JUFOF - Issue 079 - 1992 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG' (Issue 1, 1992, Volume 13) from the German publisher Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP) focuses heavily on the psychological and theoretical aspects of UFO phenomena, particularly UFO abductions and the controversial MJ-12 documents. The cover prominently features an article by Roland M. Horn on the 'coming into being of UFO-abduction phenomena through temporary resurgence of the bicameral psyche.'

Key Articles and Themes

The Bicameral Psyche and UFO Abductions

Roland M. Horn's lead article, 'DAS ZUSTANDEKOMMEN VON UFO-ENTFÜHRUNGS-PHÄNOMENEN DURCH TEMPORÄRES WIEDERAUFFLAMMEN DER ZUSAMMENGEBROCHENEN BIKAMERALEN PSYCHE,' explores the theory of Julian Jaynes regarding the bicameral mind. Horn suggests that UFO abductions might not be objective events but rather subjective experiences stemming from a breakdown in the brain's ancient, two-hemisphere communication system. He posits that stress can cause a temporary resurgence of this 'bicameral psyche,' leading to experiences that mimic schizophrenia. Ulrich Magin's contribution further elaborates on Jaynes' theory, explaining how the ancient human brain functioned with a 'god' voice in the right hemisphere and a 'man' in the left, and how stress might trigger a return to this state, manifesting as perceived alien encounters.

The MJ-12 Documents and Government Secrecy

Several articles and sections are dedicated to the MJ-12 documents, a series of alleged secret US government papers concerning UFOs. The journal traces the purported origins and dissemination of these documents, implicating figures like AFOSI agent Richard Doty and the pseudonymous 'Falcon.' The 'Documents' section details various alleged MJ-12 memos from 1978 to 1982, discussing incidents, disinformation plans, and the involvement of entities like 'EBE 2' and 'Project Aquarius.' The authors express skepticism about the authenticity of some documents while acknowledging the complexity and potential for disinformation surrounding the MJ-12 affair.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

• The issue includes brief reports on several UFO-related incidents:
• UFO-Alarm in München: Unusual lights were reported, later identified as a common atmospheric phenomenon caused by solar activity.
• UFO-Alarm in Israel: A mistaken flare launch by a guard caused a UFO alert in Bet She'an.
• Hardenberger von Polizei gefoppt: Police in the Netherlands staged a fake UFO landing to catch illegal radio listeners.
• Geheimnisvolle Leuchteffekte an der Raumfähre 'Atlantis': Astronauts observed shimmering effects on the shuttle, attributed to nitrogen monoxide (NO) reacting with oxygen.
• UFO-CRASH nun auch in Deutschland: A report from the 'National Enquirer' claims a UFO crashed near Bremen decades ago, with alleged NATO documents detailing the event.

Book Reviews and Literature

• The journal features reviews of several books related to UFO phenomena:
• 'Kontakte mit "Außerirdischen" im deutschen Sprachraum' by Ulrich Magin: A catalog of German contact and humanoid reports, analyzing witnesses and their social environments, with over 120 entries.
• 'Light Years' by Gary Kinder: A review of a book on Billy Meier's contact experiences, criticizing its lack of depth, uncritical acceptance of photos, and reliance on interviews rather than original research.
• '... und sie fliegen doch!' by Guido Moosbrugger: A book presenting UFOs as a major challenge of the 20th century, with a focus on photographic evidence.
• 'Die Wächter' by Raymond E. Fowler: A review of Fowler's book on Betty Luca's alleged abduction experiences, with the reviewer suggesting psychological trauma rather than extraterrestrial intervention and questioning the book's scientific basis.
• 'The MJ-12 Documents: An Analytical Report' by William L. Moore and Jaime H. Shandera: A review of this book that attempts to analyze the controversial MJ-12 documents.

GEP Information

Information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.) is provided, detailing its mission as a scientific research organization, its methods (questionnaires, field studies), and its publications. It also outlines benefits for GEP members, including receiving the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' and discounts on GEP publications. Contact information for the GEP, including a UFO hotline and fax number, is listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences, particularly abductions, and the persistent investigation into alleged government cover-ups and secret documents like MJ-12. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various theories (like the bicameral psyche) and controversial evidence (like the MJ-12 documents) while also offering skeptical reviews of books that may present less rigorous or more sensationalized accounts. There is a clear emphasis on exploring the 'why' and 'how' of UFO phenomena, often through a psychological or sociological lens, rather than solely focusing on the 'what.' The journal encourages members to report sightings and participate in research, positioning itself as a hub for serious UFO investigation in Germany.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), identified as GEP, volume 19, from 1992, delves into various aspects of ufology with a predominantly critical and skeptical perspective. The cover prominently features the headline "VAGUE D'OVNI SUR LA BELGIQUE" (UFO Wave Over Belgium), indicating a significant focus on this event, alongside a discussion of Billy Meier's claims and a review of related literature.

