JUFOF - Issue 046 - 1986 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (ISSN 0723-7766), Number 4, Volume 7, dated July-August 1986, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e. V. (GEP), focuses on recent UFO sightings, psychological interpretations of abduction phenomena, and ongoing research projects.

Contents

GEP-Sonderheft 9: "GIBT ES WIRKLICH FLIEGENDE UNTERTASSEN?" by Daniel Cohen

This special issue is based on Daniel Cohen's book "Myths of the Space Age," specifically the chapter "Are Flying Saucers Really Here?" Although the original book was published in 1965, the text, translated into German, is presented as still relevant due to its unique information. It is a 36-page, DIN A5 booklet with a register, priced at DM 10.00 (DM 8.00 for GEP members).

GEP-Sonderheft 8: "EXTRATERRESTRISCHE INTELLIGENZEN BIBLIOGRAPHIE 1901 - 1982" by Dieter von Reeken (Editor)

This bibliography covers books and independent publications in German from 1901 to 1982 concerning "Extraterrestrial Life, UFOs, Pre-Astronautics." It provides bibliographic details and content explanations, with an extensive index. It is a 74-page, DIN A5 booklet with 14 illustrations, priced at DM 25.00 (DM 20.00 for GEP members).

"HIMMEL WIEDER VOLLER UFOS" by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This article reports on a resurgence of UFO sightings after a period of fewer reports. It mentions sightings in Brazil, Austria, and near Stuttgart, as well as a case in Hagen-Herdecke that was initially attributed to a hot-air balloon.

"UFO-ENTFÜHRUNGSBERICHTE IN PSYCHOLOGISCHER DEUTUNG: DAS FALLBEISPIEL" by Ulrich Magin

This piece presents a psychological interpretation of UFO abduction reports, using the case of John and Sue Day from Great London on October 27, 1974, as a primary example. The couple and their car were reportedly abducted by a flying saucer, experiencing missing time and subsequent life changes, including adopting vegetarianism and becoming non-smokers. The author suggests that these experiences might be related to birth trauma, drawing parallels to near-death experiences and the psychological impact of the birth process.

"DAS FATIMA-EREIGNIS II" by Johannes Fiebag

Fiebag re-examines the 1917 Fatima event, proposing that it was not a divine miracle but a UFO phenomenon. He describes the event as a disc-shaped, bright, heat-emitting object resembling the sun that descended and ascended. He argues that the "third secret of Fatima" might contain information about the true nature of this event, suggesting that the Vatican's reluctance to release it stems from its connection to UFO phenomena rather than apocalyptic prophecies.

"PROJEKT HESSDALEN" by Ulrich Magin

This section details the "Project Hessdalen," initiated in June 1983 to investigate frequent UFO sightings in the Hessdalen valley, Norway. The project involved collecting data on past sightings, conducting field studies with technical equipment, and surveying local residents. The article outlines the project's structure, the international advisory committee, and the equipment used, including radar, spectrographs, magnetometers, and seismographs.

"DIE LUFTSCHIFFE DES HERRN VERNE: EIN MÖGLICHES INDIZ ZUR LÖSUNG DER UFO-FRAGE" by Ulrich Magin

This article explores a potential link between Jules Verne's fictional airships and the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it might offer clues to understanding UFOs.

"NEUE LITERATUR" and "GEP-NACHRICHTEN"

These sections provide information on new literature related to UFO research and news from the GEP organization.

Other Content:

• Einbanddecken (Binding Covers): Information on purchasing binding covers for the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" to keep issues organized.
• Die GEP...: An introduction to the GEP organization, its research methods, and its publications.
• Impressum: Legal information and contact details for the journal.
• Meldezentrale für UFO-Beobachtungen: Contact information for reporting UFO sightings in Germany.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek Obituary: A notice of the passing of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a prominent UFO researcher and consultant, on April 27, 1986.
• Hessdalen Phenomenon: Detailed descriptions and diagrams of the scientific instruments used in Project Hessdalen, including radar, spectrographs, magnetometers, and seismographs, along with a map of the Hessdalen area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from a research-oriented perspective, often seeking scientific explanations or psychological interpretations for sightings and alleged encounters. There is a clear emphasis on empirical investigation, as demonstrated by the detailed reporting on Project Hessdalen and its scientific methodology. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet critical, aiming to demystify UFO events by applying scientific and psychological frameworks, as seen in the reinterpretation of the Fatima event and the analysis of abduction cases. The GEP positions itself as a serious research organization dedicated to understanding these phenomena.

