JUFOF - Issue 058 - 1988 04

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 July/August 1988, marking the 58th issue and the 9th year of publication. It is priced at DM 4.00.

Featured Articles

METEORERSCHEINUNG ALS UFO FEHLINTERPRETIERT (Meteor Phenomenon Misinterpreted as UFO)

By Hans-Werner Peiniger. This article addresses the common misinterpretation of meteor showers as UFO sightings. Peiniger notes that meteor sightings account for about 20% of UFO reports, making them the second most common cause of misidentification. He cites the case of a teacher in Hildesheim who reported a pale lilac, square-shaped object with distinct parallel edges moving rapidly and silently across the sky. While the initial report suggested a possible aircraft or military flare, the article leans towards a misidentified meteor, emphasizing that even unusual meteor appearances (fireballs, bolides) can lead to such confusion. The author suggests that the observed object's description, though atypical, is most likely a meteor.

GULF BREEZE UFO

By Werner Walter. This section, subtitled "DER LANGERWARTETE DURCHBRUCH ?" (The Long-Awaited Breakthrough?), discusses the UFO conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, held in March 1988. The conference brought together civilian and military UFO researchers. The focus is on the Gulf Breeze, Florida, UFO sighting and photographs presented by Walt Andrus, MUFON International Director. The article references a MUFON UFO JOURNAL issue (No. 239, March 1988) that extensively covered the "Photo and CE-III Case from Florida" with 12 photos. The case involves a witness, identified as "Mr. Ed," who provided five color Polaroid photos of a hovering object. The SENTINEL newspaper published the photos and a letter from the anonymous photographer. MUFON investigators Donald M. Ware and Charles D. Flannigan led the on-site investigation. The article details two specific encounters on November 11, 1987, and November 20, 1987, where "Ed" observed and photographed the object, experienced a blue beam of light, and heard voices. The case is presented as a potentially significant UFO event.

3tes MYSTERIA TREFFEN (3rd MYSTERIA Meeting)

By Gerald Mosbleck. This report covers the third MYSTERIA meeting, held from April 15-17 in Holzhausen. The event featured presentations on various topics related to pre-astronautics and ancient mysteries. Axel Ertelt presented on "Außerirdische Technologie im Mittelalter" (Extraterrestrial Technology in the Middle Ages), discussing his book on Albertus Magnus and alleged interplanetary contacts. Gottfried Bonn spoke on "Kontaktversuche" (Contact Attempts), linking religious structures like the Aachener Dom to attempts at communication with extraterrestrial beings. Wilfried Briegel presented a slide show on the Schloßberghöhlen (castle caves) near Homburg/Saar, comparing them to underground cities in Turkey. Maarten Dillinger presented a "Dichterlesung" (poetry reading) and discussed his "Absolute Relativity Theory" and "New Age" concepts. Thomas Riemer's presentation on "Arbeitsmethoden und Quellensuche in der Prä-Astronautik" (Working Methods and Source Research in Pre-Astronautics) was particularly noted for its rhetorical skill and claims about hidden ancient knowledge and technology, including "stählerne Kampfmaschinen" (steel fighting machines) and potential aircraft from antiquity. The article also touches upon the controversy surrounding Dillinger's ideas and Riemer's claims, with some questioning the methodology and potential Nazi-era influences.

UNHEIMLICHE BEGEGNUNG EINER BESONDEREN ART! (An Unheimliche Encounter of a Special Kind!)

By Walter L. Kelch. This article serves as a strong warning against the infiltration of UFO research groups by right-wing extremist elements. Kelch categorizes individuals into three groups: those who dismiss UFO research as nonsense, those who see UFOs as messages from divine beings, and "the others" – described as well-organized, potentially right-wing extremists who link UFOs to "secret weapons of the Third Reich." He criticizes a specific publication from Paraguay that labels Germany as an occupied state, denies the Holocaust, and praises figures like Waldheim, deeming it a criminal ideology. Kelch warns readers not to engage with such groups, which he believes are seeking new contacts within Germany to spread their agenda. He notes that such materials are often sent discreetly to individuals involved in UFO research. The article also references a past house search by the Kripo (criminal police) involving GEP members who had ordered books from the SAMISDAT-Verlag, suggesting a connection between certain publishers and potentially problematic ideologies.

