JUFOF - Issue 073 - 1991 01

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. (GEP), is dated January-February 1991, Volume 12, Issue 73. The cover prominently features "UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN" (UFO Observations) and includes several articles and reports on various UFO sightings and related phenomena. The magazine is in German and has an ISSN of 0723-7766.

Featured Articles and Reports

UFO Observations (UFO-Beobachtungen)

The issue presents a series of UFO observation reports, many of which are analyzed by the GEP. These include:

• 1969, Schleswig (Training Area): A report detailing the observation of three fast-moving objects by approximately 100 soldiers. Two objects hovered at about 25 meters altitude, and one came closer, remaining at 15 meters. The witness described a "disc" with a central elevation, emitting white, flickering light. The evaluation notes that due to the time elapsed, a thorough investigation is not possible, leading to "insufficient data."
• November 29, 1989, Herscheid (near Lüdenscheid): A police officer and his wife observed a bright light descending almost vertically for 2-3 seconds, estimated to be larger than the full moon. The evaluation suggests this was likely a meteor.
• May 10 and July 19, 1990, Olpe: Two sightings by a married couple. The first involved a luminous point hovering for about 5 minutes before moving away at high speed. The second, recorded on video, showed a light with a black silhouette. The evaluation concludes these were likely aircraft or helicopter lights.
• July 22, 1990, Calpe, Spain: A German couple observed a balloon-like object that transformed into a bright disc with a structure resembling a "command center." The evaluation suggests this could be a weather balloon or a rare atmospheric phenomenon.
• November 5, 1990, Vilshofen (near Passau): A witness described multiple light objects forming a "tube" shape. This event reportedly caused widespread excitement and numerous reports across Europe. The evaluation suggests it might have been a cluster of lights or a complex atmospheric phenomenon.
• November 30, 1989, Lüdenscheid: A witness observed two bright lights, one stationary and one moving, with one disappearing abruptly. The evaluation suggests these were likely aircraft landing lights.
• November 30, 1989, Heedfeld: A church warden observed a large, bright disc-like object hovering silently before moving away at high speed. The evaluation suggests it could be a rare atmospheric phenomenon, but also notes the possibility of conventional aircraft.
• December 7, 1990, Lüdenscheid: Two witnesses observed two bright lights, one stationary and one moving, with one disappearing abruptly. The evaluation suggests these were likely aircraft lights.
• January 1, 1991, Werdohl: During fireworks, a round, red object was observed making a sharp turn and ascending rapidly. The evaluation suggests this was likely a model hot-air balloon.

UFO-Theories and Facts about Flying Saucers

A reprint of a 1981 publication by Dieter von Reeken is announced. The book, "UFOLOGIE - Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen," is presented as an unchanged reprint due to the effort involved in updating it. It is noted that the book still offers interesting insights.

Latest Investigations into Alleged Injuries Related to UFOs in Brazil

This extensive report by Dr. Jacques F. Vallee details investigations conducted in July 1988 in the interior of Brazil, focusing on cases where UFO encounters allegedly resulted in physical injuries. Vallee and his wife interviewed numerous witnesses in the Parnarama region, among other locations.

• Cosmo the Fischer: A fisherman reported an encounter in September 1984 where a bright, pulsating light appeared over the river. He experienced pain and dizziness when the light beam hit him, and later developed chronic pain and numbness. He also noted a strong, sulfurous odor.
• Manuel the Goldsucher (Goldsmith): In autumn 1982, Manuel reported being targeted by two objects emitting a red light beam. He experienced weakness, dizziness, and a foul odor. He described the objects as "chupa" (suckers) and believed the odor was the primary cause of his distress. The incident led him to abandon hunting and sell his weapons.

Grotesque Drones: A SPIEGEL Report

This article, reprinted from DER SPIEGEL, discusses "black" secret aircraft and UFO-like light phenomena observed in Nevada and California. It highlights reports of unusual flying objects, including triangular craft, disc-shaped objects, and high-speed jets, often associated with US military test bases. The report mentions the "Aurora" project, a speculated hypersonic unmanned aircraft, and the development of stealth technology in aircraft like the B-2 and F-117. It suggests that many of these advanced aircraft, with their exotic designs and propulsion systems, contribute to UFO reports.

Short Notes (Kurz Notiert)

• UFO Models: An American manufacturer offers plastic model kits of UFOs and aliens, including models based on famous sightings and science fiction films.
• Mysterious Holes in Switzerland: Reports of large, circular holes appearing in the ground in the Lake Geneva region are discussed, with one instance being 10 meters in diameter and 12 meters deep, located above a highway tunnel.
• 45% of Youth Believe in UFOs: A survey by the French magazine "Science et Vie-Junior" indicates that 45% of young people aged 8-16 believe in UFOs.

UFOs on Television

Several German television programs are mentioned that have recently featured UFO topics, including reports on the GEP, specific UFO cases, and the phenomenon of crop circles.

New Association Founded

A new association, EFODON e.V. (European Society for Early Prehistoric Technology and Border Areas of Science), has been founded, focusing on archaeoastronautics and UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently presents UFO phenomena through a lens of investigation and analysis, often seeking conventional explanations such as meteors, aircraft, or atmospheric events. However, it also dedicates significant space to detailed witness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena and cases where physical evidence or injuries are reported, particularly in the Brazilian investigation. The GEP's stance appears to be one of rigorous, interdisciplinary research, aiming to document and understand UFO reports, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the possibility of misidentification. The inclusion of reports on advanced military aircraft also suggests an awareness of how such technology might be perceived as anomalous.

This issue of the German magazine "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 72 from June 1990, published by GEP, focuses on various aspects of UFO research, literature reviews, and debates within the field. The magazine addresses the challenges and controversies surrounding UFO investigations, the methodologies employed by different research groups, and the critical evaluation of evidence.

