JUFOF - Issue 070 - 1990 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of the 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG' (JUFOF), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is dated July-August 1990 and is the 4th issue of the 11th year. It features a cover headline focusing on 'UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN' (UFO Observations) and includes a small illustration of a UFO. The magazine's ISSN is 0723-7766, and the price is DM 4.00.

GEP and its Mission

The introductory sections explain the GEP's role as a non-profit scientific organization in Germany focused on UFO research. They utilize specialized questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary analysis. The GEP publishes the 'JUFOF' journal and other materials, and collaborates with international organizations. Membership in the GEP includes receiving the journal, access to questionnaires, discounts on publications, and borrowing privileges from the GEP library.

A definition of a UFO is provided, based on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's work, describing it as an object or light that is unexplainable to witnesses and remains unidentifiable after thorough investigation.

UFO Observations and Case Studies

The core of the magazine consists of detailed reports and analyses of UFO sightings, primarily from Germany.

1. Bockum-Hövel (April 15, 1990):

Reported in a local newspaper, this sighting involved a red-orange light observed by a dozen people for five minutes. It appeared larger than a star, changed color, moved silently, and disappeared towards Heessen. The witnesses ruled out balloons and aircraft due to its silence and movement. Investigations considered wind conditions, confirming that wind from the west-southwest was present, which could support the idea of a wind-driven object, but the object's behavior (hovering, color changes) remained anomalous.

2. Lüdenscheid (Early April 1990):

A witness reported seeing two 'insane headlights' moving uniformly and uniformly past her balcony. She described them as extremely bright white lights, similar to car headlights, and heard faint airplane-like noises. She initially thought it was a small airplane but found the object strange due to the bright lights and low noise. The case was investigated by Peiniger and Mosbleck. The conclusion was that it was likely an IFO (Identified Flying Object), specifically a model hot-air balloon, as one was reported launched in the area around the same time.

3. Düsseldorf (March 17, 1990):

A retired man reported seeing two bright lights in the sky at 4:30 AM. One light was constant, while the other pulsed every 2-3 seconds, illuminating a large, metallic, silent object. The object moved rapidly and silently, first eastward and then at a 90° angle. The witness estimated its altitude at around 3000 meters. The investigation suggested the object could be explained as free balloons, possibly equipped with 'collision warning lights,' launched from a site in D.-Eller. The witness's drawing indicated the objects came from D.-Eller and moved towards D.-Lierenfeld.

4. Koblenz (February 21, 1990):

Witnesses reported seeing two lights approaching their car, which then hovered silently. The object was described as bus-like, with bright, pulsating lights. The witness, her mother, and son observed the object. The investigation considered helicopters (CH-47) but ruled them out due to the silence and the nature of the reported maneuvers. The possibility of free balloons was considered, and the witness's description of the object's shape and lights led to the classification of 'PROBLEMATIC UFO' or potentially 'GOOD UFO' based on credibility.

5. Dorsten (January 26, 1990):

Five people observed two bright lights that moved erratically and then a second, larger object described as airplane-like with illuminated wings. The lights were compared to a 5-DM coin at arm's length and their brightness to Venus. The object was described as having illuminated wing edges and possibly landing gear. The investigation suggested the lights could be explained as landing lights of an aircraft approaching Düsseldorf, possibly in a holding pattern. The second object was also considered to be an aircraft, with its wing undersides illuminated by lights.

6. Kippenheim (October 31, 1989):

A 25-year-old saleswoman reported hearing a strange 'beeping' sound and seeing a glowing object near a village church. Later, she saw 5-6 human-like figures (approx. 1.40m tall, gray overalls) near the UFO. The object was described as about 3 meters in diameter. The witness was initially shaken and experienced a 'sunburn' effect. The investigation considered the possibility of a hallucination or a psychological event, possibly influenced by her relative's interest in UFOs and the proximity of a military training area. The report was compared to the Ed Walters' Gulf Breeze case.

7. Lüchow (August 28, 1989):

The same witness from the January 13th sighting reported seeing illuminated areas on her lawn, described as 'window lights,' and a yellow sphere in the west. The next morning, she found two circular impressions on the grass, with flattened and slightly twisted grass. The GEP investigation suggested these impressions might be due to a fungal infection or spider webs, as similar marks were found in 1988. The yellow sphere was tentatively explained as a possible ball lightning due to stormy weather.

8. Lüchow (January 13, 1989):

A witness reported seeing a bright light that revealed a dome-like structure with windows and interior lights. She later observed the object again, described as having colorful lights. The object reportedly moved and approached them. The witness's sister also observed similar lights in a different location. The investigation noted the similarity to the witness's earlier description of 'window lights' and suggested a possible psychological explanation, perhaps a 'recombination' of previous observations or a reaction to a common stimulus like a bright light or reflections.

Other Sections

Kurz Notiert (Short Notes):

• Direct Line to UFOs: A Japanese phone service (NTT) offered recordings of 'spherical' sounds allegedly from a flying saucer, recorded by Eduard 'Billy' Meier in 1975. Over 23,000 calls were made to this service.
• Observation R. Henke/P. Loda (June 22, 1990): This section describes an observation of an oval light, about the size of a full moon, moving horizontally and changing shape. Initially mistaken for an aircraft, it was later considered a UFO. A second, larger oval light was also observed. The phenomenon was localized and not visible to others contacted.

