JUFOF - Issue 045 - 1986 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is dated May-June 1986, marking the 3rd issue and 45th edition of the 7th year of publication. The cover prominently features the title and a headline about UFO observations in the Viersen area, accompanied by a grainy image.

Contents Overview

The issue presents a diverse range of articles related to UFO research and related phenomena:

UFO Observations in the Viersen Area II

This section, authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger of GEP, details UFO sightings in the Viersen region. It includes a specific report from November 7, 1984, where a witness observed a luminous object near Süchtelner Berg. The object was described as round and at flying altitude, initially mistaken for an airplane but noted for its lack of movement. The witness later recalled seeing a similar object on October 21, 1984. The article analyzes the observation, considering possibilities like balloons or aircraft landing lights, and concludes that the object was likely a conventional one, possibly an aircraft spotlight.

The Fatima Event

Johannes Fiebag critically examines the "Marienerscheinungen von Fatima" (Marian apparitions of Fatima), questioning the traditional interpretation. He presents historical accounts from the early 20th century, including descriptions of luminous spheres and "light ovals" observed by witnesses, suggesting these phenomena align with modern UFO reports. Fiebag focuses on the "Sun Miracle" of October 13, 1917, where thousands reportedly witnessed the sun behaving erratically, changing colors, and appearing as a "silver disc." He argues that these descriptions are inconsistent with the sun and instead point to a physical, material object, thus reinterpreting the event as a UFO encounter.

2nd MYSTERIA Meeting

Gerald Mosbleck reports on the second MYSTERIA meeting, held in Holzhausen in March 1985. The event featured presentations on "MYSTERIA-Expedition '85" to Great Britain and Southern Ireland, showcasing images of crop circles. Maarten Dillinger presented images from his visit with Eduard 'Billy' Meier. The meeting also included discussions on pre-astronautics and theories about "time gods" as descendants of humanity.

Abduction Reports in Psychological Interpretation

Ulrich Magin offers a psychological perspective on UFO abduction experiences. He posits that these accounts, often involving memory loss and medical examinations by non-human entities, are not entirely novel. Magin draws parallels to ancient initiation rites, shamanic journeys, and mythological narratives like Jonah and the whale or Sleeping Beauty. He suggests that UFO abductions might be symbolic representations of sexual initiation, birth trauma, or a desire for rebirth and enlightenment, influenced by subconscious material and possibly verifiable through hypnosis.

"UFOs" Turn Out to Be Small Hot Air Balloons

This short piece explains that sightings of "unknown flying objects" over Herdecke and Hagen on New Year's Eve were identified as small, lantern-like hot air balloons, often used for promotional purposes and mistaken for UFOs due to their appearance and movement.

Other Articles and Sections

• Brief Notes: Includes a report on lighting installations on helicopters being mistaken for UFOs and a mention of images from a comet.
• Book Reviews: Mentions new books and GEP news.
• GEP Information: Details about the GEP's mission, its role as Germany's largest UFO research organization, and its publication, "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (JUFOF).
• Subscription Information: Details on how to subscribe to the journal and order GEP publications.
• Contact Information: Addresses and phone numbers for GEP and its reporting centers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs from multiple angles, including eyewitness accounts, historical interpretations, and scientific/psychological analysis. There's a clear editorial stance favoring rational explanations for many sightings, often attributing them to misidentified natural phenomena, aircraft, or psychological factors. However, the magazine also dedicates significant space to more speculative topics like pre-astronautics and the reinterpretation of religious events (like Fatima) as potential UFO encounters. The GEP's commitment to scientific methodology in UFO research is emphasized, particularly in the article by Hans-Werner Peiniger.

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: 2/86
Volume: 7
Publisher: GEP
Country: Germany
Language: German
Date: 1986

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, published by GEP, focuses on various aspects of UFO research, pre-astronautics, and related scientific and psychological topics. The cover prominently features a speculative article about a potential extraterrestrial intelligence base on Miranda, a moon of Uranus, drawing on data from the Voyager II mission.

Potential Alien Base on Uranus' Moon Miranda

The lead article, "KÖNNTE AUF DEM URANUSMOND MIRANDA EINE BASIS AUSSERIRDISCHER INTELLIGENZEN SEIN?" by Wolfgang Schröder, explores the hypothesis that extraterrestrial intelligences might have established bases within our solar system, potentially on Uranus' moon Miranda. The article references the Voyager II mission's flyby of Uranus in January 1986, which provided unprecedented data about the planet and its moons. Schröder highlights the unusual geological features observed on Miranda, including deep canyons, large mountains, and formations described as "plowed fields" and "sports stadiums," which have baffled scientists. The article also touches upon the idea that some UFOs might originate from within our own solar system, possibly from the moons of outer planets, citing astrophysicist Maurice Chatelain. The piece also includes a detailed account of a close encounter reported by Jose C. Higgins in Brazil in 1947, where he described a landed object and interaction with tall, alien beings who seemingly communicated information about planetary orbits, specifically mentioning Uranus.

