JUFOF - Issue 044 - 1986 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is dated 1986 March-April, marking Volume 7, Heft 44. The ISSN is 0723-7766, and the cover price is DM 4.00. The magazine focuses on UFO research and related phenomena, with a prominent cover headline of 'UFO-FORSCHUNG'.

Featured Articles and Content

UFO-Beobachtungen im Raum Viersen This section, authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, presents UFO sightings from the Viersen region. One detailed account from October 31, 1984, involves witness Maureen J. describing a tire-shaped object with a dome and a yellow-green light, later accompanied by a second identical object. The objects moved slowly and were observed near Leuth. The witness's friend also saw the objects. The report notes that the witness is known to a GEP staff member, Rüdiger Nazar, and includes an analysis of the object's characteristics, such as its light and shape, and the witness's perception of its movement and sound.

Another sighting from the same date, October 31, 1984, involves Peter M. from Niederkrüchten. He reported a fast-flying green-yellow glowing object that caused a power outage on his farm and distressed his animals before heading towards a military airfield. Despite attempts to gather more information, the witness remained uncommunicative, and investigations with the RAF and the electricity company yielded no results, leading to the suspicion of a prank.

Further sightings from the Viersen area include two black, cloud-like objects seen rising from a factory chimney, which were deemed to be clouds due to their consistent distance and form. Another observation involved pulsating white lights in a rhythmic pattern, described as larger than a normal aircraft, which disappeared within two minutes. This sighting is speculated to be a misidentified aircraft, possibly from a nearby military airfield.

Kreisspuren in Kornfeldern 2 This extensive article, co-authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Axel Ertelt, revisits the phenomenon of crop circles, building on previous discussions in the journal. It references an article from the Daily Express (July 16, 1984) about crop circles appearing in Dogleg Field near Winchester, Hants, UK. The article highlights the appearance of a large central circle surrounded by four smaller ones, noting their precise formation and the lack of damage to the crops, which were merely flattened.

• The authors explore various hypotheses for the formation of these circles:
• UFOs: The possibility of extraterrestrial craft landing is considered, with a specific report from 'Weekly World News' detailing a landing and the emergence of small alien beings. However, the lack of typical landing traces like burn marks or radiation is noted.
• Druid Rituals: The ancient practice of Druids is mentioned, but the authors find no evidence linking their rituals to crop circle formation.
• Helicopters: While considered, the precise symmetry of the circles makes this explanation unlikely, though the possibility of lightweight objects being dropped from helicopters is not entirely dismissed.
• Whirlwinds: This hypothesis, previously supported by the PROBE team and the 'Journal of Meteorology', is critically examined. The authors argue that the regularity and symmetry of the formations are inconsistent with the chaotic nature of whirlwinds. They cite Dr. G.T. Meaden's research, which acknowledges the difficulty of whirlwinds creating such exact patterns.
• Vegetation Marks: This theory suggests the circles are caused by archaeological remains beneath the soil, affecting plant growth. Franz Seidl from Austria provides information on how different soil conditions can lead to variations in vegetation. However, the GEP staff, including Axel Ertelt, who investigated crop circles in England, found this explanation insufficient due to the formations' appearance in different locations and their consistent patterns.
• Hoax: The possibility of a deliberate prank is strongly considered, especially given the proximity to Warminster, a town known for UFO sightings and a UFO museum. The lack of footprints and the precise nature of the formations are discussed as counterarguments to a simple hoax.

The article concludes that while whirlwinds and vegetation marks are unlikely, and the helicopter theory has low probability, the UFO and hoax hypotheses remain the most plausible, though definitive proof is lacking. The authors express interest in future findings, particularly from England.

Other Sections

• GEP-Sonderheft 6: Extraterrestrische Intelligenzen Band 4: This is a special publication by GEP, a commented bibliography of German-language publications on extraterrestrial intelligence, UFOs, and pre-astronautics from 1981-1982, compiled by Dieter von Reeken. It is described as a 37-page booklet with illustrations and indexes.
• JUFOF-Einbanddecken: Information is provided on purchasing binding covers for the journal's annual volumes.
• Impressum: Details the responsibilities of the editors (Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbieck), the non-commercial basis of the journal, and copyright information.
• Meldezentrale für UFO-Beobachtungen: Contact information for reporting UFO sightings to GEP and its regional reporting centers.
• Fotanalysen vom Profi, Leserbriefe, Neue Bücher: These sections indicate ongoing features within the journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and the investigation of crop circles. The GEP's editorial stance is one of rigorous investigation, employing scientific methods and interdisciplinary approaches to analyze phenomena. They are open to various hypotheses but critically evaluate them based on available evidence, often favoring explanations that are grounded in observable facts or logical deduction, while not entirely dismissing the possibility of unknown phenomena. The journal aims to inform its readers and encourage discussion, as evidenced by the call for reader input on the crop circle phenomenon. The GEP emphasizes its role as a scientific research organization dedicated to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), identified as issue 3'86, is published by GEP and focuses on various aspects of UFO phenomena, including official investigations, astronomical observations, and book reviews.

