JUFOF - Issue 048 - 1986 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (Journal for UFO Research), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is dated November-December 1986, Volume 7, Issue 6 (Heft 48). The cover prominently features the headline "UFO WAR OFFENBAR EINE METEORERSCHEINUNG" (UFO Was Apparently a Meteor Shower) and highlights "PROJECT HESSDALEN II" in Norway-Sweden. The issue includes articles on various UFO-related topics, including a bibliography, reports on specific sightings, and discussions on technological anomalies.

Articles and Content

GEP-Sonderheft 9: GIBT ES WIRKLICH FLIEGENDE UNTERTASSEN? (Does Flying Saucers Really Exist?) by Daniel Cohen

This section advertises a special issue by Daniel Cohen, based on his book "Myths of the Space Age." It is described as containing information previously unknown in Germany, making it relevant despite its original publication in 1965. The issue is 36 pages, DIN A5, paperback, with an index, priced at DM 10.00 (DM 8.00 for GEP members).

GEP-Sonderheft 8: EXTRATERRESTRISCHE INTELLIGENZEN (Extraterrestrial Intelligences) edited by Dieter von Reeken

This special issue is a bibliography covering the period 1901-1982, focusing on books and publications in German related to "Extraterrestrial Life, UFOs, Pre-Astronautics." It includes bibliographical details and an extensive index. The issue is 74 pages, DIN A5, paperback, with 14 illustrations, priced at DM 25.00 (DM 20.00 for GEP members).

BIBLIOGRAPHIE 1901 – 1982

This is a detailed bibliography of German-language publications on UFOs and related topics from 1901 to 1982, compiled by Dieter von Reeken.

UFO WAR OFFENBAR EINE METEORERSCHEINUNG (UFO Was Apparently a Meteor Shower) by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This article discusses the widespread sightings of a green-shimmering object with a fiery tail on September 23, 1986, across Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. While initially causing excitement, the GEP's analysis, based on data from French and German sources, concluded that the phenomenon was most likely a meteor shower. The meteor was estimated to have flown at an altitude of approximately 60 km with a speed of around 15 km/sec. It likely entered the Earth's atmosphere at a shallow angle and continued its trajectory, rather than crashing.

PROJECT HESSDALEN II by Ulrich Magin

This section introduces an article by Ulrich Magin titled "GIBT ES UNTERMEERISCHE UFOs?" (Are There Underwater UFOs?). The article explores the hypothesis of underwater UFOs (USOs), referencing Charles Fort and Ivan T. Sanderson, and presents historical sightings, particularly from the 1930s in the Mediterranean Sea, some of which involved attacks on ships.

GRÜNE MANNCHEN IM RADAR, HOMOTRONE UND PHANTOME (Green Men in Radar, Homotrones, and Phantoms) by Rudolf Braunburg

Rudolf Braunburg recounts his experiences with unexplained phenomena, initially encountered in a Boeing 727 over the Syrian Desert in 1963, where pressing the microphone button caused the trim wheel to move. He describes these as "little green men" who caused disruptions. The article delves into "homotrones" or "soft fails" in modern electronic systems, particularly in aircraft, attributing them to phenomena like cosmic radiation or alpha particles. These soft fails can cause stored information to be destroyed, leading to malfunctions in navigation computers and other critical systems. The author notes that such failures are becoming more frequent with the increasing complexity of electronic systems in new aircraft generations, impacting flight safety. The article is a reprint from a 1981 book.

BEGEGNUNG DER ÖFFENTLICHEN ART (Public Encounter) by Klaus Seidensticker

This is a brief mention of an article by Klaus Seidensticker.

ONE DAY MEETING DER AAS BAYREUTH 24.-26. OKTOBER 86

This is an announcement for a meeting in Bayreuth from October 24-26, 1986, organized by AAS.

GEP NACHRICHTEN NEUE LITERATUR

This section likely contains news from GEP and information on new literature.

GEP Information and Services

Several sections provide information about GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene e.V.), its mission, and services. It is described as the largest registered association in Germany focused on UFO research. GEP utilizes questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary analysis. They publish the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (JUFOF) and collaborate with international organizations. The magazine also includes contact information for GEP's central reporting office and regional contact points for UFO sightings. A service for GEP members is offered, allowing them to borrow books and literature discussed in JUFOF.

Project Hessdalen (Part II)

This extensive report details the second phase of Project Hessdalen, conducted from January 13-27, 1985. The project involved three observation posts and utilized a wide array of scientific instruments, including spectral analyzers, LF electromagnetic field detectors, radar, seismographs, magnetometers, video recorders, video cameras, lasers, and infrared viewers. The report documents numerous sightings, categorized as either uncertain (possibly aircraft) or identified (helicopters, planes, satellites, meteors). Despite the detailed investigation, the report concludes that the true nature of the Hessdalen phenomenon remains undetermined, though its existence was confirmed by radar and other instruments. The researchers highlight the need for a fully equipped field laboratory for future investigations. The report also mentions the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions during the project. The article references previous JUFOF issues for more details on instrument usage and past findings. The report is based on information from "UFO" magazine, Project Hessdalen Bulletin, and Nordic UFO Newsletter.