Literature and Book Reviews

The issue features a substantial "Literatur" section listing various books and articles related to UFOs and pre-astronautics, including works by B. Bettelheim, R. De Groote, H. Evans, D. Fideler, B. Hopkins, J.A. Hynek, C.G. Jung, A.H. Lawson, G. Maler-Sieber, and M. Sachs.

Several book reviews are included:

• "Aus den Tiefen des Alls: Handbuch zur Prä-Astronautik" by Peter and Johannes Fiebag: This review praises the book for its comprehensive approach to pre-astronautics, defining it as the "Erforschung, Nachweis und Rekonstruktion der Besuche und/oder Kontakte und/oder Eingriffe (unmittelbarer oder mittelbarer Art) auf dem Planeten Erde sowie anderer zu erforschender Bereiche unseres Sonnensystems durch Lebewesen höherer Ordnung..." The review notes that the book attempts to integrate pre-astronautics into the scientific framework and discusses the potential boundary between pre-astronautics and UFO research. It highlights contributions from various international scientists and researchers.
• "Die Sinne des Menschen" by Christoph von Campenhausen: This two-volume work is reviewed as an essential resource for UFO researchers. Volume I, "Einführung in die Psychophysik der Wahrnehmung," provides theoretical foundations, while Volume II, "Anleitungen zu Beobachtungen und Experimenten," offers practical guidance. The review emphasizes the importance of perception psychology in UFO investigations, explaining how eyewitness accounts can be influenced by perceptual illusions and biases. It details the book's coverage of topics like stimulus and perception, the nervous system, space and time perception, and sensory modalities.
• "CRASHED UFOS: EVIDENCE IN THE SEARCH FOR PROOF" by William Moore: This review discusses Moore's work on UFO crashes, particularly the Roswell incident. It notes that Moore's research often relies on declassified documents and eyewitness testimonies. The review highlights Moore's conclusion that the Aztec crash, as presented by Frank Scully, was likely fabricated, while the Roswell crash was a genuine UFO event.
• "SOUCOUPES VOLANTES ET FOLKLORE" by Bertrand Méheust: This book is described as exploring the experiences of individuals claiming to have been abducted by extraterrestrials, drawing connections to non-terrestrial technologies and anthropological studies.
• "THE UFO ENIGMA" by Marcia S. Smith and George D. Havas: This is presented as a revised study of the UFO phenomenon, incorporating material after 1970 and information released under the "Freedom of Informations Act." It examines sociological and psychological factors and official US Air Force investigations but concludes that it cannot provide a definitive answer to the nature of UFOs.

News and Updates

• GEP Service for Members: GEP offers its members the ability to borrow books and literature discussed in JUFOF.
• APRO Bulletin Continues: A successor has been found to continue the publication of the APRO BULLETIN.
• CUFOS Associate Newsletter Ceases Publication: After six years, the CUFOS Associate Newsletter has been discontinued, while the International UFO Reporter (IUR) has expanded.
• MUFON 1986 UFO Symposium: The annual MUFON symposium is announced, with a list of speakers and topics, including the "Cash-Landrum UFO Case File" and "Scientists and Anti-Scientific Thinking in Regard to the UFO Subject."
• Dr. Hynek Leaves IUR: Dr. J. Allen Hynek has stepped down as chief editor of the IUR for health reasons but remains scientific director of the Center for UFO Studies.
• Hellmuth Hoffmann Passes Away: The death of the well-known publicist and author Dipl. Ing. Hellmuth Hoffmann is reported.
• CENAP Report: The UFO-Informationen publication from CENAP-Heilbronn has ceased due to time constraints, with the CENAP-Report continuing as the sole information source. CENAP is also conducting a reader survey.

Other Content

• Letters to the Editor (Leserbriefe): A letter from Ulrich Magin critiques a previous review of A.C. Clarke's book, suggesting it relies heavily on material from "Fortean Times" and Charles Fort without proper attribution. Another letter from Rüdiger Junker addresses accusations of biased selection of letters to the editor, asserting that only personal insults are removed.
• New Books (Neue Bücher): Besides the detailed reviews, the section lists "Die Sinne des Menschen" by Christoph von Campenhausen and the "Condon-Report" (an excerpt of the Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects).
• UFOs auf Video: CENAP is offering VHS videos of UFO documentaries.
• Service for GEP Members: Information on borrowing books from GEP.
• Books About the Unknown: Andersen Book Service offers a range of second-hand and new books on UFOs and related subjects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a serious, research-oriented approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging critical thinking and the use of scientific methodologies. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of perception psychology in evaluating eyewitness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and visitation, but it advocates for rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, as seen in the reviews of books and the discussion of the Roswell incident. The publication also serves as a platform for news and updates within the UFO research community, including organizational activities and new publications.