MEGALITHEN, LEYS UND ERDLICHTER (Megaliths, Ley Lines, and Earthlights)

By Ulrich Magin. This article explores the connection between megalithic structures, ley lines, and purported earth energies, a field known as "Earth Mysteries," particularly popular in Great Britain. Magin discusses Alfred Watkins' discovery of straight lines connecting ancient sites and churches, and how this concept was later linked to UFO flight paths by Tony Wedd. He references books like "The View over Atlantis" and "Quicksilver Heritage" which connect ley lines, UFOs, and ancient myths. The article delves into the theory that earth energies, channeled through megaliths, can manifest as "earthlights" or UFOs, potentially influencing witnesses. It also examines the German context, mentioning Wilhelm Teudt's interpretation of the Externsteine as part of a network of sacred lines. However, Magin critically assesses Teudt's work, highlighting its problematic "Germanic" and potentially Nazi-era ideological underpinnings. The article concludes by discussing the possibility of earthlights being related to geological friction and the phenomenon of UFO sightings occurring near megalithic sites, citing cases from Sicily and a reported abduction near a dolmen in Spain.

Other Sections

BIBLIOGRAPHIE DER SELBSTÄNDIGEN DEUTSCHSPRACHIGEN LITERATUR ÜBER AUSSERIRDISCHES LEBEN, UFOs, PRÄ-ASTRONAUTIK (Bibliography of Independent German-Language Literature on Extraterrestrial Life, UFOs, Pre-Astronautics)

This section, compiled by Dieter von Reeken, is a catalog of a bibliography covering the period 1901-1986. It includes an introduction, abbreviations, an alphabetical list of authors, chronological and keyword indexes, a list of pseudonyms, and directories of journals and international UFO bibliographies. The bibliography is available as a 56-page paperback for 8.00 DM (6.40 DM for GEP members).

GEP-MITGLIEDER (GEP Members)

This section outlines the benefits of GEP membership, including receiving the "JUFOF" journal, access to UFO sighting questionnaires, additional GEP news, discounts on special publications, and the ability to borrow literature.

IMPRESSUM (Imprint)

The imprint states that contributions are not necessarily the views of the GEP, and the organization is not liable for unsolicited manuscripts or photos. The "JUFOF" is published bi-monthly on a non-commercial basis, and author fees cannot be paid. Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck are responsible according to press law. Reprinting requires written permission from the GEP.

Bezugspreise (Subscription Prices)

Domestic subscription is DM 24 per year, with single issues costing DM 4. International subscriptions are DM 28 per year, with airmail costing an additional DM 5. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled three months prior to expiration.

MELDESTELLEN FOR UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN (UFO Sighting Reporting Centers)

Contact information is provided for GEP e.V. (phone: 02351-23377), CENAP (Werner Walter, phone: 0621-701370), and SUFOF (Roland M. Horn, phone: 06062-2717).

GEP-NACHRICHTEN (GEP News)

This section includes news about a new member, Robert Wagner. It announces the upcoming GEP members' meeting during the German UFO Researchers' conference in November in Mannheim-Neckarau, where the board will be elected and financial reports discussed. It also mentions a new printer donated by EPSON for producing the JUFOF and a new answering machine acquired through a donation. Finally, it provides Hans-Werner Peiniger's new private phone number: (02351) 50405.

