JUFOF - Issue 050 - 1987 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is dated March-April 1987 and is the 50th issue, marking the 8th year of publication. The cover prominently features an article on a "NAHBEOBACHTUNG IN RADEVORMWALD" (Close Observation in Radevormwald) by Hans-Werner Peiniger, alongside other articles on the Hessdalen phenomenon and a potential UFO crash related to the Tunguska catastrophe.

Dieter von Reeken's Bibliography

The issue begins with a detailed bibliography by Dieter von Reeken, listing self-published works in German on 'Extraterrestrial Life, Pseudo-Astronautics, UFO Phenomenon' since 1901. It details various volumes of this bibliography, including a complete edition and supplementary materials, with prices listed in German Marks (DM) and for GEP members.

Membership Information

Information is provided for potential GEP members, outlining benefits such as receiving the journal, access to questionnaires, discounts on special issues, borrowing privileges for books, and preferential support for research. The annual membership fee is stated as DM 33, with a reduced rate of DM 24 for students, unemployed individuals, etc. Members are encouraged to request the statutes and membership application.

GEP Organization

The GEP is described as the largest registered association in Germany focused on UFO phenomenon research. It defines a UFO as an object or light perceived in the sky or on land that cannot be explained by conventional means. The GEP utilizes special questionnaires, field investigations, and in-depth analysis of background information, employing an interdisciplinary approach. Its activities include publishing the "Journal-für UFO-Forschung," various specialized publications, and collaborating with international organizations.

Impressum

The 'Impressum' section clarifies that articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the GEP's views. Unsolicited manuscripts and photos are not liable. The journal is published bimonthly on a non-commercial basis, thus author honoraria cannot be paid. Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbieck are listed as responsible for press law. Reprints require written permission from the GEP.

Subscription and Advertising

Subscription prices are listed for domestic (DM 21,-/year, DM 4,-/issue) and international (DM 25,-/year) subscribers, with airmail extra. GEP members receive the journal as part of their membership fee. Classified ad prices are available upon request, with free small ads for subscribers and GEP members.

Article: Close Observation in Radevormwald

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger details the initial investigation results of a UFO sighting in Radevormwald on November 30, 1984. The witness, Jürgen H., reported the observation at 22:47. The witness provided detailed notes and even built a model of the object. The GEP staff conducted an on-site interview and found no reasons to doubt the witness's credibility. The object was described as having a ring-shaped structure that initially glowed yellow and then emitted a strong white light. It was observed to obscure a house gable and illuminate the surroundings. The witness experienced a strong urge to retreat indoors. The object's characteristics included round 'window-like' structures with copper-colored lamellae emitting dark brown light, an anthracite and dark blue lower part, a light blue middle section, and a yellow-green upper front with black points and glittering areas.

Article: The Hessdalen Phenomenon Part II

This section continues the discussion on the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway, referencing previous articles in the JUFOF. It highlights the establishment of the Hessdalen project due to increased UFO activity. The article details expeditions conducted by UFO-NORGE and UFO-Sverige, including photographic documentation. Leif Havik recounts an expedition on March 17, 1982, where a longish, silent object was observed. Arne P. Thomassen, district leader of UFO-NORGE/South, describes further observations, including objects that hovered motionlessly and emitted light. The article mentions the Norwegian Army's involvement, with two officers investigating the phenomenon. General Eyvind Schibbye acknowledges credible reports of unexplained objects, suggesting possible explanations like atmospheric reflections or ball lightning, while Major-General Schibbye remains skeptical of UFOs. The article also discusses the possibility of seismically induced light phenomena, though Hessdalen is seismically inactive. It suggests setting up automatic recording stations with fish-eye lenses to capture more data.

Article: The Tunguska Catastrophe - A UFO Crash?

