JUFOF - Issue 038 - 1985 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by GEP e.V., is Volume 6, Issue 2, dated March/April 1985. It features the ISSN 0723-7766 and a cover price of DM 4.00. The main cover headline is "UFO-FORSCHUNG", with additional prominent articles including "UFOS WAREN METEORE" by Hans-Werner Peiniger, "SPURENSICHERUNG TEIL 6" by Hans-Werner Peiniger, and "SPRECHEN WIR ÜBER LICHTPHÄNOMENE" by Lothar Richter.

GEP and its Publications

The magazine highlights the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), describing it as Germany's largest association dedicated to UFO research. GEP defines a UFO as a perceived object or light whose appearance and behavior defy logical, conventional explanation. The organization utilizes specialized questionnaires and interdisciplinary analysis, drawing from natural and some human sciences. The "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (JUFOF) is their official publication, alongside other specialized publications and collaborations with international organizations. The issue also advertises GEP's "Einbanddecken" (binder covers) for organizing yearly issues of the journal.

Articles and Features

"UFOS WAREN METEORE" (UFOs Were Meteors) by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This article explores the possibility that many reported UFO sightings are actually misidentified meteors. It references a specific incident in Kreis Viersen where a bright object was observed, with police suggesting it could have been a meteorite. The article also discusses a surge in UFO reports in Germany on the night of February 3-4, 1985, which coincided with meteor showers, specifically the Alpha-Aurigiden. Peiniger presents a table of 13 observations from February 3, 1985, detailing time, location, shape, color, speed, brightness, and other characteristics, concluding that many of these likely refer to meteor events.

"SPURENSICHERUNG IN DER UFO-FORSCHUNG, 6" (Trace Evidence in UFO Research, Part 6) by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This installment focuses on physical evidence related to UFO phenomena. It presents several examples of potential trace evidence:

• India: A report of a UFO crashing into the sea, with metallic fragments later found.
• USA (Spooksville, 1967): A mysterious metallic disk found at a reported UFO landing site.
• Finland (Kallavesi-See, 1964): A UFO observed hovering over water, with a damaged side. A fragment found later was analyzed and determined not to be of terrestrial or meteoritic origin, possibly subjected to extreme heat.
• Brazil (Ubatuba, 1957): Reports of a flying saucer exploding over a lake, scattering thousands of fragments, some of which were found to be made of magnesium.
• USA (San Francisco, 1977): The appearance of a white, sticky substance described as "fibers" that fell from the sky, later identified by the University of Berkeley as spider silk.
• Denmark (Stauning, 1979): Another instance of "Engelshaar" (angel hair), a spider silk-like substance.

The article also touches upon "UFO-Nester" (UFO nests), areas of flattened grass, citing examples from Canada (Langenburg and St. Cyrille) and Australia (Tully).

"GSW STELLT ARBEIT EIN" (GSW Ceases Work)

This short piece reports that the American organization "Ground Saucer Watch" (GSW), which specialized in computer-aided analysis of UFO photos, has discontinued its operations. The reasons cited by its head, William Spaulding, are the high cost of analysis and the conclusion that UFO photos are generally not usable as proof of extraterrestrial visitors. GSW plans to shift its focus to other areas of research.

"SPRECHEN WIR ÜBER LICHTPHÄNOMENE" (Let's Talk About Light Phenomena) by Lothar Richter

Richter attempts to explain various UFO light phenomena from an astronomical and astrophysical perspective. He begins by defining a UFO and then delves into solar activity. He explains the sun's core processes, surface features like granulation and sunspots, and phenomena like protuberances and solar flares. The article details the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emitted by the sun, and its interaction with Earth's magnetosphere. Richter suggests that many observed light phenomena might be related to solar activity, atmospheric effects, or even misidentified celestial bodies like meteors. He includes a diagram illustrating the Earth's interaction with the solar wind and a graph showing solar radio flux and sunspot numbers over time.

Mount Clemens, Michigan, USA - 9. Januar 1967

This section revisits the well-known Mount Clemens UFO case, where brothers Donald and Grant Jaroslaw took photographs of a flying object. The article notes that the case was investigated by Project Blue Book (File No. 11263). It reveals that years later, the brothers confessed to Dr. Hynek that the photos were a hoax, created by them to "take the family and friends for a ride." They used a model suspended on a thread. The mother's involvement in passing the photos to the local press led to the story gaining traction.

Other Sections

• Sonderhefte (Special Issues): A list and description of several special publications by GEP, including bibliographies on extraterrestrial intelligence and summaries of the Condon Report.
• Postkarte (Postcard): A section for sending messages, likely for inquiries or orders.
• GEP Information: Contact details and information about GEP's activities and membership.
• Meldezentrale für UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Observation Reporting Center): Contact numbers for reporting UFO sightings.
• MYSTERIA: An advertisement for a UFO research and para-astronautics magazine.
• UFO INFORMATION: An advertisement for a German-language UFO magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the critical analysis of evidence (particularly photographic), and the exploration of natural explanations for sightings, such as meteors and solar activity. The GEP's editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, interdisciplinary research, aiming to demystify UFO reports by seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between hoaxes, misidentifications, and potentially genuine anomalous events. The magazine encourages critical thinking among its readers regarding UFO evidence.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by GEP, is dated "3'85" and was released on March 1, 1985. The cover prominently features "GEP-NACHRICHTEN" (GEP News) and announces a new "Mitglieds-Ausweis" (Membership Card).

