JUFOF - Issue 063 - 1989 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.' (Society for the Research of the UFO Phenomenon), is dated May-June 1989, Volume 10, Issue 63. It features a cover headline 'UFO-RÄTSEL' (UFO Riddle) and includes articles on various UFO-related topics, with a significant focus on debunking or re-interpreting well-known cases.

Key Articles and Content

The 'Gill Case' Analysis

The central piece of this issue is an in-depth analysis of the 'Gill case' from Boianai, Papua New Guinea, which occurred in June 1959. The article, authored by Werner Walter, systematically deconstructs the case, challenging its status as a prime example of a CE III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) sighting.

Walter argues that the primary witness, Father Gill, was significantly shortsighted and likely did not wear his glasses consistently, or wore an outdated prescription, during the sighting. This visual impairment, combined with the bright light of Venus (which was prominent at the time), could have led to misinterpretations. The article posits that the perceived 'object' was likely Venus, and the 'men' or 'structures' were optical illusions or misinterpretations of light patterns and atmospheric conditions.

The analysis scrutinizes the drawings made by witnesses, highlighting inconsistencies and the potential for suggestion within a group setting. It questions the reliability of J. Allen Hynek's assessment of the case and criticizes the methodology of some UFO researchers, contrasting it with a more rigorous, scientific approach that includes astronomical data and psychological considerations.

Walter also examines other similar cases, such as the 'Fall 456' from Hendry's archive, suggesting that Venus sightings can be misinterpreted as UFOs, especially when witnesses are predisposed to such beliefs or when atmospheric conditions create unusual visual effects.

The article emphasizes the 'Theory of Hazy Excitation,' suggesting that vague or 'fuzzy' stimuli are more likely to trigger UFO reports because they leave more room for imagination and projection of personal beliefs or fears.

Other Featured Content

• GEP and GEP Members: Information is provided about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.), its mission, and the benefits of membership, including receiving the 'JUFOF' magazine.
• Bibliographies: Two special publications are advertised: 'BIBLIOGRAPHIE DER SELBSTSTÄNDIGEN DEUTSCHSPRACHIGEN LITERATUR ÜBER AUSSERIRDISCHES LEBEN, UFOS, PRA-ASTRONAUTIK' (Bibliography of Independent German-Language Literature on Extraterrestrial Life, UFOs, Pra-Astronautics) by Dieter van Reeken, covering 1901-1986, and 'DAS UFO-RÄTSEL' (The UFO Riddle), a documentation based on work by Marcia S. Smith and George D. Havas.
• Article Snippets: Several smaller articles and sections are present:
• 'DER CE-III-KLASSIKER GILL (PAPUA NEU GUINEA 1959) Teil II' (The CE-III Classic Gill - Part II) by Rudolf Henke, continuing the discussion on the Gill case and its theoretical implications.
• 'GULF BREEZE: ZUSAMMENBRUCH DES GROSSEN UFO-FALLS' (Gulf Breeze: Collapse of the Great UFO Case) by Werner Walter, discussing the controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze sightings and MUFON's involvement.
• 'UFO SICHTUNG ÜBER DER FESTUNG EHREN-BREITSTEIN?' (UFO Sighting Over Ehrenbreitstein Fortress?) by Walter L. Kelch.
• 'UFO-SICHTUNGEN IM KANTON TESSIN' (UFO Sightings in the Canton of Tessin) by Luc Bürgin.
• 'EHEMALIGER CIA-PILOT BEHAUPTET, DASS DIE FREMDEN UNTER UNS SIND' (Former CIA Pilot Claims That the Aliens Are Among Us) by Werner Walter.
• 'KURZ NOTIERT LITERATUR' (Briefly Noted Literature).
• 'Blinking red light' and 'White lights' sections, likely brief reports or observations.
• 'Unerwünschte Entdeckungen im Luftraum' (Unwanted Discoveries in Airspace).
• Contact Information: Postal address and hotline numbers for GEP e.V. are provided.

Analysis of UFOlogy and Research Methods

Werner Walter, a prominent contributor, advocates for a critical and scientific approach to UFO research. He argues that many famous UFO cases, when subjected to rigorous analysis, can be explained by conventional phenomena, psychological factors, or misinterpretations. He criticizes the tendency within UFOlogy to accept eyewitness testimony uncritically and to inflate the significance of ambiguous sightings.

Walter emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between objective evidence and subjective interpretation. He points out that the 'statistical analysis' of UFO cases often yields no meaningful results, and that the focus should shift from proving the existence of 'UFOS i.e.s.' (UFOs in the strict sense) to understanding the 'peripheral' aspects of the phenomenon, such as perception and psychology.