GEP Representatives Visit Army Aviators

The lead article details a visit by GEP representatives, including Gerald Mosbleck and Hans-Werner Peiniger, to the army aviators in Rheine, Germany. The visit was prompted by the unresolved Jüchen UFO case, which involved a silent, pyramid-shaped light field. The German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) supported the research, inviting the GEP team for a night flight demonstration. Major Lange led the operation. The team participated in a daytime transport helicopter flight and a nighttime flight, during which they experienced the use of night vision equipment. A key observation during the demonstration of searchlights was that multiple, strategically aimed spotlights could create the impression of a pyramid's edges, offering a potential, though not fully conclusive, explanation for the Jüchen sighting. The article praises the BMVg's cooperation.

UFO in the Small Dog Constellation Photographed?

This section, authored by Lothar Richter, discusses the possibility of photographing UFOs in the 'Small Dog' constellation. It begins by explaining George Adamski's concept of a mothership and scoutships. Richter then clarifies that 'Small Dog' refers to the constellation, not a terrestrial dog, and its main star is Procyon. He addresses a photograph of a cigar-shaped object in this constellation, stating it is a genuine, un-falsified image. Richter explains that the apparent 'cigar' is likely the streak left by a minor planet (asteroid) like Eros during a long exposure photograph, due to its rotation and elongated shape. He details the discovery and study of asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, mentioning Ceres as the largest. The article highlights the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) work in studying asteroid orbits and physical characteristics, including their rotation periods derived from light variations.

Zimbabwe: Air Force Jets Chase UFOs

Werner Walter reports on an incident in Zimbabwe where two HAWK fighter jets pursued an unidentified flying object over Matabeleland and Bulawayo on July 24, 1985. The object was seen by multiple witnesses and detected on radar. Air Marshall Azim Daudpots of the Zimbabwe Air Force described it as a 'bright object' that accelerated upwards with 'incredible speed.' The jets reached altitudes of up to 70,000 feet, but the UFO outpaced them. Air Commodore Dave Thorne noted that while most UFO sightings are explainable, this one was not. The object was described as rounded with a short upper cone, and it flew silently. The report suggests that while meteorological balloons can cause sightings, this case remains unexplained by the Air Force.

Photo Analysis by a Professional

This section presents a photo analysis conducted by Detlef Harnack from Hamburg. The subject is a photograph of unknown origin. Harnack's analysis suggests the photo was copied from a negative onto Kodak positive material, likely using a low-quality 110-format pocket camera with inferior lenses. The analysis also points to signs of aging on the photographic paper, possibly due to heat or improper chemical processing, and suggests the original print was stored in a self-adhesive album. The lighting conditions indicate the photo was taken either in the morning (10-11 AM) or afternoon (2-3 PM) in European latitudes. Crucially, Harnack concludes that the photograph is a 'real-aufnahme' (real-life recording) and not a montage or trick photograph.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• "Geheimnisvolle Welten" (Mysterious Worlds) by Clarke, Welfare, and Fairley: This book explores various mysteries, including Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, and UFOs. While Arthur C. Clarke's contribution is noted as minimal, the book is praised for its detailed descriptions and numerous photographs, including color images. The UFO chapter is criticized for focusing on misinterpretations of natural phenomena, though it acknowledges UFOs as a serious problem.
• "Visitors from Outer Space" by Robert Ellis Cahill: This book is part of a series on historical mysteries. The author, initially skeptical after his daughter's sighting, became convinced of the reality of UFO phenomena through his research. The book covers various sightings and includes an interview with the Hill couple.
• "Meine Weltraum-Odyssee in UFOs" (My Space Odyssey in UFOs) by Oscar Magocsi: This book details the alleged experiences of a Canadian contactee who claims contact with extraterrestrials since 1974. The reviewer finds the narrative somewhat like a science fiction novel, with some chapters describing unbelievable experiences. The book is available in a German edition with additional photos.
• "Phänomene" (Phenomena) by Hannes Bertschi: This book compiles reports of mysterious events in Basel, Switzerland, dating back to 1474. It covers topics like haunted houses, mythical creatures, and celestial phenomena, including UFO sightings and the work of Swiss UFOlogist Lou Zinsstag. The reviewer notes that most events are from recent centuries and that the book, while not exclusively about UFOs, is interesting for its historical material.
• "Extraterrestrische Intelligenzen" (Extraterrestrial Intelligences) edited by Dieter von Reeken: This is the fourth, revised edition of a bibliography covering UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and pre-astronautics from 1901-1970. It is described as a comprehensive resource.
• "Scenarios of Alien Visitation" by David Barker: This is a short, photocopied booklet offering the author's subjective thoughts on contactee literature and alien invasion scenarios. The reviewer finds it too expensive for its length and content.

Letters to the Editor

One letter expresses gratitude for the ease of borrowing UFO literature and praises the quality of the books. The writer criticizes CENAP's perceived arrogance and their tendency to dismiss UFO sightings as misinterpretations. Another letter thanks the publisher for the new issue, highlighting articles on crop circles and weather phenomena, and expresses interest in further installments. The writer also mentions the availability of various UFO-related books and publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, often with a critical yet open-minded approach. There is a clear effort to investigate official explanations and military perspectives, as seen in the visit to the army aviators. The publication also delves into astronomical aspects related to UFOs, such as asteroid research, and provides reviews of UFO literature, offering a platform for various viewpoints within the field. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational investigation of phenomena, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events and extraterrestrial contact.