Articles and Features

The Phenomenon of Polar Lights (Auroras)

The issue begins with a detailed explanation of polar lights (auroras), describing their formation through the interaction of solar wind particles with Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere. It explains the Rayleigh measurement of intensity and mentions various forms and colors of auroras, including the 'veil' phenomenon. The article draws a parallel between the frequency of auroras, linked to solar sunspot cycles, and the occurrence of UFO light phenomena, suggesting that some UFO sightings might be explained by auroras. It lists key facts about polar lights, noting their appearance in polar regions and sometimes near the equator, their diverse shapes and colors, and their occurrence at altitudes between 60 and 600 km, correlating with the 11.7-year sunspot cycle.

'Altocumulus Lenticularis' Photographed

This section details a photographic case from February 1977 in Greenland, where a witness, Kim Moller Hansen of SUFOI, captured three photos of an aurora. During the second exposure, a dark, elliptical object was observed within the aurora, which then disappeared. The article discusses the SUFOI hypothesis that the object might have been an 'Altocumulus Lenticularis' cloud, a common phenomenon in Greenland. The photos were analyzed, and the exposure time of one minute was consistent with stellar movements.

GEP News

This section announces the new GEP membership card, designed by Lothar Richter, printed on brown cardstock, and valid for one year. It also mentions a brief radio interview with Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck on the Westdeutscher Rundfunk about UFOs. Furthermore, it notes GEP's efforts to obtain non-profit status by approaching various ministries.

Letters to the Editor (Leserbriefe)

A letter from Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP-Mannheim criticizes the GEP's stance on witness testimony, arguing that GEP's belief in the literal truth of witness accounts is contrary to serious UFO research. Köhler emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine deception and misinterpretation, and advocates for a more critical analysis of witness statements, particularly in cases like the Jüchen incident, suggesting helicopter explanations.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• "La Chine et les Extraterrestres" by Shi Bo: This book, written in French, is reviewed as a significant contribution to UFO research from China, detailing various sightings and phenomena similar to those reported in the West, including saucer shapes, cigar and spiral forms, strong luminosity, and encounters with extraterrestrials.
• "Der erste Tag der neuen Welt" by Jesco von Puttkamer: This book, a paperback edition of a work originally published by Umschau, is described as a promising account of space travel and the future. While praised for its illustrations and coverage of topics like the space station 'Skylab' and future human colonization of Mars and Venus, the reviewer criticizes its uncritical adoption of NASA's euphoric outlook and the 'Star Wars' plans, urging a more grounded perspective.
• "THE UFO ENIGMA" by Marcia S. Smith / George D. Havas: This revised study from the Science Policy Research Division is presented as a comprehensive overview of UFO phenomena. It includes definitions, UFO witness sketches (one resembling the Jüchen case), explanations of CE1, CE2, and CE3 classifications, and an analysis of witness credibility. The review highlights its coverage of official US Air Force investigations, American UFO organizations, and international cooperation, as well as a review of UFO cases from 1970-1982.
• "Engel in Sternschiffen" by Giorgio Dibitonto: This review introduces a 'contactee' book from Ventla-Verlag, describing it as a story of telepathic contact with extraterrestrials. The reviewer notes that while the content is typical of contactee literature, the author's claims are supported by weak 'evidence', which the book argues proves its authenticity. The reviewer suggests it is more suited for those interested in the mythology of UFO research than for serious investigators.
• "UFOLOGIE: Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen" by Dieter von Reeken: This book is presented as a guide for those seeking information on UFOs, aiming to clarify theories and facts while debunking myths and sensationalism. It emphasizes self-reliance and responsibility, critiquing the tendency to expect solutions from 'star brothers'. The book covers the history of ufology, extraterrestrial life, pre-astronautics, and interstellar travel, using specific examples and providing source citations.

Book Sales and Announcements

The issue includes advertisements for various UFO-related books and publications, including MUFON reports and special GEP publications. It also announces the 6th CENAP UFO/UAP Meeting in Luxembourg in September 1985, emphasizing it as a meeting for researchers to exchange experiences and discuss findings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the credibility of witnesses, and the classification of sightings. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientific research and sensationalism, with a critical approach to certain research methodologies and interpretations, particularly those from CENAP. The journal also explores potential explanations for UFO sightings, such as atmospheric phenomena like auroras, and reviews literature that attempts to categorize and understand these events. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based research while acknowledging the complexity and often controversial nature of the UFO subject.