JUFOF - Issue 040 - 1985 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is Volume 6, Issue 4, dated July-August 1985. It features a range of articles on UFO sightings, research methodologies, and related phenomena, with a particular focus on German cases and the activities of the GEP.

Articles and Content

UFO's im Westerwald II by Hans Werner Peiniger

This article continues the discussion from a previous issue about UFO sightings in the Westerwald region. The author evaluates the reported observations, noting that due to cost constraints, only one case could be investigated on-site. Many cases are classified as having "insufficient data" because witnesses could not be personally interviewed, leading to a lack of crucial details. The author mentions that a detailed report on the most interesting sighting will be in the next issue. He also discusses a specific sighting where the witness reported seeing a UFO while driving at approximately 80-90 km/h. Possible explanations considered include reflections on the windshield, potentially caused by external lights (like helicopters) or internal lights within the vehicle. The moon is ruled out as a cause due to its position.

UFO War Foto-Hoax by Hans Werner Peiniger

This piece supplements previous reports on a UFO photograph case. It references an article from Kodak's internal magazine, "Kodakery international," dated September 20, 1984, which highlighted a photograph taken by Pal Kristian Vaag on the west coast of Norway. The UFO was described as silver, changing to gray, and disappearing quickly. The photograph was purchased by Kodak for advertising purposes from the Norwegian newspaper "Verdens Gang." The case was investigated by Jan S. Krogh of the Norwegian group NIVFO. The photograph was examined by Royal Norwegian Air Force experts and later sent to NASA for their opinion. The article includes details about the simplicity of the Kodak disc 4000 camera used and the subsequent surge in sales of the camera due to the publicity.

Appell an die Pra-Astronautiker by Ralf Sonnenberg

This is a call to action directed at proponents of 'Pre-Astronautics,' urging them to engage with the GEP and its research.

Meldungen, Leserbriefe, Neue Bücher, GEP-Nachrichten

These sections typically contain brief updates, correspondence from readers, reviews of new publications, and internal news from the GEP organization.

UFO-Bibliographien and GEP Special Editions

An announcement details the availability of GEP special editions, including "Extraterrestrische Intelligenzen Band 4" (Extraterrestrial Intelligences Volume 4), a commented bibliography of German-language publications on the topic from 1981-1982, compiled by Dieter von Reeken. This publication is described as a 37-page booklet with illustrations and an ISBN.

IUEL-Tagung in Dortmund by Gerald Mosbleck

This article reports on a conference organized by the IUEL (International Union for the Study of Extraterrestrial Life) in Dortmund on May 19, 1985. The author, representing the GEP, attended the event and found the presentations by Peter Tewes to be filled with esoteric and pseudoscientific claims, particularly concerning reincarnation, multiple dimensions, and 'imaginary' numbers in mathematics. Mosbleck critically analyzes Tewes's theories, suggesting they are designed to exploit attendees financially, with expensive training courses offered. He notes the IUEL's desire to remain unregistered and its potential links to Scientology, citing similarities in their approach and marketing. The article also mentions the GEP's investigation into Scientology's activities in Lüdenscheid.

Sonne, Mond & Sterne by Gerald Mosbleck

This article focuses on the use of astronomical data in UFO research. The author discusses the importance of checking celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and planets when investigating UFO sightings, as they can often provide conventional explanations. He introduces two computer programs: 'COSIPLAN,' a BASIC program that was functional but slow, and 'SKYTRAVEL' by Deltron, a more advanced program written in machine language. Mosbleck details the capabilities of SKYTRAVEL, including its ability to accurately display celestial objects, simulate twilight phases, and provide detailed astronomical data. He highlights its usefulness for both UFO researchers and amateur astronomers.