Unexplained Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and USO Sightings

The issue includes reports of specific UAP sightings, such as a police director in Lünen observing drop-shaped objects with luminous trails. Another report details an incident over Rünthe where a bright, greenish-turquoise streak was seen in the morning sky. The article "UFO ODER SATELLIT?" (UFO or Satellite?) discusses a sighting near Ochsenfurt, where a bright point with smaller accompanying lights was observed. The author concludes this was likely the planet Jupiter, visible with its moons through a telescope, rather than a UFO or satellite.

The article "GIBT ES UNTERMEERISCHE UFOs?" (Are There Underwater UFOs?) by Ulrich Magin revisits the concept of USOs, citing Charles Fort and Ivan T. Sanderson. It details two "waves" of USO sightings in the 1930s, particularly in the Mediterranean, involving mysterious submarines attacking ships. The article notes that some of these incidents were attributed to the Spanish Civil War and acts of piracy, while others remain unexplained.

Other Content

• JUFOF Einbanddecken: Information on purchasing binders for the journal.
• Impressum: Details about the journal's publication, editors (Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck), and copyright.
• Meldezentrale für UFO-Beobachtungen: Contact information for reporting UFO sightings.
• Literature References: A list of cited sources, including parliamentary debates, books by Charles Fort, and other publications.
• List of Sightings: A chronological list of USO sightings from 1934 to 1939, with locations, witnesses, and sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and the analysis of evidence. The GEP's stance appears to be one of rigorous inquiry, attempting to explain sightings through conventional means (like meteors or planets) when possible, but also acknowledging and documenting unexplained cases. The journal promotes interdisciplinary research and collaboration with international organizations. There is a clear effort to distinguish between confirmed observations, hypotheses, and speculation. The article on "green men" highlights the potential for technological malfunctions to be misinterpreted as UFO-related events, reflecting a critical approach to interpreting data. The inclusion of historical cases and ongoing projects like Hessdalen demonstrates a commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon comprehensively.

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: GEP
Date: October 1986
Publisher: GEP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research) features a detailed report on a GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) meeting held in Lüdenscheid from October 17-19, 1986. The article, titled "BEGEGNUNG DER OFFENTLICHEN ART" (Encounter of the Public Kind) by Klaus Seidensticker, critically reviews the event.

GEP Meeting in Lüdenscheid: An Unexpected Public Event

The GEP's intention was to hold a small, non-public 'working meeting' to discuss specific issues and coordinate research efforts. However, the event unexpectedly attracted significant media attention due to targeted calls to the press, radio, and television. Journalists from WDR radio and a television team covered the proceedings, leading to interviews and broadcast segments.

The meeting aimed to address the fragmentation and lack of cooperation within the German UFO research community, a problem Seidensticker identifies as a major hindrance to progress and public recognition. The hope was to establish common criteria for evaluating UFO sightings, but the event's actual progression differed from these initial plans.

Presentations and Discussions

The program began with an introductory presentation by H.W. Peiniger (GEP), who introduced his group and explained the Hynek classification system. He then focused on two GEP-investigated cases: Jüchen (1983) and Hochheim (1974). Photos from the Bundeswehr provided potential explanations for the 'Solid-Light-Phänomen' in Jüchen, while the Hochheim case sparked a discussion on witness credibility, particularly concerning individuals who do not report extraordinary experiences to the police.

W. Walter (CENAP-Mannheim) offered a critical perspective on UFO research, suggesting it can be an escape from monotonous daily life. This view led to a heated debate about the classification and evaluation of cases, and the validity of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The discussion also touched upon the credibility of teenage witnesses.

Biologist R. Henke (CENAP-Heidelberg) presented what the author considered the most significant talk, focusing on the biological plausibility of alleged 'Ufonaut' descriptions. He argued that evolutionary convergence could explain similar forms in different species and that many 'Ufonaut' descriptions might be products of fantasy rather than actual beings. He cited the Kelly-Hopkinsville (1955) case as a rare example that remained consistent with witness accounts, particularly regarding the beings' lack of visible knee joints.

Later, W. Walter presented video footage of a meteor and a satellite crash as comparative material for a widely observed object in September 1986, likely a meteor. The discussion was again dominated by two individuals, referred to as X1 and X2, who dismissed these explanations and suggested secret weapons or remnants of past conflicts.

M. Dillinger (Remscheid) presented his 'Absolute Relativity Theory' with numerous slides, covering topics from astronomical objects to the Swiss contactee Billy Meier. The planned hot air balloon demonstration was canceled due to strong winds.

