JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (ISSN 0723-7766, Vol. 12, No. 6, Nov-Dec 1991) is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP) and focuses on historical UFO cases and the phenomenon of alien abduction. The cover headline highlights "UFOS VOR 1947 ENTFUHRUNG ANNO 1572?" by Rudolf Henke, and other key articles include "IM ZEITALTER DER UFO-ABSTÜRZE DER KECKSBURG-CRASH" by Werner Walter and "FORUM UNIVERSITAS" by Jochen Ickinger.

GEP and its Mission

The GEP is described as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. They define a UFO broadly as an object that witnesses cannot explain at the time of observation. Their research methods include specialized questionnaires, field investigations, and in-depth analysis of background information, employing an interdisciplinary approach. The GEP publishes its own journal, "JUFOF," various specialized publications, and collaborates with international organizations.

Key Articles and Features

"Kontakte mit 'Außerirdischen' im Deutschen Sprachraum" by Ulrich Magin

This section reviews a GEP special publication by Ulrich Magin, a 97-page book detailing German contact and humanoid reports. It analyzes witness accounts, the social context of UFO beliefs, and provides a chronological overview of over 120 alleged extraterrestrial contacts. The book covers aspects of the UFO myth, from abductions to pre-astronautics, and includes a bibliography and four indexes.

"UFOS VOR 1947 ENTFUHRUNG ANNO 1572?" by Rudolf Henke

Rudolf Henke explores an alleged abduction case from 1572 in Switzerland, drawing parallels to modern UFO abduction reports. He references the work of Ulrich Magin and the Swiss folklorist Renward Cysat, who documented a Swiss farmer named Hans Buchmann who reportedly vanished and reappeared mysteriously. Henke discusses the historical context and the challenges of verifying such ancient accounts.

"IM ZEITALTER DER UFO-ABSTÜRZE DER KECKSBURG-CRASH" by Werner Walter

Werner Walter examines the Kecksburg UFO crash incident of December 9, 1965, in Pennsylvania. He notes that the event gained renewed attention 25 years later through the TV show "Unsolved Mysteries." Walter questions the official explanation of a meteor and presents evidence suggesting a military recovery operation of an unidentified object. He highlights witness accounts, including those of James Romansky and Robert Adams, detailing the object's appearance and its transport to Wright-Patterson AFB.

"KURZ NOTIERT" (Briefly Noted)

• This section provides short updates on various UFO-related topics:
• R*W*E-Magazin eingestellt: The UFO magazine "R*W*E Magazin für UFO-Forschung" has ceased publication after only three issues due to staffing issues, with plans for a future book project.
• Hesemann Direktor der ETCON: Michael Hesemann, publisher of "Magazin 2000," has been named director of the "International Network for E.T. Contact (ETCON).
• Electric Spacecraft Journal: A new quarterly journal focusing on potential propulsion methods for UFOs is now available.
• UFO Crash at Roswell: A book by Kevin D. Randle and Donald R. Schmitt on the Roswell incident is available.
• UFO NEWS SERVICE: A bi-annual, non-commercial bulletin providing information on UFO phenomena from English and German sources.
• UFOs über Mainz: Reports of UFO sightings near Mainz, attributed to Swiss army searchlights during maneuvers.
• Fernfahrer von UFO verfolgt: Hungarian truck drivers reported being followed by a UFO in Northern Hungary.

"D.U. Dialog mit dem Universum III"

This section announces the third "D.U. Conference" in Düsseldorf from June 5-8, 1992, themed "Zwischen Himmel und Erde" (Between Heaven and Earth). The conference focuses on communication with extraterrestrial life and healing the Earth, featuring 35 speakers from 15 countries.

"UFOs" von der Flugabwehr

This report attributes UFO sightings near Konstanz and Lake Lugano to Swiss army searchlights used for air reconnaissance during military maneuvers.

Leserbrief zum Thema UFOs

A reader shares a personal account from 1977 in Cali, Colombia, describing a mysterious light observed over the city and a professor's disappearance after claiming contact with extraterrestrials.

Forum Universitas: Scientific and Skeptical Perspectives

"Wahrheitsfrage als Herausforderung" by Prof. Dr. Dr. Günter Altner

Altner discusses the challenge of truth verification in science, distinguishing between hard empiricism, soft empiricism, and mystical contemplation. He defines pseudosciences as those lacking verifiable methods or making exaggerated truth claims, and parascientific fields as distinct from mysticism, citing homeopathy as an example.

"wozu Pseudowissenschaften" by Prof. Dr. Dr. Gerhard Vollmer

Vollmer defines pseudosciences as disciplines that fail to meet scientific standards, including astrology, Dianetics, and ufology. He outlines criteria for evaluating theories, such as internal and external consistency, explanatory power, and testability.

"Homöopathie" Pro and Contra

Dr. Karl-Heinz Gebhardt argues for homeopathy as a medical alternative, while Dr. Ernst Mutschler criticizes its lack of progress and questions the efficacy of diluted substances.

"Erdstrahlen und Wünschelruten" Pro and Contra

Prof. Dr. Hans-Dieter Betz suggests a "small effect" in radiesthesia, while Dipl.-Ing. Armadeo Sarma presents skeptical findings from GWUP experiments, questioning the validity of dowsing claims.

