JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG

Magazine Overview

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (ISSN 0723-7766), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is the first issue of Volume 9, dated January-February 1988. It is the 55th issue overall and costs DM 4.00. The cover prominently features a detailed account of a spectacular aerial phenomenon observed during a Soviet domestic flight, titled 'SPEKTAKULARE HIMMELSERSCHEINUNG WAHREND UDSSR-INLANDSFLUG' by Thomas Mehner.

Contents and Articles

Editorial and GEP's Mission

The issue begins with an editorial piece by Gerald Mosbleck, titled 'GEP DIENT GEMEINNÜTZIGEN ZWECKEN!' (GEP Serves Non-Profit Purposes!). Mosbleck details the GEP's journey to achieve non-profit status in Germany, a process that began in early 1984. The primary motivation was not just tax benefits but gaining recognition for their work from state authorities, as UFO research was often viewed with prejudice and dismissed as 'folk entertainment' in Germany. The GEP sought support from scientists, including Illobrand von Ludwiger and Adolf Schneider, and obtained a crucial statement from Professor Paul K. Feyerabend of the University of California, Berkeley, who defined the GEP's work as the scientific investigation of phenomena that have attracted attention from university institutions and the US Air Force's scientific division.

The GEP's activities involve collecting verifiable data, separating it from misinformation, analyzing it objectively, and integrating it into the broader context of scientific knowledge. The struggle involved extensive correspondence with the German tax office (Finanzamt Lüdenscheid), the Ministry for Science and Research in North Rhine-Westphalia, and even the German embassy in the USA. Despite initial rejections and bureaucratic hurdles, the GEP was eventually recognized as promoting 'Volksbildung' (public education), leading to a tax exemption in December 1987.

Bibliography of German-Language Literature on UFOs

An article by Dieter von Reeken presents a 'BIBLIOGRAPHIE DER SELBSTÄNDIGEN DEUTSCHSPRACHIGEN LITERATUR UBER AUSSERIRDISCHES LEBEN, UFOs, PRÄ-ASTRONAUTIK' covering the period 1901-1985. This bibliography is presented as a new publication, available as a GEP special issue (Sonderheft 10) for DM 8.00 (DM 6.40 for members).

Soviet UFO Sighting: A Detailed Account

The most extensive article is Thomas Mehner's report on a spectacular aerial phenomenon witnessed by the crew of a Soviet TU-134A aircraft on January 30, 1985, during a flight from Tbilissi to Tallinn. The report, based on an original article from the Soviet newspaper 'TRUD' and a subsequent letter from copilot Gennadi Iwanowitsch Lasurin, describes a bright, non-blinking star that emitted bright light cones illuminating an area on the ground. The object then approached the aircraft, temporarily blinding the crew, transformed into a 'green cloud,' and escorted the plane to Tallinn. The phenomenon was also observed by ground control radar and the crew of another aircraft. Lasurin's letter provides more detailed technical specifications, correcting some aspects of the 'TRUD' report, such as the simultaneous opening of light cones and their precise dimensions.

Mehner critically examines explanations proposed by organizations like CENAP, which suggested the phenomenon was a rocket launch or a secret military experiment. He refutes these hypotheses by detailing the object's behavior, the scale of the light emission, and the lack of expected physical effects from such experiments. He notes that even the Soviet Commission for Atmospheric Phenomena classified it as a UFO sighting. Mehner concludes that the phenomenon exhibited intelligent behavior and cannot be easily explained by conventional means.

Other Sections

• Impressum: Details the publication's responsibility, editorial staff (Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck), and subscription prices.
• Definition of UFO: A definition from Dr. J. Allen Hynek of the Center for UFO Studies is provided.
• UFO Reporting Stations: Contact information for reporting UFO sightings in Germany (GEP, CENAP, SUFOF).
• Presspiegel (Press Review): Includes a brief report about Jupiter being mistaken for a UFO and a mention of rocket debris seen in the sky.
• GEP-Nachrichten (GEP News): Announces a new member, Ralph von Allmen from Switzerland, and the acquisition of a new Commodore AMIGA 500 computer system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent efforts of the GEP to gain scientific and governmental recognition for UFO research in Germany, highlighting the bureaucratic and societal obstacles they face. The editorial stance is one of advocating for serious, scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, challenging conventional explanations, and pushing for a more open-minded approach from authorities and the public. The detailed analysis of the Soviet sighting underscores the belief that some UFO events are genuinely anomalous and warrant further study. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating information and fostering a community of researchers through its bibliography and news section.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 1987, focuses on the challenges and methodologies in classifying UFO sightings. It features articles, book reviews, and letters to the editor, all contributing to a deeper understanding of the UFO phenomenon from various perspectives.