This issue of the German-language magazine "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), volume 4, issue 42, published in 1986, focuses on the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific investigation, literature, and skepticism.

Geophysical Investigations and UFOs

The issue begins by discussing the use of seismographs to explore the theory that UFOs might be connected to geophysical mechanisms. It references Paul Devereux's comparison of earthquakes and UFO events in England and Dan Mattson's similar analysis of Swedish UFO sightings. The article also mentions NOSAR (Norwegian Seismic Array), a geophysical research program studying earthquakes in Norway from 1980 to 1984, noting that local tremors in Hessdalen are archived.

The Influence of Literature and Science Fiction on UFO Reports

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring how science fiction literature and films might influence UFO sightings and reports. Ulrich Magin's article, "DIE LUFTSCHIFFE DES HERRN VERNE - EIN MÖGLICHES INDIZ ZUR LÖSUNG DER UFO-FRAGE" (Mr. Verne's Airships - A Possible Clue to Solving the UFO Question), suggests that fictional narratives can shape perceptions of reality. Magin draws parallels between reported sightings of strange creatures, such as the Mothman in West Virginia and a similar creature in Cornwall, and descriptions found in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Sphinx" and Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World." He also examines the 1896-97 airship wave in the USA, noting that descriptions mirrored Jules Verne's novels, particularly "Robur the Conqueror" and "The Master of the World." The article further explores the possibility that the Genesis song "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" might have influenced the UFO encounter narrative of Claude Varilhon. Finally, it analyzes the correlation between the release of science fiction films and UFO sighting waves, questioning whether films influence sightings or if both are reflections of societal anxieties, particularly during the Cold War.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue reports on a specific incident in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the Brazilian Air Force pursued unidentified flying objects (UFOs) over three major cities. Fighter jets and radar were employed, with pilots describing multi-colored objects. The pursuit was reportedly hampered by fuel limitations.

Skepticism and Critical Analysis

James E. Oberg, a prominent UFO skeptic, is featured in a review of his book "UFOS & OUTER SPACE MYSTERIES." The review acknowledges Oberg's critical approach but also notes that he, like other skeptics, may not always conduct thorough research. The book covers UFO phenomena, the Tunguska event, the "Sirius mystery," and Russian cosmonauts. The review highlights Oberg's analysis of UFO photos, including the "UMMO" photos and "Apollo 11" images, attributing many to retouching or misinterpretation. Oberg's conclusion that not all UFO cases are hoaxes is discussed, with the reviewer emphasizing the complexity of the UFO phenomenon.

Book and Publication Reviews

Several books and publications are reviewed:

• "Sie kommen von fremden Sternen" by Johannes von Buttlar: This book is criticized for rehashing old material and for its uncritical acceptance of various UFO claims, particularly its analysis of UFO photos, which is deemed pseudoscientific.
• "THE UFO ENIGMA" by Marcia S. Smith and George D. Havas: A German translation of this study is planned, which examines UFO phenomena, sociological and psychological factors, and official US Air Force investigations.
• "UFO SLØRING" by Kim Moller Hansen: This report from the Danish UFO organization SUFOI analyzes the Australian Air Force's UFO archives, detailing unidentified aerial sightings.
• "PILOTER SER UFO'ER" by Kim Moller Hansen: This publication compiles UFO observations by Australian pilots, including the well-known case of Frederick Valentich.
• "UFOS & OUTER SPACE MYSTERIES" by James E. Oberg: Reviewed critically for its approach to UFO skepticism.
• "SKY CRASH - A Cosmic Conspiracy" by Brenda Butler, Dot Street & Jenny Randles: Added to the GEP library.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a section on "GEP-NACHRICHTEN" (GEP News), detailing upcoming events like the UFO meeting in Lüdenscheid and discussing administrative matters such as tax assessments for the organization. A brief mention of "Solar Zeppelins" as a potential source of UFO misidentifications is also present, warning of their proliferation during summer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFOs, the potential influence of popular culture (literature and film) on UFO reports, and the critical examination of UFO phenomena by skeptics. The editorial stance appears to favor a more rigorous, scientific approach to UFO research, while also acknowledging the complexity and enduring mystery of the subject. There is a clear critique of sensationalism and uncritical acceptance of claims, particularly in the review of Johannes von Buttlar's book. The magazine also highlights the efforts of organizations like GEP and SUFOI in documenting and analyzing UFO-related data.