JUFOF - Issue 047 - 1986 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (ISSN 0723-7766), Volume 7, Number 5, dated September-October 1986, is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP). The cover headline focuses on 'UFO-SICHTUNGEN IN DEUTSCHLAND' (UFO Sightings in Germany), featuring articles by Hans Werner Peiniger, Roland Hoffmann, and Jüri Lina. The issue also includes information on the 'PROJECT HESSDALEN II' and a bibliography of UFO literature from 1901-1982.

Key Articles and Content

UFO Sightings in Germany

The magazine presents several reported UFO sightings from Germany. An article by Hans Werner Peiniger discusses recent sightings following newspaper reports about unknown flying objects over Hagen, Salzburg/Linz, and Brazil, noting June, July, and August as 'season months' for UFO reports.

One prominent case detailed is from Aschaffenburg on July 4, 1986, where a bright, silent object was observed. The report notes that two police officers in Nürtingen had a similar observation minutes earlier, describing an object that ascended vertically, exploded, and fell. The article questions how an object could be seen with different trajectories in different locations and speculates on possibilities ranging from a rocket to a 'classic flop.' The article also mentions that flight control authorities claimed to have seen nothing.

Another section, "Weitere Zeugen wollen >>UFO<<< vom Freitag gesehen haben" (More Witnesses Claim to Have Seen 'UFO' on Friday), compiles testimonies from Aschaffenburg and surrounding areas about the July 4th sighting. Witnesses described a glowing, round object, with some suggesting it was a rocket or a test of a 'star war' system. However, some callers suggested explanations like hot air balloons, with one witness claiming to have identified it as such with binoculars. The article also notes that the German Federal Aviation Authority stated that no hot air balloons were registered for flights that evening, and night flights are forbidden.

• Several other sightings are reported and discussed:
• Kempten: On July 11/12, 1986, two UFOs were reportedly seen. One was described as a fiery ball moving north, and another as a disc-shaped object. The report mentions that Esslingen police also sighted a UFO that weekend.
• Syke, Weserwehr: On July 12, 1986, police officers reported a round, burning object that disintegrated and fell. Another officer reported a pilotless hot air balloon with a discernible burner sound. Investigations by the Bremen police concluded it was a 'party gag' – a paper balloon with a spirit burner for a birthday celebration.
• Hanau: On July 14/15, 1986, a red light was observed, which was later identified as a parachute with a burnt-out cartridge, initially mistaken for a UFO.
• Lüdenscheid: On July 18, 1986, witnesses observed an orange-yellow, round object that changed direction. After being shown photos of model hot air balloons, the witnesses accepted this as the explanation.
• Friedrichshafen: On August 1, 1986, multiple fast-blinking lights were observed, described as round and orange. The explanation provided was that these were likely mini hot air balloons launched for a birthday celebration.
• Konstanz: On August 6-8, 1986, a case involving luminous objects was investigated by the group CENAP. While initial explanations suggested a party balloon, astronomers suggested the objects might have been the planets Jupiter and Mars, noting their low movement and similar appearance to the observed phenomena. However, the report also points out discrepancies in the reported altitudes of the planets versus the sightings.

Project Hessdalen II

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to 'PROJECT HESSDALEN II,' detailing observations made during the project in Norway from January to February 1984. The project involved radar and visual tracking of phenomena. Key observations include:

• January 21, 1984: A red/silvery blinking light was observed, detected both visually and by radar. Photos were taken.
• January 22, 1984: Radar detected a point moving at approximately 360 km/h. A blinking light, similar to the previous evening, was also observed and photographed.
• January 25, 1984: A blinking light was tracked by radar, described as elongated.
• January 27, 1984: A luminous fireball was observed moving at high speed (estimated 28300 km/h).
• January 28, 1984: Radar detected an object between Finnsahogda and the main headquarters moving at 1620 km/h.
• January 29, 1984: Similar radar observations were made, but in the opposite direction.
• January 31, 1984: Three radar echoes were registered flying over the main headquarters.
• February 1, 1984: Radar contact with an object moving from Varhuskjolen towards Aspaskjolen was made.
• February 2, 1984: Radar detected multiple echoes moving in various directions. One witness observed a luminous, elongated object with red and yellow lights.
• February 3, 1984: Multiple radar echoes were recorded, with no visual sightings. Unexplained events like power outages and instrument malfunctions occurred.
• February 15 & 16, 1984: A longish object, illuminated at both ends, was observed.

