JUFOF - Issue 057 - 1988 03

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 May-June 1988, Volume 9, Issue 57. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO BEI LEGDEN FOTOGRAFIERT?" (UFO photographed near Legden?), accompanied by a photographic strip and a sketch of a UFO with colored zones. The issue also includes a bibliography of German-language literature on extraterrestrial life, UFOs, and pre-astronautics from 1901-1986, compiled by Dieter von Reeken.

Articles and Features

UFO bei Legden Fotografiert?

This article, authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, details a case where a witness claimed to have photographed a UFO in August or September 1983 near Legden. The witness, Walter S., described a light ball that appeared in the sky, changed direction, and was photographed. The investigation involved a field visit and interviews. The article presents the witness's account, including the sequence of events, the camera used (Pentax MX with a telephoto lens), and the photographic attempts. However, the analysis of the photographs by the author raises doubts, suggesting that the images might actually depict the moon due to similarities in appearance and the presence of tree branches in the background. The author concludes that the probability of the photos showing the moon is very high, despite the witness's detailed description of the sighting.

12000:1 für Sir Isaak Newton...

Authored by Rudolf Henke, this section explores specific perceptual effects in telescopic observations of planets and stars, using the Füssen-Reutte case from 1980 as an example. Henke discusses the challenges of astronomical verification of UFO sightings, attributing difficulties to a lack of astronomical knowledge or the perceived strangeness of the observation. He analyzes a case where a witness reported a bright object that later appeared to have structures. Henke initially considers astronomical explanations like Venus and Sirius but finds discrepancies. He then conducts his own telescopic observations of Jupiter and Venus, noting unusual phenomena such as colored zones, light beams, and a star-like pattern. He also describes observing a second object near Jupiter. Henke suggests that the witness's observations might have been influenced by prior information or a tendency to see specific details, especially after seeing sketches from other cases.

"Leuchtkugel mit Aluminiumstange"

This section, also by Rudolf Henke, delves deeper into the Füssen-Reutte case, specifically focusing on the "fantastic binocular observations." It addresses the initial interpretation of the object as Venus or Sirius but highlights the detailed descriptions from witnesses that seemed to contradict these explanations. Witnesses reported seeing structures like an "aluminum rod," multiple color zones (green, yellow, blue, red), and shape changes (sickle-like). Henke notes the difficulty in reconciling these detailed observations with simple astronomical identifications, even after applying probability calculations.

GEP-NACHRICHTEN (GEP News)

This section provides updates from the GEP. It announces new members, including Mr. Dietmar Eckmann. It also mentions a meeting for MYSTERIA readers and UFO researchers, hinting at a connection to pre-astronautics. A brief note warns about "NAZI Propaganda" circulating among UFO enthusiasts and mentions that the next JUFOF issue will feature a report on this topic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO sightings and the critical analysis of evidence, particularly photographic and testimonial. There is a strong emphasis on seeking conventional, especially astronomical, explanations for reported phenomena. The GEP, as the publisher, positions itself as a scientific organization dedicated to thorough research, employing methods like detailed questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scrutiny of claims, as demonstrated by the detailed debunking of the Legden photographs and the exploration of astronomical explanations for the Füssen-Reutte case. The magazine also touches upon the psychological aspects of observation and the potential for misinterpretation or suggestibility among witnesses.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), identified as GEP, issue 2'1988, focuses heavily on the theme of optical illusions and misinterpretations in UFO sightings. The publication, with an ISSN of 0075-296 X, was priced at DM 72.50 (or DM 52.50 for subscribers) and published by GEP in Germany. The cover prominently features the book "Die Besucher" (The Visitors) by Whitley Strieber, subtitled "Eine wahre Geschichte" (A True Story), suggesting a connection to abduction or encounter narratives.

Optical Illusions and Misinterpretations

The core of the issue is dedicated to explaining how common optical phenomena, atmospheric conditions, and the limitations of observation tools can lead to the misidentification of celestial objects as UFOs. The articles emphasize that many reported sightings can be attributed to well-understood scientific principles, particularly those related to optics.

