JUFOF - Issue 037 - 1985 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), published by the GESELLSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG DES UFO-PHÄNOMENS (GEP) E.V. (Society for the Research of the UFO Phenomenon), is identified as NUMMER 1 1985, HEFT 37, and part of the 6. JAHRGANG. It was released in JAN/FEB 1985 and priced at DM 4,00. The ISSN is 0723-7766. The magazine focuses on UFO research, featuring articles, case studies, and discussions on the scientific and investigative aspects of the phenomenon.

Key Articles and Features

"Zwei Polizisten sahen ein UFO" (Two Policemen Saw a UFO)

This section, attributed to Hans Werner Peiniger, GEP, details a report from the GEP archive concerning an incident on June 12, 1976. Two police officers, Hans-Werner Nösler and Ulrich Roschlaub, observed an unidentified flying object near Ennepetal. The article includes a reprint of a report from the newspaper BILD dated June 19, 1976, and an original report from the police officers themselves. The object was described as a bright fireball, approximately 20 meters in diameter, hovering about 50 meters high for 20 minutes, emitting intense light and white-blue light beams that scanned the ground. It then disappeared at high speed. The police report, submitted to the Interior Ministry of North Rhine-Westphalia, describes the object as a glowing sphere with a flat dome, and notes that a reinforcement team arrived only after the object had vanished. A Johanniter-Unfallhilfe helper, Jürgen Hoppmann, also witnessed the object's departure towards Gevelsberg. The Federal Air Traffic Control in Düsseldorf suggested it might have been a model balloon released during a company celebration. However, PHW Nösler emphasized that the object's size, brightness, and maneuverability made it unlikely to be a model balloon. The GEP's investigation concluded that the object was probably not a model balloon and classified it as an "Unidentified Case" (CE-T).

"METEORBEOBACHTUNG" (Meteor Observation)

This section, by Michael Schubert, Rotenburg, details an observation made on August 23, 1984, at approximately 21:15 CET. The witness observed a rare phenomenon, a fireball or bolide, appearing about 14 minutes after observing Jupiter. The object was seen at an altitude of 50 degrees, moving slowly and steadily towards the south. It was described as being twice as bright as Jupiter, with a magnitude of -4. The witness reported hearing a vibrating, quiet sound as the meteor passed Jupiter. It disintegrated about 5 degrees above the horizon, briefly flaring up and expanding at its front end. Small sparks were observed around the core, likely fragments of the meteorite. The entire event lasted about half a minute. The witness was later contacted by someone who suggested the phenomenon might have been the third stage of a Soviet carrier rocket (a 're-entry').

"WIE WISSENSCHAFTLICH IST DIE UFO-FORSCHUNG?" (How Scientific is UFO Research?)

This article by Illo Brand is based on a lecture given at the 1984 MUFON CES annual meeting in Osterburken. Brand discusses the challenges of scientifically investigating UFOs, categorizing approaches into protoscientific, parascientific, and pseudoscientific. He argues that parascientific methods are necessary because witnesses suffering from UFO-related trauma (burns, radiation sickness, abduction shocks) cannot wait for science to catch up. He suggests that parascientific UFO research can be published in both scientific journals and UFO publications. Brand also critiques "pseudoscientific ufology," which he attributes to lay researchers who lack patience and jump to conclusions. He describes these groups as sects with pseudoreligious beliefs, likening their actions to an "intellectual virus" that could corrupt culture and research. He contrasts this with critical skeptics who differentiate between witness observations and their interpretations. Brand asserts that the scientific community's insistence on explaining all phenomena within the current paradigm can lead to the dismissal of credible witness accounts. He concludes that while critical skepticism is valuable, it should be balanced with an openness to witness testimonies, provided their credibility can be established.