The project also utilized a spectral analyzer and seismograph. Spectral photographs were taken, including one on January 25, 1984, which is presented as a potential UFO spectrum. Analysis suggested a continuous spectrum, possibly from a hot gas, but the image quality was insufficient for definitive conclusions. The spectral analyzer did not register any readings simultaneously with visual sightings, suggesting any electromagnetic radiation was below the detection threshold.

Other Sections

• GEP Information: The magazine provides details about the GEP organization, its research methods (questionnaires, field investigations, interdisciplinary analysis), and its publications.
• Impressum: Lists the publication details, including responsible editors and subscription prices.
• Bibliography: A bibliography of books and publications on 'Extraterrestrial Intelligences' and 'UFOs' from 1901 to 1982 is included, with an extensive index.
• Letters to the Editor: A 'Vorbestellung' (pre-order) form is included for the US study 'THE UFO ENIGMA.'
• Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance: The issue consistently presents UFO reports, often followed by rational explanations or attempts at scientific analysis. There's a clear effort to debunk sensationalism and focus on verifiable data, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The GEP's stance appears to be one of rigorous, scientific investigation into UFO reports, distinguishing between misidentifications and genuinely puzzling cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation and explanation of UFO sightings. The editorial stance is one of critical analysis, attempting to provide rational explanations for reported phenomena, often attributing them to misidentified objects like hot air balloons, aircraft, or even planets. However, the magazine also dedicates significant space to detailed scientific investigations, such as the Hessdalen Project, suggesting an openness to genuinely unexplained events. The GEP emphasizes its role as a serious research organization, striving for accuracy and thoroughness in its reporting and analysis, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with the UFO topic.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by GEP, focuses on various aspects of UFO research and related phenomena. The issue is dated October 17-19, 1986, and includes articles on scientific investigations, photographic techniques, theoretical discussions, book reviews, and organizational news.

Hessdalen Project: Scientific Investigations

The issue details findings from the Hessdalen Project in Norway. A seismograph installed in November 1983 registered no local earthquakes, with detected tremors originating from other regions, suggesting Hessdalen is seismologically inactive. Studies by NORSAR between 1980 and 1984 also indicated Hessdalen as a seismologically inactive area, with only four minor quakes detected within a 60-70 km radius over six years. The sensitivity of the seismograph was 1.5 to 2 on the Richter scale, and due to the distance of seismic stations, a local quake would need to register at least 2.5 to be detected.

Radar investigations yielded significant results, including the detection of a phenomenon with a speed of 30,000 km/h, for which no natural explanation could be found by NDRE experts. Several clear radar echoes were observed without a visual sighting, and two such echo images were submitted to NDRE in July 1984 for analysis. Despite microscopic examination and comparison with known objects, no definitive explanation was reached.

A magnetometer also registered fluctuations when the phenomenon was observed, and at other times when no visual observation occurred. Comparisons showed that airplanes did not produce similar magnetic readings.

Other instruments, such as a Geiger counter, detected no unusual radiation. A laser was used nine times with positive reactions in eight instances, with further details promised in a final report. The phenomenon was barely perceptible with IR-viewing devices, indicating no significant radiation in the infrared spectrum. The conclusion drawn is that the phenomenon can be registered by instruments, but its manifestation and frequency are highly variable, often coinciding with random occurrences.

The project leaders expressed optimism about the results of "Part 1" of their project and sought funding for "Project Hessdalen, Part 2" to gather more information.

Sources for Hessdalen Project

The issue lists several sources for the Hessdalen Project information, including "Projekt Hessdalen Bulletin" (1983, 1984), diary entries by Leif Havik, "UFO" magazine articles (1983-1984), press information from Erling Strand (May 1984), and personal communications from Erling Strand (May-October 1984).

Photographic Analysis of UFOs with Spectro-Gratings

An article by Roland Hoffmann discusses photographic techniques for analyzing light sources, particularly UFOs, using a spectro-grating. The purpose is to enhance the information density of photographs beyond visual observation. A spectro-grating splits light into its constituent wavelengths, creating a spectrum that can reveal the composition of the light source. This technique is presented as a method to identify the nature of light-emitting objects, including potential UFOs.

The article explains the principles of light dispersion through a grating, noting that different wavelengths are diffracted at different angles. It suggests that analyzing the resulting colored bands in a photograph can help identify the light source. Examples of suitable spectro-gratings, such as BBW "Andromeda" and hama-HOYA "Rainbow," are mentioned, with a price of approximately DM 50 in 1981.

Practical advice is given for using spectro-gratings, including the need for point-like light sources, avoiding telephoto lenses, and ensuring sufficient exposure, even for bright stars. It is recommended to use high-sensitivity color film and take multiple exposures with varying settings. Calibration photos using known light sources like fluorescent or sodium lamps are also advised.