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger examines the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908. Witnesses reported an object moving across the sky before a massive explosion. The event caused widespread destruction, flattening trees and shattering windows. The article cites witness accounts, including that of Bauer S.P. Semjonow, who described a blinding flash and a powerful shockwave. The event was so significant that it registered on seismographs globally and caused atmospheric disturbances, including luminous night clouds observed for weeks afterward. The article mentions Leonid A. Kulik, a Russian meteorologist who investigated the site in 1927 and described the area as resembling the aftermath of a nuclear explosion. The article concludes by stating that the cause of the event is still debated, with UFO crash theories being among the explanations.

Other Sections

The issue also includes a "JUFOF QUIZ," a section for "KURZ NOTIERT" (Briefly Noted) news, and an advertisement for a book titled "Feuer fiel vom Himmel - Die Tunguska-Katastrophe: Mysteriöser UFO-Absturz in Sibirien" by Peter Krassa.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena, and the scientific and public interest in UFOs. The GEP's stance appears to be one of serious, interdisciplinary research into UFOs, aiming to understand the phenomenon through rigorous investigation, data collection, and analysis, while acknowledging the limitations of current explanations and the need for further study. The magazine promotes a scientific approach, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis of sightings and phenomena.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 51, published by GEP, focuses on the intriguing topic of underwater UFOs, or USOs (Unidentified Submerged Objects), under the main cover headline "UNTERWASSER-LICHTRADER UFO'S UNTERM MEER?" by Ulrich Magin.

Underwater Light Radars: UFOs Under the Sea?

Ulrich Magin introduces the concept of 'underwater light radars,' suggesting that these phenomena are not simply spacecraft diving into the ocean or conventional submarines. He posits that these objects, possibly 'over-constructions' adapted to dense media, seek refuge in water when their use in the interplanetary or atmospheric realm becomes too demanding. Magin references Charles Fort's 'Book of the Damned,' which collected reports of large, luminous underwater objects, primarily from tropical seas. Fort, though an inventor of the ETI hypothesis for their origin, reportedly did not believe his own theories. Ivan T. Sanderson expanded on Fort's work, linking USOs to UFOs, ship disappearances, and the Bermuda Triangle, even proposing the idea of an intelligent civilization on the seabed building and controlling UFOs.

Magin then presents four additional cases not previously included in light radar reports:

• May 21, 1936: The ship 'Kudat' encountered a tropical storm where the sea and rain were illuminated by a diffuse white light pulsing regularly like heartbeats for about half an hour. The captain noted it was unlike anything he had ever seen.
• 1943: A German UFO author reported that Matthew Mengle saw a 'glowing underwater disc' in the Persian Gulf that pursued his ship at 12 knots before disappearing underwater. However, no source is cited for this observation.
• Undated (Red Sea): Spanish author Antonio Ribera recounts a case from the ship 'Sheila' where a light approached, resembling a lighthouse beam moving underwater, illuminating the sails with a bright greenish light. This phenomenon repeated several times.
• April 29, 1982: The ship 'Siam' experienced a 2.5-hour underwater spectacle in the Chenesischen Meer. This involved two parallel phosphorescent bands moving at 40 mph, transforming into rotating wheels. These were followed by round, flashing blue-white lights and worm-like segments underwater. The phenomena were unaffected by radar or light and occurred in calm seas with excellent visibility, despite atmospheric electrical discharges.

Magin concludes that these underwater light radars are a true mystery, acknowledging what they are not (e.g., conventional submarines, biological entities) but admitting that their true nature remains unknown. He notes the atmospheric lightning mentioned in some reports, questioning if it's a purely physical electrical phenomenon, and why the 'Siam' objects reacted to blinking signals.