The Role of Optics and Instruments

Several articles, including those referencing Sir Isaac Newton, detail how prisms in binoculars and telescopes can split light, creating color aberrations and distortions. The "Prism Effect" is explained as a key factor, where light sources like planets and stars can appear with distinct color zones (red, yellow, green, blue) when viewed through optical equipment. The text illustrates how over-adjusting focus on binoculars can lead to various shapes like discs, sickles, wedges, and even star-like patterns, which are then sketched by observers.

Sketches labeled Abb.1 through Abb.14 visually represent these optical effects. For instance, Abb.1 shows problems with a disc shape, Abb.2 depicts variations in the edge of glass, Abb.3 illustrates red and blue zones in a diagonal, and Abb.4 shows a narrow red zone at the bottom. Other sketches detail 'compact' beam bundles (Abb.6), and the appearance of multiple, distinct objects when eye alignment is imperfect (Abb.11/12, Abb.13/14).

The issue highlights that even experienced observers might see these effects, but they are typically understood as optical phenomena. Uninformed observers, however, may interpret them as anomalous.

Witness Testimony and Analysis

The journal discusses the importance of analyzing witness testimony critically. It categorizes witnesses into two types: "saucer disciples" who readily interpret any anomaly as a UFO, and "ideal witnesses" who report their observations objectively. The latter are considered more valuable for research. The article stresses the need to investigate a witness's potential "ufological pre-occupation" and to differentiate between selective and non-selective seeing.

Experiments are proposed to test how people perceive objects under different conditions, including whether they are informed about the nature of the object beforehand. The idea is to create a comparative catalog of 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object) sightings to help distinguish them from genuine UFOs.

Case Studies and Explanations

Specific cases are analyzed to demonstrate these principles. The issue revisits the Füssen-Reutte case, suggesting it can be explained by optical phenomena. It also discusses observations of Venus and Jupiter, noting that these planets, when viewed through binoculars, can exhibit characteristics that might be mistaken for UFOs. For example, Venus was observed with a 'wabe-like structure' when viewed through an over-rotated binocular, and Jupiter appeared with zoning and light points.

A comparison is drawn between the observations of planets and stars and reported UFO sightings, suggesting that the former, when viewed through imperfect optics or under specific atmospheric conditions, can mimic UFO characteristics.

Book Reviews and Literature

This issue includes a review of Hilary Evans' book "Beweise: UFOs" (Evidence: UFOs). The reviewer, Heiko Reese, finds the book to be a good introduction for 'newcomers' to the topic, covering various aspects of the UFO phenomenon with case examples. However, Reese criticizes the book for sometimes lacking precise data (sizes, times) and for relying on vague formulations and unverified sources. The book is noted for its bibliography and index, and for presenting the "UFOs and Society" theme.

Another significant review covers Whitley Strieber's "Die Besucher" (The Visitors), a book detailing his alleged encounters with non-human beings. The review summarizes Strieber's narrative of being abducted and examined, and his subsequent exploration of these experiences through hypnosis. The book is presented as a personal account exploring the nature of these beings and their possible origins.

Other Content

The journal also features a section on literature, including a review of the "Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 1988" (Yearbook of Air and Spaceflight 1988), noting its usefulness for UFO researchers due to its extensive address directory of aviation-related organizations and personnel. A letter to the editor discusses a Soviet UFO sighting, arguing against the explanation of atmospheric experiments and asserting that the case was considered unexplained by Soviet scientists.

Advertisements include offers for English-language UFO literature and Geiger counters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO reports through the lens of scientific principles, particularly optics and psychology. The editorial stance appears to favor rational, evidence-based explanations, advocating for rigorous research methods and caution against speculative theories. The journal encourages readers to conduct their own experiments and contribute to a catalog of identified phenomena to help differentiate them from genuine unknowns. There is a clear emphasis on demystifying UFO sightings by explaining them through known scientific and psychological factors, rather than accepting them at face value or attributing them to complex, unproven theories.