Article: Near IFO - Best UFO: Are Additional Classifications Necessary for Evaluating UFOs i.e.S.?

Authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this lead article addresses the difficulties UFO researchers face in definitively classifying observed phenomena. Peiniger questions whether cases that lack a high "strangeness degree" or "degree of foreignness" should still be classified as UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) i.e.S. (in the strictest sense). He suggests that additional classification levels, inspired by Allan Hendry's work, could provide a clearer framework. These proposed categories include:

• Near IFO: An object similar to a normal phenomenon but not clearly identifiable, with at most two anomalous characteristics.
• Problematic UFO: An object that is not clearly identifiable and possesses significant anomalous characteristics, which could potentially occur under extreme conditions of normal phenomena, but where a conventional explanation cannot be entirely ruled out.
• Good UFO: An object with so many anomalous characteristics that a conventional explanation is very likely ruled out.
• Best UFO: An object with so many anomalous characteristics that a conventional explanation is definitively ruled out.

Peiniger emphasizes that these evaluations should occur after an investigation. He argues that these distinctions will help highlight the "value" of a UFO observation and allow for better selection of cases for international discussion, prioritizing "Best UFOs" and "Good UFOs." He believes these new terms are essential for distinguishing within the "UFO i.e.S." group and preventing cases from being indefinitely shelved.

Hameln UFO Sighting

An article from the "Deister- und Weserzeitung" (Hameln, November 6, 1987) reports on a UFO sighting near Hameln. Teacher Andreas Jungnitz managed to photograph the "unidentified flying object" (UFO). The report mentions that the light point moved at irregular intervals with high speed. The newspaper received further calls from readers who claimed to have made similar observations. The article explains that Jungnitz initiated a project week at a Hameln gymnasium titled "The - The - The Strangers," focusing on encounters with the "other." The photograph was a montage provided by the newspaper to serve as an "entry point" for the topic. The class used a large, self-built UFO to engage passersby in discussions about UFOs and extraterrestrials. However, since Jungnitz did not lead this specific project, detailed results of the interviews are unknown.

Book Review: "Himmelsjahr 1988" (Sky Year 1988)

This review by Hans-Werner Peiniger discusses the book "Das Himmelsjahr 1988" by Hans-Ulrich Keller. The book is described as a useful and easily understandable guide for observing astronomical events throughout the year. Peiniger highlights its value for UFO researchers, noting that a significant portion of UFO sightings are misidentifications of bright planets or stars, with Venus being a frequent culprit. "Himmelsjahr 1988" allows investigators to verify witness accounts regarding astronomical phenomena, such as the visibility of the moon or the position of planets. The GEP has used this book since 1973 to identify UFOs. The review also mentions that Rudolf Henke has created visibility charts for the three brightest planets from this book, which are included in the journal.

Book Review: "UFOs 1947-1987: The 40-Year Search for an Explanation"

Compiled and edited by Hilary Evans and John Spencer, this book is reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger. It presents a comprehensive overview of UFO research over four decades, covering aspects like sightings, close encounters, "UFO occupants," significant cases, witness studies, photographic evidence, and the social, psychological, philosophical, and historical dimensions of the phenomenon. The review lists numerous contributing authors and their topics, ranging from "UFOs throughout history" to "The case against scepticism." Peiniger praises the book for its factual presentation and the expertise of its international authors, noting its extensive photos, source references, and lists of UFO research organizations. However, he points out the lack of a personal and subject index, which hinders its use as a reference work. He concludes that the book clearly demonstrates the existence of the UFO phenomenon but acknowledges that after 40 years, no clear explanation for the "hard core" of UFO phenomena has emerged, leaving the reader to decide which proposed solutions are most plausible. He highly recommends acquiring this book.

Book Review: "Intruders: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods"

This review discusses Budd Hopkins' book, which investigates the case of Kathie Davis and the events at Copley Woods. The book details a two-and-a-half-year investigation into alleged alien abductions, involving psychologists, radiologists, chemists, and medical professionals. Hopkins presents evidence suggesting that aliens abduct humans, possibly for a specific, disturbing purpose, and that this may be part of a larger genetic experiment on the human race. The review notes that the book includes medical and psychological reports, hypnosis transcripts, and accounts from hundreds of other alleged abduction victims. Hopkins' balanced and rational study challenges conventional skepticism, presenting evidence that suggests a pattern of alien surveillance and experimentation. The reviewer suggests that "Intruders" is a shocking book that will compel the public to seriously discuss phenomena that have long been relegated to science fiction.

