JUFOF - Issue 041 - 1985 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (ISSN 0723-7766, Number 5, 1985, Volume 6, September-October) from the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP) features several articles on UFO sightings and investigations, priced at DM 4.00. The cover headline highlights "UFO'S IM WESTERWALD III" by Hans Werner Peiniger.

Featured Articles and Cases

UFO's im Westerwald III (Hans Werner Peiniger)

This article details a UFO sighting from October 27, 1983, in the Westerwald region of Germany. The witness, a 35-year-old woman, reported seeing two large, round lights that later resolved into a hovering object with a curved shape and three lights. The object was observed near a church tower and later, after the witness drove away, appeared to follow her. The witness described the lights as extremely bright, comparable to floodlights, but without visible radiation. The object's shape was described as curved from the middle to the tip, with a red light at the end and smaller, paler lights. The witness estimated the object's altitude at about 100 meters and its size at approximately 30 centimeters when viewed at arm's length. The weather was clear with no wind.

CE-1 bei Hochheim (Hans Werner Peiniger)

This case report revisits a CE-1 (Close Encounter of the First Kind) incident from April 11, 1974, near Hochheim, Germany. Four witnesses in a car observed a round, flat, luminous object hovering about 50 meters above a field. The object was described as having a curved shape and four square lights that rotated. A beam of light, described as like looking through a glass tube with liquid running down the inside, descended from the object and illuminated the ground, then the vehicle. The witnesses experienced a sensation of being watched and felt a significant passage of time (3-4 hours felt like 15-20 minutes). The object then departed rapidly in stages towards the southeast. The witnesses later experienced mild fever and sore throat. The article notes that a previous investigation by CENAP identified a similar case as an airplane, but the author suggests this was a misidentification.

UFO war ein Heissluftballon (Hans Werner Peiniger)

This section addresses a UFO report from Oestrich, Germany, on May 28, 1985. Local residents reported seeing unidentified flying objects. Initial reports varied, with some describing a glowing balloon and others a large star. The Iserlohner Kreis-Anzeiger (IKZ) published an appeal for witnesses, which led to further reports describing a typical hot air balloon (red-orange, luminous object). The GEP investigated, and their computer analysis, combined with witness accounts, concluded that the object was a 'party balloon' or 'party-gag-Heißluftballon'. The article also mentions a possible misidentification of a small military courier plane by CENAP in a similar case.

Immer im Kreis herum (Ian Mrzyglod)

This article provides an overview of the crop circle phenomenon, focusing on recent developments and theories. It discusses the discovery of multiple crop circle formations in the UK in 1983, including a five-circle arrangement near Westbury/Bratton and other formations at Cheesefoot Head, Cley Hill, and Wantage. The author notes the media's strong emphasis on the UFO aspect of crop circles, with "UFO-spotters" and "UFO experts" frequently quoted. The article contrasts this with the "whirlwind theory," which suggests that atmospheric phenomena, rather than UFOs, are responsible for creating the circles. The author acknowledges that while the whirlwind theory can explain some formations, the complexity of five-circle arrangements poses a challenge. The article also mentions a specific incident where a smaller crop circle formation was found near the original Westbury formation, which was not widely reported by the press.

Other Content

GEP Information

The magazine includes information about the GEP, its mission to research UFO phenomena, and its methods, which include questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary analysis. It also details subscription information for the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (JUFOF) and other GEP publications.

Book Reviews and Announcements

There are mentions of new books and publications related to UFO research, including "Extraterrestrische Intelligenzen Band 4. Bibliographie 1981-1982" edited by Dieter von Reeken, and "MYSTERIA," a journal for UFO research and pre-astronautics.

Contact Information

Contact details for GEP, including their postal address and telephone number, are provided, along with contact information for regional UFO reporting centers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the analysis of crop circles. The GEP's editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, seeking logical explanations while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The magazine emphasizes scientific inquiry and the collection of detailed witness accounts, while also critically examining media portrayals and potential misidentifications. There is a clear effort to distinguish between scientifically plausible explanations (like weather phenomena) and more speculative theories, though the UFO aspect remains central to the publication's focus.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by GEP, focuses on crop circles, book reviews, and UFO-related news. The cover highlights "NEUE BÜCHER" (New Books) and features an illustration of a UFO. The issue is dated "1. Dezember" and appears to be part of the "6'85" edition.

Crop Circle Theories and Cases

The main article delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, particularly those observed in the UK in the early 1980s. It discusses the prevailing theory of wind vortices, which suggested that a swirling wind could flatten crops into circular patterns. However, the article points out the limitations of this theory, especially when applied to formations with multiple satellite circles, such as those found in Wantage in 1983. The author notes that the initial theory of wind vortices was challenged by formations in flat areas like Wantage, which lacked the necessary geographical features to create such winds.