"SPURENSICHERUNG TEIL 5" (Trace Evidence Collection Part 5)

Authored by Hans Werner Peiniger, GEP, this is the fifth part of a series on trace evidence collection related to UFO phenomena. It details methods for securing and analyzing various types of evidence, including:

• Plants: Samples should be air-dried or sent to a lab quickly to prevent mold. Analysis can reveal possible radiation effects.
• Microorganisms: Small organisms like bacteria and fungi are ubiquitous. Samples should be collected in sterile containers, and comparison samples taken from nearby areas. Contamination must be avoided, and analysis requires microbiological expertise.
• Soil, Stones, Minerals: Samples and comparison samples should be collected and described, noting the depth of collection.
• Fragments, 'Angel Hair': Fragments from alleged crashed UFOs or fibrous substances like 'angel hair' should be carefully packaged. Delicate materials should be frozen or vacuum-sealed.

"DAS TRANSPARENTE KUGEL-UFO" (The Transparent Sphere UFO)

This case study by Lothar Richter recounts an event on August 23, 1978, involving two hunters, Maxl Eichenauer and Ferdi Brandauer, in the Swiss Alps. They reported seeing a transparent, spherical object, approximately 5-10 meters in diameter, hovering about 1500 meters above sea level. The object emitted intense rainbow colors and golden light. Inside the sphere, they observed a being surrounded by golden rays. The object reportedly communicated with them, responding to questions about its origin and belief in God. The object then vanished. The police filed the report as "unexplained." The article notes that scientists and UFO researchers have investigated the case, but no definitive explanation has been found.

GEP Information and Publications

Several sections provide information about GEP and its activities:

• GEP Archive: The magazine offers binders for organizing yearly issues of the journal.
• GEP Contact Information: Addresses and phone numbers are provided for GEP headquarters in Lüdenscheid and for UFO observation reporting centers in Mannheim and Heilbronn.
• Corrections and Editorial Notes: A correction to a previous issue (6'84) is noted, and the delay in the annual index is explained due to an illness.
• Subscription Information: Details on subscription prices for domestic and international customers are given, along with information for GEP members.
• Advertisements: Small ads are included, along with advertisements for other UFO-related publications like "MYSTERIA" and "UFO-INFORMATION."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the methodology of UFO research, and the critical examination of evidence. The GEP's stance appears to be one of serious, systematic investigation, distinguishing between credible witness accounts and speculative theories. The magazine advocates for a scientific approach, even when dealing with phenomena that challenge current scientific paradigms. There is a clear emphasis on collecting and analyzing physical evidence and witness testimonies, while also critiquing less rigorous approaches to the subject. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, tempered with critical analysis, aiming to advance the understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), published by GEP, focuses on the analysis of UFO cases and related research. The cover story, "ZUM FALL JÜCHEN" (On the Jüchen Case), details a CE-II incident involving a silent, rainbow-colored, sphere-like object observed by witnesses Maxl and Ferdi.

The Jüchen Case: 'Wilden Sonne' vs. Helicopter

The article "ZUM FALL JÜCHEN" and "CE-II-FALL IN JÜCHEN" by Marius Dewilde and Roger-Luc Mary, critically examines a previous explanation by Hansjürgen Köhler (CENAP) that identified the object as a helicopter. The authors argue against this, citing the object's silent operation, its unique 'pyramidal' light field with red 'sides' and a bright red 'field' between them, and its unusual behavior. They propose that the phenomenon was likely a "wilden Sonne" (wild sun), an atmospheric optical illusion similar to the "Brockengespenst" (Brocken Spectre), caused by sunlight refracting through mist. The article details how the 'wilden Sonne' creates a circular rainbow effect that can appear as a sphere, and how the observer's own shadow can be projected onto the mist, leading to misinterpretations of movement.

UFO-Fall in Wallis and the 'Wilden Sonne'

An illustration by J. Weber depicts a "wilde Sonne" phenomenon in the Wallis region. The article explains that this phenomenon, also known as the "Brockengespenst" on the Brocken mountain, is not uncommon in the Swiss Alps. The investigation into the Jüchen case led to the discovery of this phenomenon, with the explanation suggesting that the sun rising behind the witnesses created a circular rainbow on a mist-covered valley, which was then misinterpreted as a UFO.

