JUFOF - Issue 062 - 1989 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) in March/April 1989, is the 62nd issue of the 10th volume. The cover prominently features the question "CE III - FALL IN DEUTSCHLAND?" (CE III - Case in Germany?), suggesting a focus on close encounters of the third kind within Germany.

Articles and Content

CE III - FALL IN DEUTSCHLAND?

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger details a CE III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) case reported by Rosario Guzzo, who was working as a guest worker in Germany in 1980. Guzzo and his friend Palma Vincenzo were observing the night sky near Benediktbeuern when they noticed a bright, colorful light. Initially mistaken for a police car, the light approached and revealed three figures dressed in black robes. The figures moved as if remote-controlled, with their faces turned upwards. The witness cleaned the fogged car windows and observed the figures approaching. The article includes a sketch of the location and the perceived path of the objects.

DER CE-III-KLASSIKER GILL (PAPUA NEU GUINEA 1959)

Rudolf Henke analyzes the classic UFO sighting case of Anglican priest William B. Gill in Papua New Guinea in 1959. Henke critically examines the case, questioning the astronomical explanations proposed by figures like J.A. Hynek and Donald Menzel. He notes that Hynek, despite his own criteria, cited the Gill case, which involved multiple sightings over three evenings. Henke points out discrepancies and potential misinterpretations, suggesting that Venus and Mercury might have been mistaken for UFOs. He highlights that witnesses' size estimations are often exaggerated and that the case lacks definitive proof of a non-terrestrial origin.

DIE THEORIE DER VERSCHWOMMENEN REIZE

This section, also by Rudolf Henke, delves into the theoretical aspects of UFO sightings, particularly focusing on how perception can be influenced by psychological factors and the "theory of blurred stimuli." Henke discusses how witness accounts can be unreliable due to factors like fear, fatigue, and the misinterpretation of natural phenomena. He emphasizes the need for rigorous analysis and cautions against jumping to conclusions based on anecdotal evidence.

MEHR UNBEKANNTE PHANOMΕΝΕ ÜBER DEUTSCHLAND

Ulrich Magin contributes an article discussing lesser-known UFO phenomena observed over Germany. This section likely explores various sightings and reports from Germany that have not received as much attention as more famous cases, aiming to highlight the diversity of unexplained aerial phenomena within the country.

DAS UFO-PHANOMEN: EIN FRAGE DER MILITÄRISCHEN SICHERHEIT

Werner Walter addresses the UFO phenomenon from the perspective of military security. This article likely examines how unidentified aerial phenomena could pose a threat to national security, discussing potential implications for defense strategies and surveillance.

KURZ NOTIERT LITERATUR LESERBRIEFE

This section contains brief news items, reviews of relevant literature, and letters from readers, providing updates on UFO research and community discussions.

GEP Information and Activities

The magazine provides extensive information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.). It details the organization's mission, which is to scientifically investigate UFO phenomena using interdisciplinary methods. Membership benefits include receiving the "JUFOF" journal, access to questionnaires, and discounts on GEP publications. The issue also announces the upcoming spring conference on April 22, 1989, in Lüdenscheid, with topics including the success of recent press activities and discussions on the "Magazin 2000" UFO issue. It also mentions media coverage by RTL Plus and WDR, as well as an upcoming CSICOP conference in Bad Tölz.

Analysis of the Gill Case (Continued)

Further analysis of the Gill case by Rudolf Henke scrutinizes Hynek's arguments against the astronomical explanation. Henke addresses Hynek's points regarding the object's stationary position, its perceived size, and the consistency of witness drawings. He argues that Venus's position could appear stationary due to atmospheric conditions or observer perspective, and that size estimations are highly subjective. Henke also discusses the possibility of misidentification of planets like Venus and Mercury, and the phenomenon of "blurred stimuli" affecting perception. He notes that while Hynek cited the case, he also acknowledged that the primary object's behavior did not align with simple astronomical explanations.

Early UFOs in Germany

Ulrich Magin's article "MEHR UNBEKANNTE PHANOMENE ÜBER DEUTSCHLAND" touches upon early UFO sightings in Germany, referencing historical accounts from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. These include unusual lights, "sulfurous clouds" preceding earthquakes, dark bodies passing in front of the sun, and unexplained aerial objects. Magin suggests that some of these historical phenomena might be explained by natural occurrences like atmospheric optics, meteors, or even early hot air balloons, while others remain puzzling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO cases, the exploration of potential astronomical explanations, and the psychological aspects of witness testimony. The GEP's stance appears to be one of rigorous scientific inquiry, aiming to demystify UFO phenomena by applying logical analysis and scientific principles. There is a clear emphasis on questioning sensational claims and seeking verifiable evidence, as demonstrated by the detailed critiques of the CE III and Gill cases. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and membership, fostering a community dedicated to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of the German magazine "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated March 11, 1989, focuses on a variety of unexplained aerial phenomena and related research. The cover story highlights the work of the "Sauerländer Forscher" (Sauerland Researchers) from the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), who investigate UFO sightings with a scientific approach.