KURZ NOTIERT (Brief Notes)

This section contains brief reports:

• "UFOS der Beginn" (UFOs - The Beginning), UFO Conference Eureka Springs, 1988: A summary of the conference, highlighting the participation of civilian and military researchers, including Major Dewey Fournet, Ted Phillips, Charles Hickson, and Walt Andrus's presentation on the Gulf Breeze case. It mentions a 4-hour video summary of the conference available for $50 USD.
• Coral Lorenzen is verstorben (Coral Lorenzen has passed away): An obituary for Coral E. Lorenzen, author of books on UFOs and co-founder of APRO, who died at age 63. She is remembered for her contributions to early UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The GEP's stance appears to be one of serious, interdisciplinary UFO research, distinguishing itself from sensationalism and fringe theories. The journal actively debunks misinterpretations (like meteors as UFOs) and critically examines claims, particularly those with potential ideological or extremist undertones, as seen in the warning against right-wing infiltration. There's a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and a cautious approach to evidence, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of the Gulf Breeze case and the critical review of pre-astronautics theories. The magazine also promotes its own activities and membership benefits, fostering a community of researchers.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research) from 1988, published by GEP, focuses on various aspects of UFO research, including detailed case analyses, book reviews, and discussions on scientific theories. The cover prominently features the announcement for the "HERBSTTAGUNG DER DEUTSCHEN UFO-FORSCHER 1988" (Autumn Conference of German UFO Researchers 1988), scheduled for November 12-13, 1988, in Mannheim-Neckarau, organized by CENAP-Mannheim.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

The "LESERBRIEFE" section begins with a letter from Illo Brand, responding to an article about a UFO sighting in Füssen-Reutte in January 1980. Brand critiques the explanation provided by Rudolf Henke, suggesting that while Henke's efforts to explain the sighting as Venus are noted, his proof is not entirely convincing. Brand highlights the importance of considering optical distortions, especially when using binoculars, and emphasizes that only those familiar with the 'IFO-sighting spectrum' can distinguish between genuine UFOs and misidentifications. He points out that witness testimonies are crucial and that his organization, MUFON-CES, actively engages in case investigations. Brand disputes the accusation that MUFON-CES does not search for conventional explanations, calling it polemical. He criticizes Henke's use of terms like 'half-occult working theoreticians' and suggests that such personal attacks disqualify the author and editor. Brand asserts that while Henke's explanation might not be 'ridiculous,' it is not necessarily correct, and that 'explaining' is not always equivalent to 'finding the truth.' He states that if Henke had asked, they could have provided additional material. Brand stresses the importance of personal interviews with witnesses for serious investigations and expresses that Henke's method of speculation is not sufficient.

Rudolf Henke, in a response, defends the magazine's practice of publishing diverse viewpoints, including those critical of UFO phenomena. He addresses Brand's criticism regarding the 'half-occult theoreticians,' suggesting Brand's own statements led to this perception. Henke emphasizes that thorough investigation requires witness interviews and on-site examinations, and that relying solely on sources like MUFON-CES can be problematic. He also touches upon the debate about the 'Heim theory' in physics, noting that it is considered too late and insufficient by some universities, lacking integration of gravitation.

Book Reviews and Literature

The issue features several book reviews and literature recommendations:

• "Taschenbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt-Presse" (Handbook of Aviation and Spaceflight Press): This updated handbook is described as an indispensable tool for aviation journalists, containing contact information for journalists, publications, industry contacts, airlines, and authorities. It is also recommended for UFO researchers for their investigative work and for finding contacts in foreign cases.
• "INTERVIEWING THE UFO WITNESS" by Dan Wright: This brochure is presented as a guide for UFO investigators on how to conduct witness interviews effectively. It aims to provide basic knowledge and important tips for approaching witnesses, helping investigators avoid common pitfalls that can devalue or distort witness testimonies.
• "Beweise: Der Yeti" (Evidence: The Yeti) by Janet and Colin Bord: This book explores Bigfoot sightings from various regions worldwide, attempting to shed light on the phenomenon. The review notes similarities in the challenges of investigating UFO and Bigfoot sightings, relying on eyewitness accounts and physical evidence. The reviewer finds some of the authors' conclusions and explanations far-fetched, particularly concerning the connection between UFOs and Bigfoot, but recommends the book for those interested in the Yeti phenomenon due to a lack of similar works in German.
• "Das Kosmosbuch der Sterne" (The Cosmos Book of Stars) by Colin A. Ronan: This book is an introduction to astronomy, covering celestial phenomena, the solar system, optics, celestial mechanics, and astronomical instruments. It is recommended as an ideal resource for UFO investigators to understand astronomical phenomena and gain essential knowledge.
• "DREHBARE KOSMOS-MINISTERNKARTE mit Planetenanzeiger" (Rotatable Cosmos Mini-Star Map with Planet Indicator) by Hanns-Joachim Heermann: This tool is presented as essential for UFO investigators to determine the positions of planets, aiding in the verification of astronomical observations. It shows the northern hemisphere sky and provides information on planet and moon rising/setting times.
• "Enciclopedia de los encuentros cercanos con OVNIS" (Encyclopedia of Close Encounters with UFOs) by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Juan A. Fernandez Peris: This book is described as an objective overview of UFO research in Spain. It presents a catalog of unidentified close encounters and a catalog of explained encounters, suggesting that if the two are statistically identical, then unknown UFOs might also be explainable phenomena (IFO).
• "UFO-Abductions: A Dangerous Game" by Philip J. Klass: Klass investigates claims of alien abductions, questioning whether extraterrestrials are abducting humans for medical or genetic experiments. The book examines the history of abduction claims, starting with the Betty and Barney Hill case, and questions the validity of such accounts, suggesting that many might be psychological phenomena or misinterpretations.
• "UFO's: A History, 1952: January-May" and "1952: June-July 20th" by Loren E. Gross: These works by Gross are highlighted for their detailed historical analysis of UFO phenomena, focusing on the active year of 1952. They compile and analyze numerous cases from that period, including press reactions, and are recommended for their historical perspective.
• "CHAOS - die Ordnung des Universums" (Chaos - The Order of the Universe) by James Gleick: This book is presented as an accessible introduction to Chaos Theory, a scientific concept that explores how order can emerge from disorder. It discusses the work of scientists like Mitchel Feigenbaum and Benoit Mandelbrot and their contributions to understanding complex systems. The book is recommended for readers who find traditional mathematics and formulas daunting.
• "SUPERNOVA" by Johannes v. Buttlar: This book is described as a collection of quotes that explores themes similar to previous works, using the discovery of supernova 'Sanduleak' as a narrative starting point. It discusses the idea that science has reached a limit, necessitating a paradigm shift in our understanding of the world, and touches upon the concept of interdependence.
• "Die Besucher" (The Visitors) by Whitley Strieber: This book recounts Strieber's personal experiences with alleged alien visitors, exploring the possibility of these beings existing outside our reality or originating from within ourselves. The review notes that Strieber does not offer definitive explanations but shares his search for understanding.

Other Sections

• "ALPHA" (New Magazine): A new monthly magazine focusing on pre-astronautics and myth research is introduced.
• "JUPITER-JOURNAL" (New Magazine): Another new monthly publication covering topics related to spiritual renewal, discoveries, and phenomena, including nature, energy, and unusual celestial observations.
• "GEP-Sonderhefte" (GEP Special Issues): A list of available GEP special publications is provided, covering various UFO-related topics.
• "UMFRAGE" (Survey): JUFOF readers are invited to participate in a survey sponsored by CENAP-Mannheim to identify their favorite UFO cases and photos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the importance of rigorous investigative methods, and the exploration of scientific theories that might offer new perspectives. The editorial stance, as indicated by the publication of diverse viewpoints and the emphasis on critical analysis, appears to favor a pluralistic approach to UFO research, encouraging open discussion while maintaining a skeptical yet open-minded perspective. The magazine actively promotes the work of various researchers and organizations within the UFO community, while also reviewing books that bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and more speculative topics.