Other UFO Phenomena and Theories

Another section touches upon "Spuk-Lichter" (ghost lights) or "Geister-Lichter" (spirit lights), which are often described as ball lightning-like objects or mysterious ground-level light phenomena. These are sometimes referred to as UFOs, though they may not fit the typical UFO category. The article suggests that some light phenomena might be explained by geological activities, referencing Paul Devereux's book "Earthlights."

Several historical cases of "Spuk-Lichter" are mentioned, including incidents in Norfolk (1907/1908), Burton Dasset Berge (1923), and Durham (1865-1866). Reports of "airships" and lights attributed to German espionage in 1915 are also noted.

Konstantin Ziolkowski and Extraterrestrial Intelligence

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the ideas of Konstantin Ziolkowski, a pioneer of rocketry, who in 1920 speculated that Earth was being observed by extraterrestrial civilizations. The article highlights Ziolkowski's belief that advanced civilizations would colonize other planets and that they might be observing humanity to determine when it is ready for interstellar cooperation. He suggested that direct contact might be withheld because human society is not yet ready for such relationships, as it could lead to social unrest.

Ziolkowski also posited that advanced beings might influence humanity without our knowledge. The article quotes him stating that "Ideas, dreams and fantasy are inevitable at the beginning. Scientific studies follow. Only at the end will the idea be crowned with proof."

The article references J. Fedderev's "Tsiolkovski's Ideas and Astronautical Problems" and Jüri Lina's book "UFOforskning i sovjetunionen."

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• "SPOOKLIGHTS A BRITISH SURVEY" by David Clarke & Granville Oldroyd: This brochure is described as a valuable source of information on "Spuk-Lichter," compiling material from old newspapers, magazines, and books. It discusses various explanations for these phenomena, including "Earthlights" and marsh gas.
• "INTELLIGENZE EXTRATERRESTRI" by Maurizio Blondet & Roberto Pinotti: This book explores the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligences visiting Earth. The review notes that the authors present various "facts" to support the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis), including references to the Tunguska event and the "Face on Mars." The reviewer suggests the book is more for those new to the topic rather than for insiders.
• "THE UFO ENIGMA" by Marcia S. Smith / George D. Havas: This is a revised study based on a 1976 brochure, incorporating post-1970 information and data released under the "Freedom of Information Act." It covers case studies, sociological and psychological factors of UFO phenomena, official US Air Force investigations, and American UFO organizations. The review states that while critical remarks are included, the study does not provide a definitive answer to what UFO phenomena are.

GEP News and Announcements

The issue includes announcements from GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e. V.). A working meeting for German UFO researchers was scheduled for October 17-19, 1986, in Lüdenscheid. This was intended to be a focused working session rather than a general public event, with participants encouraged to prepare discussion points.

The regular GEP members' meeting was also to take place during the conference, with agenda items including activity and financial reports, board elections, and discussions on the organization's non-profit status.

New members were welcomed: Angelika Drees, Robert Warnke, and Wilfried Briegel. It was also announced that GEP chairman Hans Werner Peiniger had married Roswitha Wehmeier on September 12, 1986.

An announcement regarding the cancellation of a planned German UFO yearbook due to insufficient interest was made. Instead, CENAP-Heilbronn planned to publish brochures on UFO topics, with the first issue titled "Die höhere Welt der UFOlogen" by Dr. W. Quenzer.

Classified Ads and Book Sales

A section lists books for sale by Versandantiquariat Frank Pflaum, specializing in speculative and avant-garde literature. Another section offers various UFO-related books for sale, including titles by Edward J. Ruppelt, Leonard H. Stringfield, and Lawrence Fawcett & Barry J. Greenwood.

Reader's Letter

A reader's letter by Ulrich Magin comments on an article by Johannes Fiebag about the Fatima Marian apparition. Magin questions the interpretation of the event as a UFO landing, suggesting it might be a case of "waking dreams" or religious visions that share characteristics with UFO sightings. He argues that angels and the Virgin Mary do not fly in UFOs and that exploring these mystical experiences can teach us more about humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include scientific investigation of UFO phenomena (Hessdalen Project), the use of advanced photographic and analytical techniques (spectro-gratings), theoretical discussions on extraterrestrial intelligence and the nature of UFOs, and the promotion of UFO research within the German-speaking community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some theories. The inclusion of book reviews and organizational news suggests a commitment to informing and engaging its readership in the field of UFO research.