The PROBE team investigated the possibility of hoaxes, but rejected it due to the significant time and effort required to create complex formations like the four outer satellite circles around a large central one. The article also dismisses the idea of pranksters, suggesting that such elaborate efforts would likely be discovered.

Analysis of older photos from 1980 of the Westbury/Bratton circles revealed three individual circles, which might have been part of a larger formation. The possibility of a fourth satellite circle being obscured by a hedge is considered. The article suggests that the 1980 formations might have been more significant than initially perceived, potentially indicating a five-circle formation.

Other theories explored include the idea of helicopters causing the formations, particularly after the three-circle discovery at Cheesefoot Head. However, this is deemed unlikely for the larger central circle. The article also touches upon the Winchester discoveries in 1981, which were linked to reports of small, silver-clad beings.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed in this issue:

• "Die Blauen Hefte" (The Blue Books) by Anny Baguhn (Hrsg.): This book is presented as a collection of messages from alleged "older brothers" (aliens) providing teachings on cosmic consciousness expansion. The reviewer, H.W.P., is skeptical, suggesting that the content reflects the ideas of Herta Schachner, the sensitive who received the messages, rather than genuine extraterrestrial communication. The reviewer notes that the messages contain advice on health and lifestyle that seems more earthly than alien.
• "Geheime Wunderwaffen I und II" (Secret Wonder Weapons I and II) by D.H. Haarmann: These brochures, published by HUGIN, discuss alleged German secret weapons, including flying saucers developed during WWII. The first part focuses on Antarctic expeditions and German flying saucer projects (Schriever, Habermohl, Miethe, Beluzzo), mentioning incredible speeds and altitudes. It also examines the mystery of missing German U-boats and dismisses terrestrial explanations for UFO sightings. The second part addresses UFO sightings, suggesting the 1947 "UFO wave" was deliberately timed to distance UFOs from WWII. It critiques the secrecy policies of the USAF and offers an explanation for UFO occupants resembling average humans, suggesting they might be from Earth or even from Neu-Schwabenland or Patagonia.
• "Operation Marsblüte" (Operation Marsbloom) by E.A. Laurence: This book, subtitled "How the Red Planet Becomes Habitable," is described as a science fiction report from the perspective of a "Martian" detailing the terraforming of Mars. The reviewer, H.W.P., questions the motivation behind terraforming Mars, suggesting it might imply Earth is already uninhabitable and raising concerns about a potential escape plan for the powerful.
• "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects" by Edward J. Ruppelt: This is a partial translation of the Blue Book project leader's report. The reviewer, Axel Ertelt, notes that Ruppelt sought to provide factual information to counter public speculation due to government secrecy. The report discusses the definition of proof for extraterrestrial spacecraft and Ruppelt's involvement in Project Blue Book. It highlights the overwhelming number of UFO sightings in 1952 and the internal confusion within the project. The reviewer also mentions that the original book is not illustrated, but the translator has added photos.
• "Celestial Basic" by Eric Burgess: This book is a collection of astronomy programs for home computers, written in BASIC. It covers time calculations, moon phases, planetary positions, and graphic representations of celestial bodies. The reviewer, H.W.P., praises the book as a valuable resource for both computer users and astronomy enthusiasts, particularly for its detailed step-by-step guide.
• "Ausserirdische Zivilisationen" (Extraterrestrial Civilizations) by Isaac Asimov: Asimov explores the question of whether humanity is alone in the universe, discussing the origins of life, the probability of Earth-like planets, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The reviewer, Gen, notes that Asimov does not present definitive proof of alien visitation and criticizes the descriptions of spacecraft and technology in some contactee accounts as being too similar to cheap science fiction.

GEP News and Updates

The GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e. V.) welcomes new members: Herbert Fischer, Bernd Jendreck, Uwe Michel, Heiko Reese, and Thomas Milinski. The organization has decided to reduce membership fees, with the new regulation taking effect from October 31, 1984. Members are reminded to apply for the reduced fee shortly before their membership expires to avoid being automatically charged the regular rate. The GEP also requests members to report any address changes or missing journal issues promptly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly crop circles, and the critical evaluation of evidence and theories. The journal appears to maintain a stance of cautious inquiry, presenting various perspectives while also offering critical analysis, especially regarding claims of extraterrestrial contact and the scientific validity of certain theories. The book reviews consistently highlight the need for critical thinking and scientific rigor when examining UFO phenomena and related topics. The editorial stance seems to favor evidence-based research and a skeptical approach to sensational claims, while acknowledging the enduring public interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life.