JUFOF - Issue 042 - 1985 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is dated November-December 1985 and is the 6th issue of the 6th year, identified as Heft 42. The cover price is DM 4.00. The ISSN is 0723-7766. The issue features several articles, with the main cover headline posing the question "UFO ODER BALLON ?" (UFO or Balloon?).

Featured Articles and Content

UFO or Balloon?

This section, authored by Hans Werner Peiniger, presents a case that was not yet concluded at the time of publication. The author seeks reader input for identification. A witness reported seeing an object on May 19, 1985, while a passenger in a car near Hildesheim, Germany. The object was observed to the right of the car, over the water on a bridge in Wickede, around 7 AM. The witness described it as not moving.

Wieder ein Heissluftballon (Another Hot-Air Balloon)

Authored by Hans Werner Peiniger of GEP, this article revisits the possibility of hot-air balloons being mistaken for UFOs. It details an observation from July 23, 1985, that caused excitement among residents in Hagen (Westfalia). A witness described an orange-red object, the size of an apple, seen in the sky. Further investigation involved interviewing other witnesses, including one who observed the object through binoculars. This witness described it as a round object, approximately 70 degrees azimuth and 25 degrees altitude, appearing smaller than the full moon. The object was described as red-orange, with "flames" or "fire bursts" emanating from its lower half. It moved across the sky and disappeared towards Herdecke. The witness noted the object hovered stationary for 2-3 seconds before moving with high speed. The sighting lasted about 1-2 minutes. The investigation involved checking meteorological data, which indicated wind speeds of approximately 40 km/h at an altitude of 400-500 meters. The article concludes that the visual characteristics and flight path strongly suggest a model hot-air balloon explanation.

Immer im Kreis Herum II (Always Around in Circles II)

Authored by Ian Mrzyglod of PROBE, this article delves into the phenomenon of crop circles. It discusses new developments and theories, including the possibility of hoaxes. The author mentions a phone call from Bob Richard of Fortean Times, who had photos of the Westbury/Bratton circles and noted seemingly connecting 'spots'. The article explores the idea that these circles might have been created by a group of pranksters. It references an article in the "NOW!" magazine about the son of a local landowner, Alan Shephard, and his farm, where circles appeared. The author notes that the circles were only on Shephard's land, below the Westbury White Horse. The article also discusses the possibility of a 'Warminster Triangle' and the role of publicity in the phenomenon.

Crop Circle Investigations and Theories

This section, drawing from various sources including PROBE REPORT, discusses the investigation into crop circles. It highlights the difficulty in definitively identifying the cause, with theories ranging from whirlwinds to deliberate hoaxes. The article mentions the possibility of a family prank to promote a business, or a psychological project to observe public reaction. It also considers the role of individuals seeking to revive interest in the Warminster UFO phenomenon. The investigation into the Westbury/Bratton circles suggests that a team could have created a five-circle formation using a string and compass in as little as 24 minutes, with the process documented by an automatic camera. The article notes that the circles were often found in less visible locations, making a hoax less likely to be immediately discovered. It also touches upon the possibility of natural phenomena like whirlwinds, citing evidence of wind patterns and the difficulty of leaving footprints on hard ground.

New Service for GEP Members

This section announces a new service for GEP members, allowing them to borrow literature from the GEP library and books discussed in JUFOF for a limited period. It outlines the terms and conditions for borrowing, including that the service is at the member's risk and requires written requests.

Additional Information and Appeals

Several smaller sections include appeals for witnesses to UFO sightings, particularly for the July 13th event in Hagen. There is also a section selling GEP binders for the journal and information about the GEP organization itself, describing it as the largest UFO research association in Germany.

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 editorial stance, as represented by the GEP and the "Journal für UFO-Forschung," is one of scientific inquiry, seeking rational explanations while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The publication encourages reader participation and the sharing of information. There is a clear emphasis on methodical investigation, using questionnaires, field research, and interdisciplinary analysis. The magazine also acknowledges the role of media in shaping public perception and the potential for hoaxes or misidentifications.