Key Articles and Reviews

"Underground Alien Bases" Review

The review of Commander X's book "Underground Alien Bases" highlights its premise that the Earth is hollow, inhabited by Lemurians and reptilian humanoids, and connected by tunnels to alien civilizations. The reviewer, Ulrich Magin, criticizes the book for its sensationalist style, lack of critical distance, and reliance on unverified stories, comparing it to science fiction.

"Verblüffend-Phantastisch-Unglaublich" Review

This review covers a book published by "Das Beste" (Reader's Digest) titled "Verblüffend-Phantastisch-Unglaublich. Erstaunliche Tatsachen und Begebenheiten aus aller Welt" (Astonishing-Fantastic-Unbelievable. Astonishing Facts and Events from All Over the World). The book, with 448 pages and 328 illustrations, explores extraordinary phenomena and events, including the abilities of Kuda Bux, the invention of Omelette Surprise, and various historical curiosities. It aims to captivate readers with bizarre yet true stories, broadening general knowledge.

"Taschenbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrtpresse 1990/91"

This section reviews a directory for the aviation and aerospace press, compiled under the auspices of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. It serves as a communication tool for journalists and professionals, providing contacts for media outlets, industry representatives, and authorities. The reviewer notes its usefulness for UFO researchers seeking media contacts.

"Jahrbuch für UFO-Literatur" Review

The review of the "Jahrbuch für UFO-Literatur" (Yearbook for UFO Literature) by SUFOI describes it as a brochure containing numerous reviews of international UFO literature. It often takes the form of articles providing background information on specific books and their contents, with a focus on English-language works covering topics like Earth lights, alien contacts, and crop circles.

"GHOST ROCKETS & FOO FIGHTERS: UFO's OVER EUROPE 1943-48" Review

This review discusses Mark Ian Birdsall's work on the 'Foo Fighters' and 'Ghost Rockets' phenomenon during WWII. Birdsall suggests that many sightings can be explained by secret German weapon developments, including V-1 and V-2 rockets. The reviewer notes the solid nature of the work but criticizes the quality of the illustrations and the fact that it was published as a brochure rather than a bound book.

"Drachenwege: Strategien der Schöpfung" Review

Johannes von Buttlar's book is reviewed, with the reviewer criticizing its speculative nature and lack of scientific basis. The book attempts to describe 'creation strategies' and suggests extraterrestrial intervention in human development. The reviewer dismisses the author's claims about extraterrestrials needing primitive technology for DNA analysis and questions his sources, which appear to be channeled messages.

"UFO - Das ungelöste Geheimnis" Video Review

This review covers a VHS video documentary titled "UFO - Das ungelöste Geheimnis" (UFO - The Unsolved Mystery). It explores whether UFOs are real or a product of imagination, featuring unreleased documents, authentic photographs, film footage, and interviews with government officials, experts, and witnesses. The video also touches upon abduction experiences and the Roswell incident.

"UFO-Bewels!" (UFO-Proof!) Brochure

CENAP has released a comprehensive 200-page brochure titled "UFO-Bewels!" which presents cases intended as proof of extraterrestrial visitors. The brochure compiles and re-examines various UFO cases, offering new information and perspectives.

"CENAP-REPORT"

This section briefly mentions the CENAP-REPORT, an organ of the private UFO research association CENAP, published monthly.

"Sachbuchkatalog 1991"

A catalog of German-language publications on topics such as extraterrestrial life, UFOs, and pseudo-astronautics is presented.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters discuss ongoing debates within the UFO community. One letter from Gerald Mosbleck addresses a previous report about a TV discussion, clarifying his statements and criticizing the interpretation of his words. Another letter from Dr. Eberhard Sens responds to Mosbleck's comments, defending his position and clarifying his relationship with Illobrand von Ludwiger. A subsequent letter from Mosbleck further refutes Sens' claims and criticizes von Ludwiger's approach to UFO research.

Discussion on UFO Statistics and Evidence

Gerald Mosbleck addresses the issue of UFO statistics, particularly concerning the UFOCAT database. He acknowledges that UFOCAT may not be statistically rigorous but argues that it provides a sense of the scale of the phenomenon. He contrasts this with the approach of skeptics who may dismiss cases too readily. The discussion touches upon the definition of a UFO and the need for high 'strangeness' criteria for classifying a case as a genuine UFO sighting.

Mars Life Speculation

Johannes Fiebag and Gerhard Linder engage in a debate about the possibility of past life on Mars. Fiebag argues that a billion-year timeframe might be too short for the evolution of intelligent life on Mars, while Linder counters that lower gravity and different conditions could have facilitated life's development. Linder also critiques the interpretation of the 'Face on Mars' as human-like.

"UFO-Forschung in der Sackgasse?" (UFO Research in a Dead End?)

Marc Theobald analyzes the development of UFO research since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. He categorizes research groups into 'believers,' 'scientific researchers,' and 'skeptics,' suggesting that the field faces challenges in achieving scientific acceptance and objectivity.

GEP Sonderheft 10: Bibliography

This section promotes "Bibliographie der Selbständigen Deutschsprachigen Literatur über Außerirdisches Leben, UFOs und Prä-Astronautik" (Bibliography of Independent German-Language Literature on Extraterrestrial Life, UFOs, and Pseudo-Astronautics) by Dieter von Reeken, now in its third expanded edition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and analytical approach to UFO research. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, it emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific investigation and a healthy skepticism towards sensational claims. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based analysis and encourages open debate within the UFO community, as evidenced by the inclusion of letters to the editor discussing controversial topics and differing viewpoints. The magazine also serves as a platform for reviewing literature and media related to UFOs and related subjects, providing resources for researchers and enthusiasts.