JUFOF - Issue 065 - 1989 05

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 UFO Phenomena), is dated September-October 1989, Volume 10, Issue 65, and is priced at DM 4.00. The cover headline is 'UFOS UND SICHERHEIT' (UFOs and Security), with listed contributors including A. Kusowkin, A. Semjonow, Ulrich Magin, Werner Walter, and Rudolf Henke. The issue also features a special GEP-Sonderheft 12, 'BEITRÄGE ZUR UFO-FORSCHUNG BAND 2' (Contributions to UFO Research Vol. 2), focusing on 'DER UNGLAUBLICHE FLUG DER JAL-1628' (The Incredible Flight of JAL-1628) by Bruce Maccabee, detailing an event on November 17, 1986, in Alaska.

Key Articles and Content

UFOs and Security

The lead article, 'UFOS UND SICHERHEIT' by A. Kusowkin and A. Semjonow, addresses concerns about UFOs and their potential threat to global security, particularly in the context of the US Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). The authors discuss the possibility of misidentification of UFOs by computer systems leading to unintended escalations. They reference historical incidents, such as the 'Minuteman' missile silo event in North Dakota and an encounter in South Korea where a UFO allegedly destroyed a Hawk missile. The article also touches upon the historical US government investigations into UFOs, including Project Sign, Grudge, and the French Ministry of Defense's UFO study.

Contact Reports of the Century

Ulrich Magin's section, 'KONTAKTBERICHTE DES 19. JAHRHUNDERTS' (Contact Reports of the 19th Century), presents three historical accounts that prefigure modern contactee experiences. These include Edgar Allan Poe's fictional story 'Hans Pfaall,' which described lunar inhabitants, and R.A. Locke's article in 'The Sun' about alleged discoveries on the Moon. Magin also discusses the claims of Swiss medium Catherine Elise Müller (Helene Smith), who purportedly communicated with Martians and described their civilization.

UFO-Paranoia

Werner Walter's 'UFO-PARANOIA' section examines the role of paranoia in the UFO community, particularly in relation to the MJ-12 documents and the Roswell incident. Walter discusses how fear and suspicion can be exploited and how the lack of definitive answers fuels conspiracy theories. He references Jerome Clark's questioning of the origins of the MJ-12 documents and the potential for disinformation campaigns.

UFOs in Play boy and Stern

Brief reports cover UFO-related content in popular media. An article in the German edition of 'PLAYBOY' discussed the MJ-12 documents, while the magazine 'STERN' featured an article on crop circles in Southern England, acknowledging their mysterious origin.

Project "Blue Book" Revisited

Bill Pitts, an industrialist in Arkansas, has initiated a civilian project called "Blue Book" to re-examine archived "Blue Book" sightings and research new cases. The project involves 148 participants, including former Pentagon and intelligence personnel, and aims to gather information on unexplained cases.

UFOs as Swarms of Luminous Insects

Biophysicist Philipp Callahan proposes that some UFO sightings might be explained as swarms of luminous insects, particularly in the context of thunderstorms. While acknowledging this as a possible explanation for a small fraction of sightings, the article notes that most UFO phenomena remain unexplained.

The JAL-1628 Incident

The special GEP-Sonderheft 12 details the 'Incredible Flight of JAL-1628' on November 17, 1986. The crew of a Japanese cargo plane observed multiple unidentified aerial phenomena over Alaska. The significance of this case lies in the extensive documentation released by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

UFOs and the Bermuda Triangle

In the 'STANDPUNKTE ZUR UFO-FORSCHUNG UND PRA-ASTRONAUTIK' (Standpoints on UFO Research and Pro-Astronautics) section, Hans-Werner Peiniger presents responses from individuals within the UFO community regarding various phenomena. Illo Brand suggests natural causes for Bermuda Triangle incidents and is skeptical of pre-astronautic evidence. He believes UFOs may indicate the presence of intelligence but is open to various origins, not exclusively extraterrestrial.

Contactee Experiences and Alien Hypotheses

Maarten Dillinger discusses his belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial life and contact, drawing from information purportedly received from extraterrestrial sources via contactees like Billy Meier. He suggests that UFOs might be probes from advanced civilizations or related to the concept of a multi-dimensional universe. Dillinger also touches upon the idea of 'alien nations' conducting experiments on Earth and the concept of 'alien bases'.