Discussion and Classification:

Each case study includes a 'Diskussion' (Discussion) section where various potential explanations are considered, and a 'Bewertung' (Evaluation) and 'Ergebnis' (Result) section, which often classifies the sighting as IFO (Identified Flying Object), 'PROBLEMATIC UFO,' or 'GOOD UFO' based on the available evidence and the GEP's classification criteria.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of witness testimony, and the attempt to provide rational explanations, often classifying sightings as IFOs. The GEP maintains a scientific and skeptical approach, emphasizing evidence-based conclusions. The magazine highlights the challenges in definitively identifying unknown aerial phenomena and the importance of rigorous investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon but a strong preference for conventional explanations when supported by evidence, while acknowledging cases that remain anomalous.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 3'90, is published by GEP and focuses on UFO phenomena, pre-astronautics, and related topics. The cover prominently features the book "UFO'S ES GIBT SIE" by Ed and Frances Walters, documenting their alleged encounters in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Contents and Articles

UFO Sightings and Case Studies:

The issue presents a collection of UFO sighting reports, many identified by organizations like CENAP. These include:

• Rothenburg o.T., Germany (1968): A zeppelin-like object and a later sighting of a cigar-shaped craft with a dome, identified as a zeppelin and an OV-10 Bronco, respectively.
• Mannheim, Germany (April 30, 1980): A bright white spot approaching, likely misidentified aircraft lights.
• Oberursel, Germany (1984): A round object with a broken tail, identified as a bolide.
• Springe, Germany (May 3, 1989): A star-like object that disintegrated, identified as a weather balloon.
• Hamburg, Germany (August 14, 1989): An object in a greenish-white aura, identified as a high-flying aircraft.
• September 2, 1989: An object described as fire-colored, falling and then moving horizontally, identified as a hot air balloon.
• Viernheim, Germany (February 9, 1990): Two round, mint-colored objects, identified as American CH-47 helicopters.
• Diemelsee-Vasbeck, Germany (March 5, 1980): A bright blinking light, identified as welding work.
• Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA (November 16, 1987 onwards): The extensive Gulf Breeze case involving Ed and Frances Walters, their alleged encounters, telepathic communications, and numerous Polaroid photographs. The article notes criticisms regarding Ed Walters' past and potential photo manipulation.

Book Reviews:

Several books are reviewed, offering insights into the UFO field:

• "Confrontations: A Scientist's Search for Alien Contact" by Jacques Vallee: Reviewed by an unnamed author, the book is praised for its analysis of physical evidence and "confrontations" with alleged non-human intelligences. Vallee's critique of abduction research methods, particularly those of Hopkins et al., is highlighted, as are his investigations into the "chupas" phenomenon in Brazil. The reviewer finds the book valuable for its focus on physical evidence but questions Vallee's conclusions about interdimensional entities.

• "Und sie waren doch da: Beweise für Landungen von Außerirdischen auf der Erde" by Preben Hansson: Reviewed by Axel Ertelt, this book examines alleged evidence of extraterrestrial landings in Denmark, focusing on Trelleborg fortifications. Hansson suggests a connection to a technologically advanced culture, possibly extraterrestrial, and explores links between Denmark and ancient Greece. The review notes the lack of definitive proof but praises the exploration of historical connections.

• "UFO'S ES GIBT SIE" by Ed and Frances Walters: Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book details the Gulf Breeze encounters. The reviewer expresses skepticism, noting criticisms of Ed Walters' credibility, potential photo manipulation, and the lack of independent witnesses. Despite the controversy, the book presents a detailed account from the Walters' perspective.

• "Sagenhafte Geschichten von Heute" by Rolf Wilhelm Brednich: Reviewed by Gerald Hosbleck, this book collects modern urban legends. The reviewer draws a parallel between these legends and UFO reports, suggesting that many UFO stories might be modern folklore, amplified by the human tendency to seek out and share sensational narratives.

• "UFO Lexicon: BUFORA" by Hilary Evans and John Spencer: Reviewed by Gerald Mosbleck, this multilingual lexicon is praised for its extensive translation of UFO terminology across 11 languages, representing a significant international collaboration.

Opinion Pieces and Interviews:

• "Standpunkte zur UFO-Forschung und Pra-Astronautik" (Viewpoints on UFO Research and Pre-Astronautics): This section presents the opinions of several individuals on UFO phenomena, the Bermuda Triangle, and pre-astronautics. Dieter von Reeken discusses the Bermuda Triangle, the possibility of past alien visits, and the nature of UFOs, leaning towards natural explanations. Gerald Mosbleck also addresses these topics, expressing skepticism about pre-astronautics and extraterrestrial hypotheses for UFOs, suggesting they may be a form of wishful thinking.

• Radio MK Interview with Hans-Werner Peiniger: The chairman of GEP was interviewed about UFO issues and crop circles.

Other Content:

• GEP News: Announcements of new members and the establishment of a UFO group in Hungary.
• Advertisements: Listings for UFO-related books and magazines, including a request for specific MUFON-CES volumes.
• Letters to the Editor: A letter from Luv Bürgin critiques an article, questioning the connection between the Benediktbeuern case and the Atlas Bardas case, and suggesting that "three-point" sightings might be aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently emphasizes critical analysis of UFO reports, often favoring conventional explanations or identifying potential hoaxes and misidentifications. There is a clear distinction made between rigorously investigated cases and those based on hearsay or folklore. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and skeptical approach, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and the importance of continued research. The journal also highlights the role of organizations like GEP and CENAP in investigating and documenting UFO cases. The recurring theme of distinguishing between factual evidence and modern folklore or sensationalism is evident throughout the issue, particularly in the book reviews and opinion pieces.