Die gefährliche Sekte "Scientology Church" wirbt jetzt intensiv auch in Lüdenscheid

This article, accompanied by several news clippings, critically examines the Scientology Church's activities, particularly its recruitment efforts in Lüdenscheid. It describes Scientology as a dangerous cult that preys on vulnerable individuals, subjecting them to psychological and financial pressure. The article highlights the founder L. Ron Hubbard and his book "Dianetics." It details how the GEP became aware of potential links between the IUEL conference and Scientology. The report cites legal actions against Scientology in Germany, including the denial of its registration as a non-profit organization due to its commercial and unethical practices. The article warns parents and individuals to be wary of the sect's deceptive methods.

Wirbt Düsseldorfer Sekte jetzt in Lüdenscheider Schaukasten? GEP hegte den ersten Verdacht

This news report from the "WR" (Westfälische Rundschau) details how the GEP, through its investigation into the IUEL conference, uncovered potential links to the Scientology Church. The GEP's chairman, Gerald Mosbleck, expressed concern that the IUEL's activities might be a front for Scientology, selling 'consciousness expansion' at high prices. The report mentions that the GEP noticed a Scientology display in a shop window in Lüdenscheid and notes that the Düsseldorf branch of Scientology had previously been denied registration as a non-profit organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena and related organizations. There is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims, particularly concerning esoteric or pseudoscientific theories. The GEP positions itself as a serious research organization dedicated to understanding UFOs through empirical investigation and data analysis. The magazine also actively scrutinizes groups like Scientology, highlighting their potentially harmful practices and commercial exploitation under the guise of self-help or spiritual advancement. The editorial stance favors rational explanations and evidence-based research, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena.

This issue of the German publication "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated October 1, 1985, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon and related fields. The magazine features a prominent cover story about a Norwegian UFO photograph that was later exposed as a hoax, and discusses the involvement of NASA in evaluating such evidence. The issue also includes a critical examination of the pre-astronautics movement, book reviews, and introductions to new UFO-related publications.

Cover Story: Norwegian UFO Photo Hoax and NASA Involvement

The main cover story focuses on a photograph taken by Pal Kristian Vaag in Norway on August 19, 1983. Vaag claimed to have photographed a UFO that moved slowly towards the mountains before vanishing instantly. He described the object as changing from silvery to dark grey and estimated its diameter at 10 to 15 meters. The photograph was initially published by the Norwegian newspaper "Verdens-Gang" in August 1984, causing a stir among UFO researchers. The article details how the Norwegian UFO research group NIVFO investigated the case, initially suspecting a hoax due to similarities with a Danish object. Eventually, Vaag admitted to the hoax, confessing he had photographed a model UFO on a string. Computer analysis by GSW confirmed this. The case also gained international attention, with NASA reportedly being asked to evaluate the amateur photograph.

Article: Appeal to Pre-Astronautics Advocates

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a critical analysis of the pre-astronautics field, particularly the "Ancient Astronaut Society" (AAS). Ralf Sonnenberg, the author, addresses the difficulties faced by proponents of this theory in gaining acceptance, often being dismissed alongside the "little green men from Mars" and Erich von Däniken. Sonnenberg argues that while imagination is important, pre-astronautics proponents often stray too far from reality, making unsubstantiated interpretations of ancient artifacts and rock drawings as evidence of extraterrestrial visitors. He criticizes the tendency to dismiss scientific explanations and the use of "pseudo-scientific" methods. The article calls for greater scientific rigor and evidence-based arguments to legitimize the field, warning that unsophisticated approaches only benefit critics.

Johannes and Peter Fiebag are mentioned for their attempts to keep their speculations within scientifically acceptable bounds, with Peter Fiebag urging for scientific self-assurance. Wolfgang Siebenhaar is quoted acknowledging that some publications harm the AAS's reputation. The article also touches upon Peter Kaufhold's critique of the "Gods-Astronaut" theory. The author concludes by appealing to proponents of "fantastic realism" to be scientific and provide verifiable facts.