The Gulf Breeze Case and UFO Hoaxes

A 'KURZ NOTIERT' (Briefly Noted) section discusses the possibility of hoaxes in the Gulf Breeze UFO case. Wim van Utrecht is mentioned for creating similar photographic effects using a small, illuminated plastic model. Another suggestion is that the Gulf Breeze object could have been a homemade hot-air balloon.

The MJ-12 Documents and Cover-ups

Several articles and sections delve into the controversial MJ-12 documents. Tony Dodd's 'OPERATION MJORITY' report, based on information from John Lear and William Cooper, discusses alleged secret agreements between the US government and extraterrestrials, including the establishment of underground bases and the exchange of technology. The 'Dulce Papers' are mentioned, detailing alleged alien abductions and implants. The issue also references the 'National Enquirer' report on alleged 'bizarre attacks by UFOs' in Brazil, describing incidents of paralysis and blindness.

UFOs and the Soviet Union

The issue touches upon UFO research in the Soviet Union, mentioning the work of Felix Zigel and the collection of UFO information by institutes like the Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere, and Radio Waves. It notes the Soviet Union's exploration of natural explanations for UFOs, such as atmospheric phenomena, while also acknowledging the possibility of plasma origins for events like the Tunguska phenomenon.

The Phobos-2 Mission Anomaly

A brief report discusses the loss of contact with the Soviet space probe Phobos-2 near Mars in April 1989. It mentions that the probe's star sensor detected an unknown object of considerable size shortly before the communication breakdown, with speculation about potential causes including extraterrestrial radiation or mechanical damage.

The 'Not Finding Oneself' Phenomenon

In the section 'Das Nicht-Abfinden-Können' (The Inability to Come to Terms), the author discusses various hypotheses for UFO phenomena, including the idea that they might be remnants of advanced Nazi technology or secret superweapons. The author also critiques the 'ancient astronaut' theory, questioning the lack of physical evidence and the reliance on interpretations of myths. The impossibility of physical time travel is also asserted.

The Importance of a Solid UFO Library

Ulrich Bergmann's article, 'ÜBER DIE WICHTIGKEIT EINER SOLIDEN FACHBIBLIOTHEK' (On the Importance of a Solid Specialist Library), emphasizes the need for researchers to have a well-stocked library covering UFOs, pre-astronautics, astronomy, and related fields. He references bibliographies compiled by Herr von Reeken and Herr Kelch.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the exploration of various hypotheses for their origin (extraterrestrial, natural, psychological), the role of government secrecy and potential cover-ups, and the impact of UFOs on society and security. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO cases. There is a clear emphasis on presenting different viewpoints and encouraging readers to form their own informed opinions, as seen in the 'Standpoints' section. The GEP positions itself as a scientific organization dedicated to the research of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), volume 14, issue 4/1989, published by GEP, focuses heavily on literature reviews and critical analysis of UFO-related books and research. The magazine's primary goal is to provide a platform for serious UFO research, distinguishing itself from sensationalist accounts.

Literature Reviews

The Circles Effect and Its Mysteries

The review discusses George Terence Meaden's book, which documents mysterious crop circle traces appearing in Southern England since the summer of 1980. Meaden, who also founded the "Tornado and Storm Research Organisation" and edits "The Journal of Meteorology," investigated these phenomena. The book details various formations of crop circles, noting that the grain is pressed down without being destroyed. While early theories suggested hoaxes or whirlwinds, Meaden's research points towards electromagnetic effects, possibly related to ball lightning, as a cause. The review highlights that no definitive explanation has yet been found.

Encounters: A Psychologist Reveals Case Studies of Abductions by Extraterrestrials

This section reviews Edith Fiore's book, "Encounters." Fiore, a psychologist, posits that many of her patients, treated through hypnotic regression, reported UFO abductions. The review is highly critical of Fiore's methodology, suggesting that she may be leading patients to believe they were abducted, especially since many patients had read books by other abduction researchers like Strieber. The reviewer notes that Fiore's book contains case studies that are heavily influenced by science fiction tropes, such as 'Star Wars,' and questions the validity of her findings, deeming the book "completely worthless" after removing the introductory and concluding chapters.

