JUFOF - Issue 061 - 1989 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of the German-language magazine "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., is dated January-February 1989, Volume 10, Issue 61. It features a cover headline focusing on the "GULF BREEZE UFO-II" and the "long-awaited breakthrough?" by Werner Walter, alongside other articles on UFO photography and ufology.

GEP and its Mission

The magazine begins by describing the GEP as Germany's largest recognized non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research. They define a UFO as an object or light observed that is not immediately explainable to witnesses. The GEP conducts research through questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary analysis. They publish the "JUFOF" journal and collaborate with international organizations.

Membership Benefits

GEP members receive the "JUFOF" journal as part of their membership, can request questionnaires, receive additional GEP news, get a 20% discount on special issues and brochures, and can borrow books discussed in the journal.

Impressum and Editorial Notes

The "Impressum" section states that contributions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the GEP's views. Unsolicited manuscripts and photos are not liable. The "JUFOF" is published bi-monthly on a non-commercial basis, thus no author honoraria can be paid. Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck are listed as responsible editors. Reprints require written permission from the GEP.

The Gulf Breeze UFO Case

The central focus of this issue is the "GULF BREEZE UFO-II: Der langerwartete Durchbruch ?" by Werner Walter. This article details the experiences of a witness referred to as "Ed" in Gulf Breeze, Florida. "Ed" reports multiple sightings of UFOs and encounters with alien beings, often accompanied by a humming sound. The article chronicles specific incidents from December 1987 to January 1988, including photographs taken by "Ed" and descriptions of the objects and creatures observed.

Key events described include:

• December 2, 1987: "Ed" reports seeing a hovering object, hearing a baby crying sound, and a conversation in Spanish. He photographs an object and later encounters a 4 ft tall creature with a helmet-like shield and a glowing staff.
• December 5, 1987: "Ed" sees an object hovering 20 ft above the ground and 450-500 ft away, photographing it before it ascends vertically.
• December 17, 1987: "Ed" hears a waterfall-like noise and sees an object 80 ft high. He photographs it and finds a plastic container with a greenish liquid that produces bubbles.
• December 23, 1987: "Ed" sees three UFOs hovering over a tree line and photographs one.
• January 12, 1988: "Ed" reports a humming sound and a UFO that positions itself over his car, emitting a paralyzing beam. He takes a photo as five creatures emerge from the object.
• January 21, 1988: "Ed" sees a red glowing object followed by a bright white UFO and photographs them.

The article also mentions the involvement of investigators from MUFON and CUFOS, including Robert D. Boyd, who provided analysis and conducted interviews. The case generated significant media attention, including reports in the MIAMI HERALD and the NATIONAL ENQUIRER.

Skeptical Perspectives on Gulf Breeze

However, the issue also presents significant skepticism regarding the Gulf Breeze case. Philip Klass, a well-known UFO skeptic, is quoted expressing doubts about the authenticity of the photos, noting that Polaroids lack negatives, making them easier to fake. He suggests that many witnesses may be influenced by media reports, leading to misinterpretations. CUFOS, through Robert D. Boyd, also expresses reservations, stating that the photos are "too cheap" to be real and that the investigation was not competently conducted. They suggest the case might be a hoax, drawing parallels to the Billy Meier and Adamski cases. The article notes that the Jet Propulsion Laboratory declined to analyze the photos due to suspected fraud.

The Cracoe UFO Photo-Fall

Another significant article is "CRACOE, 16.03.1981: Bericht über einen UFO-Foto-Fall und dessen Erklärung" by Hans-Werner Peiniger. This report details an incident where a police officer in Cracoe, North Yorkshire, England, observed and photographed an unusual light formation on a rocky mountain. The formation consisted of three intensely white lights. The officer and a colleague observed the lights for over an hour before they pulsed and disappeared. The article suggests a possible explanation for the lights, implying they were not extraterrestrial.

Other Sections

• "AMATEUASTRONOMIE UND UFOLOGIE" by Uwe H. Bergmann discusses the intersection of amateur astronomy and ufology.
• "LITERATUR" section likely reviews books or publications related to UFOs.
• "DAS ENTFUHRUNGS-SYNDROM EINE MATERIALSAMMLUNG" is a collection of translated articles on the phenomenon of alien abductions.
• The magazine also includes a postcard for membership inquiries to the GEP and contact information for UFO reporting centers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation of UFO sighting reports, photographic evidence, and witness testimonies, particularly the extensive coverage of the Gulf Breeze case. However, a strong undercurrent of skepticism and critical analysis is also present, with the magazine actively engaging with debunking arguments and questioning the validity of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the possibility of genuine phenomena while also being vigilant against hoaxes and misinterpretations. The GEP positions itself as a scientific organization committed to rigorous research, even when it involves challenging widely held beliefs within the UFO community.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (JUFOF) focuses on several key topics within the UFO and paranormal research community, including a detailed analysis of the Cracoe UFO photographs, the role and limitations of hypnosis in witness testimony, and discussions on pre-astronautics and historical UFO phenomena.