The article 'DIE THEORIE DER VERSCHWOMMENEN REIZE' (The Theory of Hazy Excitation) by Rudolf Henke further explores how vague stimuli can lead to strong interpretations, suggesting that the less clear an object or event is, the more room there is for the imagination to fill in the gaps, potentially leading to UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards extraordinary claims, the importance of scientific methodology in investigating UFO phenomena, and the exploration of psychological and astronomical explanations for sightings. The editorial stance is clearly critical and analytical, aiming to demystify UFO reports by applying logical reasoning and scientific principles. The magazine appears to position itself as a voice of reason within the UFO research community, challenging widely accepted 'classics' and encouraging a more grounded approach.

There is a strong emphasis on debunking, particularly through astronomical identification and the analysis of perceptual biases. The magazine seems to believe that many UFO reports are the result of misidentification of known objects (like planets) or are influenced by psychological factors rather than indicating the presence of extraterrestrial technology.

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: 10
Volume: 2
Date: 1989
Publisher: GEP
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0935-0227

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG delves into various UFO-related topics, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and debunking of popular claims. The cover story, "Tessin im Ufo-Fieber," highlights a dramatic claim by a 34-year-old motorist who alleges she collided with a flying saucer in Switzerland. The magazine also critically examines the controversial Gulf Breeze UFO case, questioning the authenticity of photographic evidence and suggesting it might be a hoax. Other articles discuss UFO sightings in Germany, historical UFO incidents, and the alleged involvement of extraterrestrials with human governments.

The Gulf Breeze Case: A Critical Examination

The article "Gulf Breeze: The Hoax of the Century?" by Werner Walter scrutinizes the widely publicized Gulf Breeze UFO sightings. It questions the credibility of the primary witness, Mr. Ed, and the MUFON organization's investigation. Walter points out inconsistencies in the photographs, suggesting they were taken with a model UFO and external lighting. He highlights that many experienced UFO researchers consider the photos to be fabricated. The article also notes that the witness's accounts lack independent corroboration, and that the mayor of Gulf Breeze expressed skepticism about the witness's claims.

UFO Sightings in Tessin, Switzerland

Luc Bürgin reports on a surge of UFO sightings in the Tessin canton of Switzerland. The article details a specific incident where a 34-year-old motorist, identified as A.F., claims to have collided with a flying saucer near Novazzano. She described a large, luminous, gray sphere that exploded upon impact, leaving behind water-like traces on her car. Bürgin also mentions other sightings in the region, including a circular black object described as being twice the diameter of the moon, and an elongated, glowing object. The article notes that while many sightings are reported, a significant portion remain unexplained.

The John Lear Controversy and MJ-12

Werner Walter discusses the claims of John Lear, a former pilot and alleged CIA operative, who asserts that extraterrestrials are among us and that the US government is involved in a massive cover-up related to UFOs and alien contact, known as MJ-12. Lear alleges that a deal was struck between the US and aliens (referred to as 'Greys') in exchange for advanced technology, while the US government ignored alien abductions. He claims that three living aliens are being held at Los Alamos AFB. The article also touches upon Lear's contact with individuals who claim to have seen underwater UFO bases and evidence of alien experiments.

UFO Crashes and Alien Encounters

The magazine features reports on alleged UFO crashes and encounters with extraterrestrial beings. One account details a firefighter's experience at the Kecksburg crash site in 1965, where a large, acorn-shaped object was found, later taken over by military personnel. Another report, based on information from John Lear, describes a military photographer being tasked with documenting a crashed flying saucer and three deceased 'aliens' at Norton AFB in 1973. The photographer described the aliens as tall, with pale skin and large eyes, and noted the presence of a green fluid and black internal organs upon examination.

Book Reviews and UFO Research Organizations

The issue includes reviews of UFO-related literature. Richard Hall's book, "Uninvited Guests," is reviewed, which documents UFO sightings and alien encounters, arguing for an extraterrestrial origin. The reviewer, Ulrich Magin, expresses reservations about Hall's reliance on witness testimony and press reports, suggesting that many cases could have simpler explanations or be influenced by psychological factors. Magin recommends Hynek's and Vallee's works as more grounded introductions to the UFO phenomenon. The article also mentions the activities of UFO research organizations like MUFON, CUFOS, and GEP, and promotes GEP's slide series and publications.

Official Investigations and UFO Phenomena

An article notes that the Soviet Union has officially registered sections and commissions for anomalous phenomena, including UFOs, in 22 cities, with a central commission coordinating their activities. This suggests a move towards a more scientific investigation of UFO phenomena in the USSR. The magazine also touches upon the debate surrounding the nature of UFOs, with some researchers, like Hall, focusing on physical evidence of extraterrestrial technology, while others emphasize psychological and sociological interpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, a focus on critical analysis of evidence, and the exploration of potential government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, seeking to differentiate between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misinterpretations. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and a critique of what is perceived as uncritical acceptance of UFO narratives within some parts of the UFO community. The magazine aims to provide a more balanced and fact-based perspective on the UFO phenomenon.