prints from bare feet and shod feet, and how to analyze them for size, shape, and potential dermal patterns. Methods for securing these include photography and casting with plaster or plastic.
• Shoe Prints (Schuhspuren): Similar to footprints, but specific to footwear. The article mentions using oblique lighting to detect them and securing them similarly.
• Fabric Imprints (Gewebeabdruckspuren): Traces left by clothing, which can appear as imprints on surfaces like grease or dirt, or as impressions in softer materials. These are secured via photography and casting.
• Fingerprints (Fingerspuren): Discusses latent fingerprints left by individuals touching objects. The process involves dusting with powders (like Argentorat, soot, or graphite) to reveal the prints, which are then photographed or lifted with special foils.

The article provides examples, including the controversial George Adamski case, where alleged extraterrestrial footprints were cast. It also references a case involving Florida Malboeuf in Montreal, Canada, where footprints were found on a building's roof.

Nahe Begegnung in Schottland (Close Encounter in Scotland)

Written by Stuart Campbell, this article recounts the highly publicized UFO encounter of Robert Taylor on November 9, 1979, near Livingston, Scotland. Taylor, a forester, was walking when he encountered three separate objects in daylight. A large, Saturn-shaped craft hovered above the ground, and smaller 'mines' descended, attaching to his trousers and pulling him towards the craft, causing him to lose consciousness. The incident left ground traces, including ladder-like markings and numerous holes, and damaged Taylor's clothing. The article details the investigation, including police measurements, photographic documentation by Alastair Sutherland, and analysis of the physical evidence, such as the torn trousers and the ground impressions. The case gained significant media attention and was investigated by the local police and the forestry department.

Moderne Bildverarbeitung entschleiert die 'Montana'- und 'Utah' - Filme - 3. Teil (Modern Image Processing Deciphers the 'Montana' and 'Utah' Films - Part 3)

Authored by W.H. Spaulding, this is the third part of a series detailing the analysis of UFO films using digital image processing. The article explains the method of digitizing photographs to obtain high-resolution images or to perform analytical checks. It describes how a computer system breaks down an image into pixels, each with a specific grayscale value. The process involves using a scanner to convert photographic media into digital data, which the computer then analyzes to determine the shape, density, reflection, and atmospheric effects of the objects. The article highlights how this digital analysis can provide hard data and allow for precise measurements, even of angular movement between multiple images.

GEP-Nachrichten (GEP News)

This section provides updates from the GEP. It announces a name change for the organization to "Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V.", clarifying its focus on UFO phenomena and its distance from occult or parapsychological matters. It also mentions progress in implementing full justification (blocksatz) in the JUFOF magazine, addressing earlier technical issues with character representation.

Book Reviews and Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for GEP publications, such as Lothar Richter's "UFO-Klassifikationen" and "Anatomie eines Extraterrestrischen", and a classified ad section. There is also a mention of Martin Gardner's book "Kabarett der Täuschungen" and a reference to "UFO-Quebec" and "Le Journal de Montreal" as sources for images.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on empirical research into UFO phenomena, emphasizing detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and the scientific investigation of physical evidence. The GEP's stance is clearly defined as dedicated solely to UFO research, distancing itself from other paranormal or occult subjects. The use of computer technology for image analysis and systematic trace recovery methods highlights a commitment to rigorous investigation. The magazine also engages with its readership by seeking feedback on layout and presenting news from the organization.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 1985, with content from March 16, 1984, published by GEP, focuses on the scientific and analytical approaches to studying UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features "P3 M-MOVIES" from Great Falls, Montana, accompanied by detailed grey scale values and graphical representations, suggesting an in-depth analysis of photographic evidence.

Digital Analysis of UFO Photographs

The articles detail the use of computer technology for analyzing UFO images. A cursor is employed to measure photometric units and image density, aiding in the adjustment of the brightness range. This capability is highlighted as particularly useful for examining film footage, where the cursor can be positioned on identical points for registration and digitization. The process involves scanning each pixel and representing it with one of 256 grey values. By enhancing contrast, errors in grey values are minimized. The analysis of pixel edges is crucial for determining object distance; sharp pixel edges suggest proximity to the camera, while blurred edges indicate greater distance.