Die Kosmische Revolution: Wilhelm Reich, UFOs und die Klimakatastrophe

This review covers the first volume of selected writings by Jerome Eden, focusing on Wilhelm Reich's theories. Eden argues that extraterrestrial beings are destroying Earth's atmosphere, leading to climatic catastrophes. The book discusses Reich's "Orgon-Akkumulator" and Eden's experiences with radioactive environmental pollution. It details Reich's battle against these extraterrestrial forces using the "Cloudbuster" in Arizona and links this to UFO phenomena, suggesting an extraterrestrial technology that destroys Earth's "Orgonenergie-Hülle."

Don't Look Up! The Real Story Behind the Virginia UFO Sightings

The review of this book by Danny B. Gordon and Paul Dellinger focuses on the numerous UFO sightings in Wythe County, Virginia, USA, starting in October 1987. While Gordon initially sought rational explanations, the book details encounters with the Pentagon and UFO occultists. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the book's reliance on US sources and the authenticity of alleged "secret documents" like the MJ-12 papers, suggesting they could be easily forged. The review criticizes the book for lacking original research from Germany and for its theoretical and polemical content.

UFOs: Die Beweise (UFOs: The Evidence)

This review critiques a brochure by Michael Hesemann and Andreas Schneider. The reviewer notes that while the brochure is an updated version of a 1973 memorandum, Hesemann has not significantly advanced his research. Specific criticisms include the use of questionable photographic evidence, such as the "Stafford-Aufnahmen" and Paul Villa's photos, and the misinterpretation of evidence. The reviewer suggests that the alleged "alien occupant" in some photos should be examined by forensic experts, comparing it to victims of conventional burns rather than extraterrestrial beings.

Other Articles and Sections

Der moderne Okkultismus (Modern Occultism)

This section reviews a book by O. Prok and W. Wimmer that critically examines modern occultism. The authors are described as "zetetic" (skeptics) who aim to expose pseudoscience and cultish superstition. The review notes that while the book is competent in its critique of alternative medicine, its treatment of UFOs and parapsychology is considered superficial, lacking a deeper understanding of the subject.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

Several letters discuss various UFO-related topics:

• Tunguska Catastrophe: A reader disputes Thomas Mehner's hypothesis that the Tunguska event was a crashed alien spacecraft. The letter argues that meteorites and comets can indeed leave radioactive traces and that evidence supports a cometary body as the cause, citing scientific studies.
• Meteorite Expert Peiniger: A reader corrects a statement by H.-W. Peiniger regarding a stone found in Komi, stating it was a known meteorite and not evidence of a UFO crash, as implied by a previous article.
• MUFON-CES Report No. 10: A reader criticizes the report for its lack of German cases and its reliance on potentially fabricated documents. The reviewer also notes the author's biased approach and the questionable credibility of some sources.
• Critique of UFO Research: A reader argues against focusing solely on re-examining old cases and advocates for investigating new evidence and information. They also criticize the tendency to force explanations onto cases.
• Call for Unity in UFO Research: A reader suggests that German UFO research is hampered by ideological divisions between groups like GEP, CENAP, and MUFON-CES. They propose a collaborative effort to create a unified, professional UFO magazine.
• Hypnosis in UFO Research: A discussion on the use of hypnosis in UFO research, with a critical stance on its reliability and the potential for suggestion to influence findings.

GEP-Nachrichten (GEP News)

This section includes:

• New Members: Welcoming new members to GEP.
• New RTL-Plus Report: A brief mention of a report on the UFO issue aired on RTL-PLUS.
• Radio Interviews: Hans-Werner Peiniger gave interviews to Deutschlandfunk and WDR 1, indicating increased media interest.
• Book Sales: Advertisements for GEP publications, including the Condon Report and various Sonderhefte (special issues).
• GEP Diaserien: Information on slide series available for lectures, covering topics like model hot-air balloons, helicopter lights, and UFO photo manipulation techniques.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical evaluation of UFO literature, the challenges of UFO research methodology, and the ongoing debate between proponents and skeptics. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviews and letters, is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and critical analysis. The magazine advocates for a more unified and professional approach to UFO research in Germany, while acknowledging the difficulties in achieving this due to ideological differences among researchers. There is a clear preference for well-documented, verifiable cases and a distrust of anecdotal evidence or theories not supported by robust evidence.