News and Reports

Meldungen (Reports)

• The Raelian Movement: The section "Meldungen" reports on Claude Vorilhon, a former sports journalist who claims to have encountered a UFO and an extraterrestrial being on December 13, 1973. He was given the name RAEL and a symbol, and tasked with preparing humanity for the return of extraterrestrials. The movement claims to have 10,000 followers, requiring a ten percent tithe of income.
• New UFO Journals: Two new UFO publications are introduced: "UFOLOGIA," a bi-monthly magazine from the Brazilian organization CPDV, and "THE COMPUTER UFO NEWS-LETTER," an English-language newsletter from Italy that focuses on UFO research using computers, particularly the Commodore C-64.

Artificial Comet Experiment

An article describes an experiment by scientists from the Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik who created an artificial comet over the Pacific Ocean by releasing barium vapor from a satellite at an altitude of 110,000 kilometers. This experiment allowed scientists to observe phenomena similar to those of natural comets in a controlled environment.

Book Reviews

• "Clear Intent" by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood: This book is reviewed, focusing on the alleged government cover-up of the UFO experience in the USA. It presents arguments for a conspiracy, citing the withholding of documents by agencies like the CIA and NSA, and the classification of UFOs as a highly important problem in 1950. The review notes the book's detailed chapters on the involvement of various US intelligence agencies and includes reports on Dr. Bennewitz's research.
• "UFO la grande parodia" by Jean Robin: This book is described as taking a different approach to the UFO topic, exploring connections between UFOs, PSI phenomena, and spiritualism. It discusses theories like the hollow earth theory and even speculates if UFOs could be a sign of the "Antichrist."
• "Theory of the Magnocraft" by Dr. Jan Pajak: The review covers Dr. Pajak's theory of a 'magnetcraft' propulsion system. The collection of papers includes aerodynamic designs and diagrams. While acknowledging the detailed nature of the theory, the reviewer points out significant technological and financial hurdles, as well as the author's hope for military funding.
• "Evolution im Weltall" by Gene Bylinsky: This book review discusses Bylinsky's work on the evolution of life, both on Earth and potentially on other planets. It praises the book's illustrations but criticizes its scientific argumentation, noting a tendency towards theatricality over critical analysis. The review highlights the book's focus on interested laypeople.
• "The Awesome Life Force" by Joseph H. Cater: This book is dismissed as "nonsense" and a re-release of a previous work, criticizing its claims about an all-encompassing force that explains occult, ufological, and other phenomena.

GEP Sonderheft 3: Extraterrestrische Intelligenzen

The magazine announces "GEP Sonderheft 3," a revised edition of a bibliography on extraterrestrial intelligence, covering publications from 1901-1970. It is described as a comprehensive compilation with illustrations and indexes.

GEP Sonderheft 7: Beiträge zur UFO-Forschung Band 1

This announcement is for a publication stemming from a 1984 UFO research conference in Heilbronn. It contains revised versions of the presentations given at the event, covering topics such as whether UFOs are vehicles of non-terrestrial beings, the secrecy surrounding UFOs, the psychology of UFOs, UFO phenomena over Germany, the reliability of size estimations, and extraterrestrial technology in the Middle Ages.

Leserbrief (Letter to the Editor)

The "Leserbrief" section addresses perceived negativity and personal attacks within the German UFO research community. The author criticizes certain individuals and groups for their unprofessional behavior, poor writing, and aggressive tone when attacking other researchers and journalists. The letter highlights instances where eyewitness accounts are dismissed as "stupidity" and where claims are made that are easily refutable, such as suggesting cars can explain UFO sightings. The author urges for more objectivity and less personal animosity.

New Prices and Order Information

The issue includes a section listing new prices for various GEP publications and special offers, along with an order form for GEP special issues and other UFO-related books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO evidence (particularly photographic hoaxes), the ongoing debate and methodological challenges within the pre-astronautics field, and the introduction of new resources for UFO researchers (journals and books). The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific rigor and critical thinking within the UFO research community, while also acknowledging the existence of new publications and ongoing research efforts. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible research and unsubstantiated speculation or hoaxes.