Book Review: "UFOs and the Complete Evidence from Space: The Truth About Venus, Mars, and the Moon"

This review by Ulrich Magin discusses Daniel Ross's self-published book. The reviewer expresses skepticism, calling the content "nonsense" and stating that it's understandable why no publisher would take it on. The book claims to reveal the truth about the UFO mystery and evidence for planetary exploration, asserting that UFO origins lie on other planets in the solar system and that their travelers are human. The reviewer finds the scientific facts presented to be enlightening but criticizes the book for explaining why so much false information about the universe has been disseminated. It also claims to refute UFO skeptic arguments and expose the reasons behind official propaganda and cover-ups related to planetary research.

Book Review: "Die geheime Botschaft von Fatima" (The Secret Message of Fatima)

This review discusses Johannes Fiebag's book, which reinterprets the 1917 apparitions in Fatima, Portugal. Fiebag, a natural scientist, argues that the events were not divine interventions by Mary but rather manifestations of extraterrestrial beings. He meticulously compares the phenomena reported in Fatima—such as flashes of light, moving luminous spheres, flying "stars," and electrostatic phenomena—with accounts of unidentified flying objects from recent years. Fiebag's analysis suggests that nearly all observed phenomena in Fatima correspond to modern UFO encounters. The review notes that the book is provocative but well-researched and has significant implications for understanding other reported apparitions, such as those in Medjugorje, and raises questions about what the Vatican might be concealing regarding the "Third Secret."

Book Review: "Einsteins Relativitätstheorie" (Einstein's Theory of Relativity)

This review by Gerald Kahan discusses a book by Gerald Kahan that explains Einstein's theory of relativity in an accessible way for laypeople. Kahan was initially skeptical about a physics book from DuMont, a publisher known for art books, but found the book to be a valuable and unique explanation of both special and general relativity. The book uses 139 illustrations to simplify complex concepts and covers historical events leading to Einstein's ideas, a biographical portrait, and the explanation of the theories with visual aids. It also discusses experiments proving relativity and the expansion of the universe, concluding with an overview of the current state of research.

Book Review: "Von Heiligen Linien und Heiligen Orten" (Of Sacred Lines and Sacred Places)

Authored by Dr. Reinhardt Helm and Thomas Riemer, this book is reviewed by Hans-Werner Sachmann. It presents an anthology that aims for scientific rigor within the realm of fringe science. The book explores mysterious geometric forms and connections, such as triangles, parallels, and lines, which suggest a vast, ancient network of flight paths spanning Europe and possibly the entire Earth. Riemer's work, in particular, delves into Greek mythology, uncovering surprising details that support the idea of a prehistoric aviation network. The review suggests that this work could be a milestone in the research of prehistoric aviation.

Book Review: "Introduction to Issues of UFO Research"

This review discusses a brochure by the Los Angeles UFO Research Group (LAUFORG). The brochure aims to provide essential, known facts about UFOs, targeting scientists and technically interested individuals who prefer a summarized documentation over extensive literature. It familiarizes the reader with UFO literature through numerous source references. The brochure covers a historical overview of UFO investigations, different types of sightings, witness profiles and credibility, potential effects of UFOs (electromagnetic, physical traces, photographic evidence, psychological and physical effects on humans and animals), and possible investigation methods. The reviewer notes that while not entirely comprehensive, it is a solid introduction, especially for students, and encourages scientific engagement with the topic.

Book Review: "Feuer fiel vom Himmel: Die Tunguska Katastrophe" (Fire Fell from the Sky: The Tunguska Catastrophe)

This review discusses Peter Krassa's book about the 1908 Tunguska event. Krassa collected material on-site and provides details about the ongoing efforts by Soviet scientists to solve this "mystery of the century." The book is described as a unique report on the event.

GEP Special Offers

The journal includes a list of special offers for GEP members and non-members, featuring various UFO-related publications, books, and materials, including reports from MUFON-CES.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the classification and investigation of UFO phenomena, the search for rational explanations (including astronomical misidentifications), and the exploration of alternative interpretations for historical and contemporary events (such as Fatima and Tunguska). The journal also reviews books that delve into the scientific, historical, and psychological aspects of UFOs and related topics like alien abduction and ancient astronaut theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous research and critical evaluation of evidence, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO cases. There is a clear effort to provide readers with comprehensive information and resources for further study.