"Parapsychologie Außersinnliche Wahrnehmung" Pro and Contra

Dipl.-Psych. Eberhard Bauer discusses parapsychology, while Prof. Dr. Robert König critically examines its methodology and claims, highlighting issues of objectivity and data manipulation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently presents a balanced view, featuring articles that explore UFO phenomena with a degree of seriousness while also including contributions from skeptical organizations like the GWUP. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging both the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and the need for rigorous scientific investigation and critical analysis. Historical cases are given significant attention, suggesting a belief that understanding past events is crucial to comprehending the modern UFO phenomenon. The publication also serves as a platform for various UFO-related organizations and events, fostering a sense of community among researchers and enthusiasts.

This issue of the German UFO research journal 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG' (Issue 76, 1991) covers a diverse range of topics within the UFO and paranormal field. It includes articles on the controversial 'face on Mars,' the phenomenon of crop circles, book reviews, and reports on UFO research conferences and legal disputes.

Cover Story: A Christ-like Image on Mars?

Walter Hain's article, 'Ein Christus-Bild auf dem Mars?' (A Christ-like Image on Mars?), presents a documentation with original NASA photos comparing the facial structures of the 'Mars face' with the image on the Turin Shroud. Hain suggests a comparison between these two well-known images.

Advanced Aerial Devices Reported During the Korean War

Richard F. Haines's brochure, 'Advanced Aerial Devices Reported During the Korean War,' is reviewed. The work compiles over 40 observations of unusual aerial phenomena from pilots and soldiers during the Korean War (1950-1954). Haines's research suggests that neither Americans nor Soviets were responsible for these craft, and the brochure includes details on electromagnetic effects and disc-shaped incidents. The review notes that the book is a valuable resource for those interested in the subject.

Book Review: 'Von Ufos entführt' (Abducted by UFOs)

Ulrich Magin's book, 'Von Ufos entführt: Unheimliche Begegnungen der vierten Art' (Abducted by UFOs: Uncanny Encounters of the Fourth Kind), is reviewed. Magin, a GEP member, focuses on abduction cases, discussing experiences of Betty Andreasson, Charles Hickson, Calvin Parker, and Whitley Strieber. The review highlights Magin's exploration of psychological, sociological, and religious aspects of UFO encounters, contrasting them with purely technological explanations. Magin posits that abduction experiences can be interpreted as subjective religious experiences and that UFO witnesses often reframe everyday stimuli into extraordinary events.

Book Review: 'Adams Planet: Das Paradies lag auf Phaethon'

Johannes von Buttlar's book, 'Adams Planet: Das Paradies lag auf Phaethon' (Adams Planet: Paradise Lay on Phaethon), is discussed. Buttlar's central thesis is based on Zecharia Sitchin's theory of a twelfth planet, Nibiru, which Buttlar renames Phaethon. This planet, he suggests, was located where the asteroid belt is now and may have been destroyed, with fragments forming the belt. The review notes that Buttlar attempts to connect this theory to the origins of humanity and explores various related topics like ancient space travel, the Bible, and Atlantis.

Book Review: 'Vimana Aircraft of Ancient India & Atlantis'

David Hatcher Childress's book, 'Vimana Aircraft of Ancient India & Atlantis,' is reviewed. The book interprets ancient Indian texts, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which describe flying machines called Vimanas. Childress attempts to reconstruct these craft and connect them to modern UFO phenomena, though the review suggests some of his methods and theories are controversial.

Book Review: 'Dowsing the Crop Circles'

'Dowsing the Crop Circles: New Insights Into the Greatest of Modern Mysteries,' edited by John Michell, is reviewed. This booklet features contributions from five dowsers who use their abilities to detect energies in crop circles, often determining whether they are genuine or faked. The reviewer, while skeptical of dowsing as a scientific method, acknowledges the interest in the sensitive perceptions of individuals.

Crop Circle Hoaxers Confess

A significant news item reports that British pensioners Douglas Bower and David Chorley confessed to creating crop circles for 13 years. They revealed their methods, which involved designing patterns with a compass and ruler and using a baseball cap visor for accuracy, after a dispute with UFO expert Pat Delgado.

UFOs in Advertising

The issue notes the increasing use of UFO imagery in advertising, citing examples like a calculator set with a flying saucer and Camel cigarettes' promotion featuring mini-camels emerging from a UFO.

Legal Dispute: Schneider vs. CENAP

A legal case between Andreas Schneider and CENAP (an organization that aims to debunk UFO claims) is reported. Schneider, who offered seminars on telepathic contact with extraterrestrials, sued CENAP for defamation after they distributed a flyer questioning his methods. The court ruled in favor of CENAP, recognizing their public interest work in debunking pseudoscience.

GEP Conference Report

A report on the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.) conference in Viernheim is included. The conference featured discussions on UFO research methodology, current UFO reports, and the legal case involving Schneider. The GEP's stance on scientific research in ufology is emphasized, advocating for a focus on the UFO witness as well as the phenomenon itself.

Letters to the Editor

A letter from Johannes Fiebag criticizes the 'crop circle critics' for their unwillingness to accept witness testimonies and their tendency to create 'entführungsfolklore' (abduction folklore). Fiebag also clarifies his role in the 'face on Mars' discussion, stating that Johannes von Buttlar published the sketch, not him, and reiterates his belief that Martian structures are likely natural.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a critical and scientific approach to UFO research, often debunking sensationalist claims while acknowledging the complexity of the phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientific investigation and pseudoscience, as seen in the legal case report and the book reviews. The editorial stance favors rigorous analysis and evidence-based conclusions, while also providing a platform for diverse perspectives within the UFO community. The journal also highlights the importance of understanding the psychological and sociological factors influencing UFO experiences.