Critiques and Observations

Seidensticker notes that the meeting, despite its intentions, failed to achieve its goal of being a focused working session. He attributes this to the UFO researchers' difficulty in optimally utilizing their limited hobby time and their tendency towards disorganization. He suggests a need for clearer objectives and better planning, including a defined agenda, to ensure participants' time and money are well-spent.

He also criticizes the tendency to force all phenomena into pre-existing frameworks, whether religious or extraterrestrial, advocating for a more differentiated approach to the complex UFO phenomenon.

Other Sections and Reports

AAS Meeting in Bayreuth

Another report covers the 'ONE DAY MEETING DER AAS' (Ancient Astronaut Society) in Bayreuth on October 24-26, 1986, organized by Gerald Mosbleck. This event is described as better organized and more tolerant of unconventional viewpoints than the GEP meeting. Speakers included Walter Closs on prehistory, Peter Fiebag on space projects and pre-astronautics (mentioning potential US/Soviet Mars expeditions), Wolfgang Siebenhaar on the Oak Island mystery, and Hans Werner Sachmann discussing the Trojan War and advocating for state funding for pre-astronautics research.

"Staatsanwalt" Hans-Herbert Beier presented his 'star witness' Ezechiel, based on his book, with Seidensticker reiterating concerns about the methodology. Ralf Sonnenberg and Ingo Runde presented on geometric correlations in ancient Greece, with a critique on the use of map projections. Rudolf Kutzer showed films, and Dr. Steinhardt gave an impromptu talk on communication with extraterrestrial civilizations.

New Literature Reviews

Several book reviews are included:

• "Wahrnehmung und visuelles System" (Perception and Visual System): A review of a book from Spektrum der Wissenschaft, highlighting the importance of perception psychology in UFO research, particularly for understanding witness accounts and potential perceptual errors.
• "Die Wahrnehmung von Durchsichtigkeit" (The Perception of Transparency) by Fabio Metelli: Discusses how visual perception can create the impression of transparency from mosaics of opaque color patches.
• "Figuren, die man wahrnimmt, ohne sie zu sehen" (Figures Perceived Without Seeing Them) by Irvin Rock: Explains how partial views of a figure can lead to the recognition of the whole, relevant to UFO witness reports of multiple lights forming a single object.
• "Bildhaftes Vorstellen und Visuelle Wahrnehmung" (Imaginative Conception and Visual Perception) by Ronald A. Finke: Explores the interplay between imagination and visual perception, suggesting that preconceptions can influence UFO sightings.
• "Die interplanetaren Kontakte des Albertus Magnus" (The Interplanetary Contacts of Albertus Magnus) by Axel Ertelt: Reviews a book that posits Albertus Magnus received knowledge from extraterrestrial intelligences for constructing the Cologne Cathedral and developing technology. The reviewer notes some speculative leaps and a lack of source citation.
• "Project Hessdalen: Final Technical Report - Part One" by Erling Strand: A review of a report detailing instruments and results from the Hessdalen project, noting that while possible explanations remain unconfirmed, the phenomena are measurable.
• "The UFO World '86" compiled by Jenny Randles: A review of a BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) publication summarizing global UFO research in 1985, noting the omission of German research.

GEP News

This section includes announcements of new members, a report on the re-election of the GEP's board, and a complaint regarding Illo Brand (MUFON-CES) excluding GEP members due to a misunderstanding of a radio interview. The author expresses frustration over this action.

Letters to the Editor and Survey

A letter from Johannes Fiebag responds to a previous letter by Ulrich Magin, discussing religious apparitions (like Medjugorje and Fatima) in the context of UFO phenomena. Fiebag suggests that while most are not UFO events, some could be, and that the 'religious wrapping' can be part of CE-III cases. He also addresses questions about the 'Sun Miracle' of Fatima and defends his hypothesis that such events might be related to UFO phenomena.

A survey is announced for a German translation of the American study "THE UFO ENIGMA" by Marcia S. Smith and George D. Havas, detailing its contents and soliciting pre-orders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a recurring theme of the challenges and fragmentation within the UFO research community, particularly in Germany. There's a strong emphasis on the need for more scientific rigor, better organization, and inter-group cooperation. The GEP's meeting, while intended to foster this, highlighted the difficulties in achieving these goals due to media intrusion and internal disagreements. The reviews of new literature and the discussion of specific cases (Jüchen, Hochheim, Kelly-Hopkinsville) underscore the ongoing debate about methodology, witness credibility, and the potential explanations for UFO phenomena, ranging from prosaic to extraterrestrial. The editorial stance, as conveyed through Seidensticker's report, is critical yet hopeful, acknowledging the difficulties but also pointing to the formation of new groups and the potential for future breakthroughs if research is conducted more effectively.