UFO Classification and Extraterrestrials

Advertisements for two publications by Lothar Richter are featured: "UFO-KLASSIFIKATIONEN" (UFO Classifications) and "ANATOMIE EINES EXTRATERRESTRIER" (Anatomy of an Extraterrestrial). The classification brochure aims to help UFO researchers categorize the vast array of observed phenomena. The 'Anatomy' brochure explores the possibility of intelligent life in the universe, its potential physical characteristics, and the feasibility of contact.

VHS-Kurs über UFO's

Klaus Seidensticker reports on a VHS (Adult Education Center) course on UFOs held in Viersen. The course featured lectures by Eckhard Gerland (MUFON-CES), Einhard Behr (Sternwarte Neanderhöhe), and psychiatrist Udo R. Neumann. Gerland presented IFOS (cloud formations, lens flares) and US government documents. Behr discussed the formation of elements and planetary systems, with a critique of his claims about the IRAS satellite. Neumann attempted to explain CE-III sightings through C.G. Jung's archetypes, a connection the author finds questionable. The report concludes by suggesting that such courses are valuable for raising awareness of serious UFO research groups.

GEP-Nachrichten (GEP News)

This section announces the upcoming GEP general meeting on March 16, 1985, in Lüdenscheid. It also highlights the successful use of computer technology for text processing and book management within GEP, while noting a lack of progress on a sighting database program. The news also covers the response to a call for new GEP emblem designs, with a selection of three proposals presented for reader feedback.

New Books and Publications

Several book reviews and announcements are included:

• "Science in Science Fiction" (edited by Peter Nicholls): This book examines science fiction ideas through the lens of scientific laws, assessing what is theoretically possible. It covers topics from space travel to time travel and includes a section on UFOs and paleo-astronautics.
• "UFOLOGIE: Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen" (Ufology: Theories and Facts about Flying Saucers) by Dieter von Reeken: This book aims to provide a clear overview of the UFO phenomenon, debunking rumors and false information, and emphasizing self-reliance rather than expecting solutions from 'star brothers'. It covers the history of ufology, extraterrestrial life, and specific UFO topics like photos and contactees.
• "The Bridge to Infinity - Harmonic 371244" by Bruce Cathie: This work explores mathematical harmonies and their alleged connections to various historical events and phenomena.
• Comic Books by Reinhard Habeck: Two comic books are announced: "Erich, der Sonntagsforscher" (Erich, the Sunday Researcher) and "Rüsselmops, der Außerirdische" (Rüsselmops, the Extraterrestrial), featuring humorous takes on UFOs and aliens.
• MUFON 1984 UFO Symposium Proceedings: A summary of the symposium held in San Antonio, Texas, featuring presentations on various UFO cases, including the Frederick Valentich disappearance.
• "Ne résistez pas aux extra-terrestres" (Don't Resist the Extraterrestrials) by Marius Dewilde and Roger-Luc Mary: Reviewed by Gilbert Schmitz, this book is described as a challenging read for skeptics, focusing on the "Quarouble" case. The review notes the involvement of ufologist Jimmy Guieu and mentions the case's connection to alleged hoaxes.
• "Auf der Suche nach Leben im Weltall" (In Search of Life in the Universe) by Donald Goldsmith and Tobias Owen: This book explores the scientific search for extraterrestrial life, but the review criticizes its inclusion of UFO cases and its reliance on the Drake equation, while ignoring more pessimistic computer simulations.

Price Riddle

A prize riddle is presented, asking readers to identify two terms related to UFO research. The previous riddle's answer was "Hynek".

Translation Services

GEP is seeking volunteer translators for English, Danish, Spanish, and Italian.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes critical analysis of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine research and sensationalism. There is a clear emphasis on scientific explanations and debunking hoaxes, as seen in the detailed analysis of the Jüchen case. The publication also serves as a platform for reviewing UFO-related literature and research, encouraging a skeptical yet open-minded approach to the subject. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and the application of scientific principles to understand anomalous phenomena, while also acknowledging the public's interest in the topic.