The Cracoe UFO Case: Photos and Investigations

The lead article examines the Cracoe UFO case, presenting photographs analyzed by the American GROUND SAUCER WATCH (GSW). The analysis indicated small, asymmetrical lights. GSW considered the possibility of reflections from residual snow. Klaus Webner from Wiesbaden and Philip Mantle of YUFOS also examined the photos. While Mantle initially leaned towards a UFO explanation, he found himself alone among his YUFOS colleagues. The article details YUFOS's multiple visits to the site, where they found the rocks dry and free of snow or ice, leading them to conclude it was not a reflection. However, the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG) proposed a reflection theory, supported by farmer Carlisle, who stated the lights appeared when the rocks were wet and the sun shone through clouds, similar to reflections. Computer simulations supported the possibility of sunlight reflecting off wet surfaces. WYUFORG members had previously photographed similar lights in the area, and successfully replicated the Cracoe phenomenon under similar conditions. The article suggests YUFOS ignored these findings, continuing to defend the Cracoe photo case.

Hypnosis in UFO Investigations

Another significant section discusses the use of hypnosis in UFO research, particularly in cases of alleged alien abductions. The authors, Bärbel and Walter Bongartz, explain the fundamentals of hypnosis, its effects on the hypnotized person, and address common prejudices. They highlight that while hypnosis can help witnesses recall more details, these details are not always accurate and can even be fabricated (pseudomemories). The book warns that hypnosis should only be conducted by trained professionals like doctors and psychologists, cautioning against 'show hypnosis.' The authors note that while they don't focus specifically on abduction reports, their findings are relevant to UFO researchers, especially regarding the reliability of witness testimony obtained under hypnosis.

Pre-Astronautics and Biblical Interpretations

Rudolf Schäfer's book, "UFOS UND IHR ZEUGE - Christus: Religion, Irrtum der Menschheit?", is reviewed. Schäfer posits that biblical accounts, particularly those concerning creation and early human history, can be interpreted as evidence of extraterrestrial intervention. He suggests that figures like Adam, Moses, and Jesus were witnesses or participants in such events. The review notes that Schäfer's work, while potentially controversial for theologians, relies heavily on interpretations of biblical texts and historical UFO incidents like the Roswell crash, which the reviewer deems less credible than pre-astronautic theories. The review criticizes the author's limited knowledge of UFO literature, drawing primarily from German UFO books and tabloids.

Other Books and Topics Reviewed

Several other books and publications are reviewed:

• "THE GOBLIN UNIVERSE" by Ted Holiday: This book explores various paranormal phenomena, including psychic phenomena, poltergeists, dragons, Yetis, Loch Ness Monsters, prophecies, and UFOs. Holiday collected and investigated many of these phenomena, including alleged UFO sightings.
• "UFO'S: A HISTORY - 1946" by Loren E. Gross: This work focuses on the historical aspect of UFO phenomena, specifically the 1946 'ghost rockets' observed in Scandinavia. Gross collected over 60 sightings and concluded that these 'ghost rockets' are a distinct phenomenon from UFOs.
• "PARAPSYCHOLOGY AND THE UFO" by Manfred Cassirer: Cassirer investigates the links between psychology, parapsychology, and UFOlogy, suggesting that UFO reports often contain paranormal aspects. He argues against the idea of UFOs being vehicles for 'space gods' or extraterrestrial messengers.
• "KOSMISCHE SPUREN" (Cosmic Traces) edited by Erich von Däniken: This compilation presents findings and theories related to pre-astronautics from five continents, exploring topics like ancient alien visits, early civilizations, and mysterious artifacts.
• "ALPHA 1" by Gerhard Linder: Linder proposes a theory that UFO appearances are 'wave images' that are independent of time and space, challenging the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and suggesting conventional physics cannot explain phenomena like UFOs or the Bermuda Triangle.

UFO Research in East Germany (DDR)

A section discusses the state of UFO research in East Germany, noting the lack of official activity, media coverage, and difficulty in obtaining literature. It calls for support from Western readers in the form of books, magazines, and other materials to facilitate the exchange of information.

Editorial Notes and Society Information

The issue also includes editorial notes regarding technical difficulties with their computer systems, an announcement about a dpa-report on GEP's work, and information about an upcoming spring conference in Lüdenscheid. Contact details for various UFO research organizations like CENAP, MYSTERIA, and SUFOF are provided, along with an order form for GEP's special issues and subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging scientific investigation and cautioning against unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear distinction made between 'UFOlogists' and 'UFO researchers,' with an emphasis on rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. The publication also shows an interest in the historical and psychological aspects of UFO sightings, as well as exploring alternative theories and interpretations of ancient texts and phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unconventional ideas, provided they are critically examined.