New Literature Reviews

"Die Geheime Botschaft von Fatima" by Johannes Fiebag

This section reviews Johannes Fiebag's book, which analyzes the 1917 Fatima events in Portugal. Fiebag, known for his work in pre-astronautics, applies his research to UFO phenomena. The book details the apparitions of a female figure to three shepherd children (Jacinta, Francisco, and Lucia) and a prior angelic visitation in 1916. The 'Sonnenwunder' (Sun Miracle) on October 13, 1917, where an object resembling the sun moved erratically and emitted colored light, is interpreted by Fiebag not as a divine miracle but as a UFO phenomenon. He suggests that the 'chariot' of the Mother of God and the 'celestial phenomena' were objective projections. Fiebag also questions why the third, secret message of Fatima has not been released by the Vatican, speculating it might challenge Christian beliefs. The review highlights Fiebag's comparison of Fatima events with contemporary UFO sightings, labeling them as 'CEIII encounters' or 'objective projections.'

"UFOs: So rund wie Untertassen" (The Age of the UFO)

This review discusses the German translation of the English original, "The Age of the UFO," edited by Peter Brookesmith. The book features contributions from various authors, including J.A. Hynek (who wrote the original foreword) and Illobrand von Ludwiger (who wrote the foreword for the German edition). Von Ludwiger emphasizes the seriousness of UFO research, noting that the US government has collected UFO documents despite initial denials. The review mentions the Freedom of Information Act's role in uncovering information about CIA attempts to mislead the public regarding UFOs. The book covers natural phenomena often mistaken for UFOs, crop circles, the Roswell incident, and the political aspects of UFO research. It also explores electromagnetic effects associated with UFOs, including a theory linking them to seismic activities, and discusses the psychological aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The review notes that the book covers cases like the Cash-Landrum incident and includes numerous photos and drawings, providing a comprehensive overview of the UFO phenomenon.

"Das Rätsel der Götter" by Helmut Tributsch

Helmut Tributsch's book is reviewed, proposing that ancient mysteries like the Nazca lines, Stonehenge, and the Egyptian pyramids can be explained by the phenomenon of Fata Morgana (atmospheric mirages). Tributsch, a physicist, suggests that these ancient sites are located in regions prone to mirages, and that the 'mirages' were misinterpreted as divine interventions or landings by 'star gods.' The review suggests this interpretation offers a new perspective on these ancient enigmas.

"Feuer fiel vom Himmel" by Peter Krassa

This review introduces Peter Krassa's book about the Tunguska catastrophe of 1908. Krassa's report is described as a unique account of the event, detailing the efforts of Soviet scientists to investigate this 'riddle of the century.'

Short Notes and GEP News

Kurz Notiert (Briefly Noted)

This section includes several brief items:

• A mention of contactee Oscar Magocsi's claim that his 'space friends' read UFO publications, including 'UFO-Nachrichten.'
• The CENAP-REPORT is renamed 'NIGHT-LIGHT's.'
• Stan Gordon, MUFON-State Director for Pennsylvania, heads the 'Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained' and publishes a newsletter.
• 'Atelier Lila' in Stockum-Püschen offers an unusual wooden UFO toy designed to promote imagination and self-awareness.
• The 'Stuttgarter UFO-Journal' is announced.

GEP-Nachrichten (GEP News)

• New Members: Bernd Wollsperger is welcomed.
• Board Meeting (March 4, 1987): The meeting focused on finances and public relations. The board proposed increasing membership fees and JUFOF subscription rates due to rising costs and potential tax issues.
• Computer Catalog: Walter I. Kelch offers a computer-catalog of German-language UFO books and projects for DM 6.
• CENAP-GEP Meeting: An internal meeting between CENAP and GEP representatives is scheduled for April 11, 1987, in Sandhausen, focusing on UFOs.

Das JUFOF-Quiz

A crossword puzzle is presented as part of a jubilee prize contest for the 50th issue of JUFOF. Clues relate to topics covered in the 1986 issues, with prizes including books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial and submerged phenomena, the critical analysis of historical and contemporary UFO reports, and the review of literature related to UFOs, ancient mysteries, and paranormal events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging skepticism while remaining open to evidence. The journal aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share information and perspectives, distinguishing itself from sensationalist reporting by focusing on detailed analysis and factual reporting where possible.