The issue concludes with a section titled "Schlußworte" (Concluding Remarks), reflecting on the four-year investigation into crop circles by the PROBE team. It acknowledges the strong 'hoax' element that has emerged, potentially diminishing the sense of investigating a new phenomenon. However, it states that the effort to find a complete solution will continue, with plans for observation during the summer of 1984. The article suggests that if crop circles do not appear, the whirlwind theory might be abandoned, and the hoax theory might prevail. It also mentions that the German weather services' opinions and further reports on crop circles will be featured in upcoming issues.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by GEP in 1985, focuses on the UFO-Forum 1985 conference and features several articles and book reviews related to UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, and related theories.

UFO-Forum 1985 Conference Report by Gerald Mosbleck

The issue begins with a report by Gerald Mosbleck on the UFO-Forum 1985 conference, which was initially uncertain due to the illness of Gilbert Schmitz of CENAP. The conference was eventually held in Schwetzingen. The event included discussions, film screenings, and presentations. Werner Walter discussed the 1973 sighting wave, and Michael Alex addressed photo forgery. A witness named Reinhold recounted a sighting from over 30 years ago, which, due to the Cold War context, might have had military origins. Axel Ertelt presented photos of crop circles from England. The conference also included a 'UFO stimulus' event with a balloon launch, a visit to the Mannheim planetarium, and a second balloon launch where a bright light detached from the object. CENAP-Heilbronn presented new cases, including the unexplained 'Wüstenrot' case.

Discussions at the conference also focused on defining criteria for classifying UFO cases and addressing witness credibility. GEP presented a systematic approach to UFO research.

The Rael Cult: Rael, the Gods, and the UFOs by Roland Gerhardt

This section details the Rael movement, a pseudo-religious community founded by Claude Vorilhon (who calls himself Rael). Rael claims contact with extraterrestrials named 'Elohim' and believes humanity was created by them. The article recounts Vorilhon's alleged encounter in 1973 with a flying saucer and an alien being. It describes the Rael movement's goals, including promoting peace and freedom, and its controversial stance on sexuality. The article also touches upon Vorilhon's background as a former race car driver and singer.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• THE AGE OF THE UFO (edited by Peter Brookesmith): This comprehensive book covers various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including famous cases, UFO cults, and research methods. It is praised for its detailed illustrations and factual approach, though it lacks source citations.
• THE ALIEN WORLD (edited by Peter Brookesmith): This book explores English UFO cases, 'Men in Black' phenomena, and contactee reports, including a section on Billy Meier and alleged UFO models.
• THE UFO CASEBOOK (edited by Peter Brookesmith): This compilation presents numerous UFO cases, including contact and abduction scenarios. The reviewer notes a lack of critical skepticism from the author.
• EARTH LIGHTS (by Paul Devereux): This book attempts to correlate UFO sightings with archaeological sites and geophysical events. The reviewer finds the statistical methods questionable but acknowledges the book's readability and potential for new insights.
• Synergetics: The Secret of Nature (by Hermann Haken): This book discusses self-organizing systems and chaos theory, suggesting implications for the stability of solar systems and the evolution of life and public opinion. It is recommended for those interested in new research areas.
• Magnetism contra Raum-Zeit (by Udo Wöstendiek): The reviewer criticizes this book for its lack of scientific rigor, including missing citations and numerous errors. The author's theories on time flow and a 'super-space' are dismissed as pseudoscientific.
• Overlords and Olympians (by W. Gordon Allen): This book is described as a blend of parapsychology, god-belief, and UFO theories, drawing on the work of Rudolf Steiner and incorporating the 1973 UFO flap. The reviewer finds it overly fantastical.

GEP-Nachrichten (GEP News)

This section includes news about the MUFON-CES conference in Stuttgart, featuring presentations on parapsychology, gravitational phenomena, and photo analysis. It also mentions a film screening of 'The UFO evidence' and reports on new GEP cases.

Other Articles

• Ufo-Alarm: Feuerball über Deutschland: Reports on multiple sightings of a fireball or red sphere over Germany in November 1985.
• Ufo-Alarm: Rote Kugel, grünes Licht: Details of a sighting near Hannover, described as a round, green sphere with a tail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO research, witness accounts, and the critical analysis of UFO phenomena. There is a clear distinction made between scientific investigation and pseudoscientific claims, as seen in the book reviews. The GEP appears to advocate for a systematic and rigorous approach to UFO research, while also acknowledging the speculative and sometimes controversial aspects of the field, such as UFO cults and alternative theories.