All analyzed pixels from the films in question suggest that the objects were at a considerable distance from the witnesses. The analysis aims to exclude natural phenomena like balloons, atmospheric reflections, and meteors. By calculating angular views and using computer pixels, the distance to the witness can be approximated. The issue presents computer printouts of analog grey values from specific columns (e.g., Column 189) and graphical representations of these values to illustrate the analysis methods.

Skepticism and Scientific Scrutiny

The journal includes critical commentary on UFO analysis methods. One commentator, Gerald Mosbleck, critiques the GSW methods, particularly the 'profiling' technique. He argues that it's impossible to develop a true spatial profile from a single 2D photograph, as lost information about depth cannot be recovered. He contends that Spaulding's claim of developing a 'real profile' is misleading and that what is presented as a 'profile' is merely a representation of grey values along a line, which can create the illusion of a disk shape even for a flat object.

Mosbleck also questions the analysis of tiny details in film images, suggesting that the magnification process might include silver crystals, leading to inaccurate measurements. He expresses concern that the desire for certain results might be influencing the interpretation of data, leading to the dismissal of plausible natural explanations. He advocates for a greater reliance on visual observation and 'common sense' in UFO analysis.

Official Investigations and Public Perception

The issue touches upon official investigations and public perception of UFOs. It mentions Captain Ruppelt's early optimism about solving the UFO problem within years, driven by advancements in satellite programs and other scientific fields. However, it also notes his later shift in opinion, suggesting that UFOs might not be spaceships, though there's no evidence he was forced to change his views.

Extensive monitoring by systems like NORAD and the Space Tracking Network is described. These systems track objects in airspace and near-Earth orbit but have not identified any extraterrestrial spacecraft. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory also uses cameras to photograph celestial objects without finding evidence of alien craft.

Despite these findings, the interest in UFOs resurged in the mid-1960s. The article notes that while media and journals had previously ignored UFOs, they later featured them prominently. Discussions moved from late-night radio shows to mainstream television and best-selling books.

The "Project Blue Book," the USAF's UFO investigation program, is discussed. A 1966 committee concluded that after 19 years and over 10,000 sightings, there was no confirmed evidence of anything beyond known science and technology. The USAF sought universities to conduct independent UFO investigations, but faced reluctance from academic institutions.

Scientific Speculation on Extraterrestrial Life

Dr. Edward U. Condon of the University of Colorado agreed to lead a UFO investigation, signaling a greater engagement from the scientific community. The issue explores the scientific possibility of extraterrestrial life, referencing astronomer Percival Lowell's early theories about life on Mars. It acknowledges that scientists discuss the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the solar system and beyond, with ongoing missions to Mars.

Carl Sagan is quoted, presenting a nuanced view. While he acknowledges the possibility of Earth being visited by extraterrestrials in the past, he also uses a compelling analogy to question the frequency of such visits, comparing it to gathering all anthropologists on a small island to observe fishing. He emphasizes the need for logical and convincing evidence when evaluating UFO observations.

Characteristics of Reported UFOs

The journal describes common characteristics reported for UFOs, including various light colors (red, green, white), diverse shapes (round, disk-shaped, cigar-shaped, triangular, winged, Y-shaped), and sizes ranging from tiny to huge. Behaviors include flying at incredible speeds, making sharp turns, changing direction instantly, gliding, disappearing rapidly, pursuing vehicles, and sometimes attacking. Some objects are reported to be silent, while others emit a humming sound. Landing traces and burned vegetation are occasionally noted. Electromagnetic effects, such as causing vehicle engines and electronic devices to fail, are also mentioned, with a rumor linking UFOs to the 1965 Northeast blackout.

Book Reviews and Publications

The issue includes reviews of books related to UFO research. "ALIENS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS" by John Magor is reviewed, highlighting its focus on photographic analysis and the lack of conclusive evidence for extraterrestrial visitation. Another review covers "UFOLOGY" by James M. McCampbell, which discusses the scientific investigation of UFOs and the challenges faced by researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous scientific analysis of UFO evidence, the skepticism of established scientific bodies towards extraterrestrial explanations, and the critical examination of investigative methodologies. The editorial stance appears to favor a cautious, evidence-based approach, urging researchers to rely on logical analysis and verifiable data rather than speculation or wishful thinking. There is an underlying concern that the scientific community's reluctance to engage openly with the topic has hindered progress and public understanding.