Articles and Reports

Eismeteore and Ghost Lights The issue begins by discussing phenomena like "Eismeteore" (ice meteors) and "Geisterlichter über Seen" (ghost lights over lakes). While modern explanations for ice meteors involve frozen aircraft waste, historical accounts are noted. Ghost lights are compared to ball lightning over water bodies.

Sand and Snow Rains Reports of sand and snow rains are presented, with explanations attributing them to Saharan dust contamination. Cases from Silesia, Austria, and Basel are mentioned.

Earth Lights and Phantom Soldiers "Erdlichter" (earth lights) are discussed, linked to seismic activity and atmospheric phenomena. The concept of "Phantomsoldaten" (phantom soldiers) is explored, with historical accounts of large armies appearing in the sky, often explained as atmospheric illusions like aurorae or cloud formations. A detailed poetic description from 1630 of two armies fighting in the sky is included, with the observation that such reports today might be interpreted as UFO sightings.

Phenomena Over Water Reports of "Dinge in Meer" (Things in the Sea) are covered, including sightings of 'devilish boats' and glowing sea phenomena, with explanations ranging from conventional atmospheric optics to misinterpretations of natural light displays.

UFO Sightings and Military Involvement A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to alleged UFO sightings and the potential involvement of military secrecy. The "Man-In-Black" syndrome and efforts by civilian groups to obtain UFO-related documents through the Freedom of Information Act are mentioned. Specific cases are detailed:

• Lake Mead Base, Nevada (1967): A military policeman reported an object resembling a C-130 aircraft but behaving unusually, hovering over a control tower and a SR-71A Blackbird.
• Key West, Florida (1964): A student witnessed a disk-shaped object that was later pursued by two F-111 jets, which then disappeared after a bright green light.
• Between Cuba and Florida (1954): Cuban Navy frigates observed three lights in a V-formation.
• Kincheloe AFB, Michigan (1975): A security policeman reported an object seen by multiple colleagues, which was tracked by radar and followed by fighter jets.

Tunguska Catastrophe The Tunguska event of 1908 is revisited, with various theories presented, including gas explosions, ball lightning, and extraterrestrial spacecraft. A planned expedition to search for remnants is mentioned.

Book Reviews and News

• "Transformation: The Breakthrough" by Whitley Strieber: This book is reviewed, focusing on Strieber's experiences with alleged alien abductions, which he interprets as shamanistic, initiatory journeys related to death and reincarnation. The reviewer notes that while Strieber's accounts are detailed, the reviewer remains skeptical about the physical reality of the phenomena.
• Donald E. Keyhoe: The passing of Donald E. Keyhoe, a significant figure in UFO research and founder of NICAP, is noted. His contributions and books are highlighted.
• "Das UFO-Rätsel" (The UFO Riddle): A German translation of a US Congressional Research Service document is presented, offering a comprehensive overview of UFO phenomena.
• "Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 1989" (Yearbook of Aviation and Spaceflight 1989): This yearbook is recommended for its extensive directory of aviation-related organizations and contacts, useful for UFO researchers.
• "SKYLIGHT AKTUELL": A new UFO publication is introduced.

Reader Letters

• Thomas Mehner (DDR-Suhl): Responds to a previous article, asserting that UFO interest is not necessarily clandestine and that scientific inquiry should continue as long as there are unknowns.
• Gerhard Linder (Nuremberg): Discusses the importance of eyewitness testimony, particularly from credible sources like pilots and astronauts. He also presents his theory of 'electromagnetic wave images' to explain phenomena like UFOs, hauntings, and Marian apparitions, linking them to fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field.
• Rudolf Henke (Sandhausen): Argues that there is no empirical evidence for the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs and suggests shifting research focus to perceptual and sociological aspects.

Prince Charles and UFOs A humorous report discusses theories suggesting Prince Charles has extraterrestrial origins, based on his 'unusual' features and perceived 'absent-mindedness,' attributing this to his royal lineage and potential alien ancestry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores unexplained phenomena, presenting both conventional explanations and detailed accounts of sightings. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation, with organizations like GEP striving for rigorous analysis. The magazine acknowledges the role of military secrecy and the public's fascination with UFOs. While some articles lean towards skepticism or offer prosaic explanations, others delve into the more mysterious aspects of UFO encounters, often linking them to psychological, spiritual, or historical contexts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis of UFO-related events and theories, while maintaining a critical perspective.