Book Review: Guido Moosbrugger's "The Meier Incident"

The issue begins with a detailed critique of Guido Moosbrugger's book, which supports the claims of Billy Meier, a UFO contactee. The reviewer, Hans-Werner Peiniger, expresses strong skepticism towards Moosbrugger's work, labeling F.I.G.U. (Free Interest Community for Border and Spiritual Sciences and Ufology Studies) as a cult-like organization. Peiniger questions the credibility of Meier's alleged contacts with Plejadians, particularly the advanced technological and spiritual development claimed for them. He dismisses the descriptions of Plejadian life, such as their flexible work schedules and use of Earth-imported gardening tools, as unconvincing science fiction. The reviewer also scrutinizes Moosbrugger's account of Meier's troubled past, including his alleged imprisonment and military service, finding it lacking in verifiable evidence. The book's claims about Plejadian spacecraft, including small telemetry discs, are also met with doubt. Peiniger highlights Moosbrugger's attempts to explain away photographic evidence, such as the 'elimination' of trees by Plejadians, as implausible. The review concludes that Moosbrugger's material is unlikely to convince skeptics and may even reinforce the idea of Meier's contacts being fabricated.

Analysis of Billy Meier's Claims and Photography

Further into the critique of Moosbrugger's book, the reviewer questions the rationale behind Billy Meier being chosen as a contactee, suggesting it stems from past incarnations. Meier's role as a 'messenger' of a 'spiritual teaching' is presented, with quotes from Semjase emphasizing the importance of humanity receiving this knowledge. However, the reviewer sarcastically labels this as 'self-praise' and suggests the Plejadians should have chosen a different contactee, as Meier has reportedly only disseminated the teachings to a few. The telepathic nature of Meier's contacts, conducted in private, is also noted. The issue then moves to a section on 'Billy's photographic material: arguments and corrections,' where Moosbrugger acknowledges the difficulty in proving Meier's claims. The reviewer finds Moosbrugger's defense of Meier's photos unconvincing, particularly regarding alleged model spacecraft found in Meier's trash, which Moosbrugger attributes to Semjase lending him a model. The reviewer dismisses explanations for identical future-themed illustrations appearing elsewhere as 'ridiculous' and an 'insult to common sense.' The analysis of photographic evidence is deemed unconvincing, with many photos identified as likely models, aircraft lights, or reflections.

The Belgian UFO Wave and SOBEPS

The issue then shifts focus to the UFO wave in Belgium, particularly the sightings of triangular craft in late 1989. The report highlights the extensive nature of these sightings, involving numerous witnesses, police, military personnel, and even radar confirmations. The collaboration between the Belgian Royal Air Force and the UFO research group SOBEPS is noted as a unique aspect. SOBEPS gained significant popularity through media coverage, with their reports and interviews fueling public interest. The journal discusses the speculation that arose, with many lights in the sky being identified as UFOs. It suggests that SOBEPS's active promotion of the wave may have amplified it, drawing parallels to a similar wave twenty years prior. The publication of SOBEPS's 500-page book, "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique - Un dossier exceptionnel," is mentioned, which reportedly sold out quickly. The book features contributions from various scientists and UFO researchers, with a consensus leaning towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis, which was reportedly met with resistance from the scientific community in Belgium.

Critique of SOBEPS and Scientific Analysis

Despite the scientific contributions to the SOBEPS report, the journal presents a critique of some of its key figures, namely Dr. Jean-Pierre Petit and Professor Auguste Meessens. Astrophysicist Andre Lausberg and ten other Belgian scientists reportedly criticized the SOBEPS report, accusing Petit and Meessens of premature judgments and pseudoscientific methods. The journal details Meessens's past analyses, including his speculation on the propulsion system of a UFO based on a child's recording, which was later identified as a radar transmitter phenomenon. Meessens's conviction that UFOs are extraterrestrial is presented as potentially biased by his prior research. Dr. Petit's work on magnetohydrodynamics and his book "Enquete sur des extraterrestres qui sont parmi nous" (Inquiry into Extraterrestrials Among Us) are also discussed, with the reviewer noting Petit's claim that his work was dictated by the 'Ummites,' a group known for mysterious letters since 1965. The journal suggests that the 'Ummo virus' may have affected other researchers at the French space research center.

Analysis of UFO Photographs and Witness Accounts

The journal continues its critical examination of the Belgian UFO wave evidence, particularly the photographs. Many photos are dismissed as aircraft lights, reflections, stars, or planets. The case of the "JAL-1628" flight is mentioned, with the journal noting that the pilot's photos did not show the face of the alleged extraterrestrial, Alena, but did show a laser pistol. The journal also points out discrepancies in photos allegedly taken on the same day, such as differences in tree foliage, suggesting potential manipulation or misinterpretation. The reviewer concludes that while the SOBEPS report is comprehensive, the evidence presented is not convincing as proof of extraterrestrial visitation. The journal also touches upon the difficulty of finding concrete evidence for UFO sightings.

Book Review: Rupert Sheldrake's "The Rebirth of Nature"

The issue includes a review of Rupert Sheldrake's book, "The Rebirth of Nature: The Scientific Basis for a New Understanding of Consciousness." The reviewer acknowledges Sheldrake's theory of morphogenetic fields but criticizes the book for its romanticized view of the past and its potential to be co-opted by the New Age movement. The review notes that Sheldrake's ideas, while presented with historical context and scientific concepts like chaos theory and quantum mechanics, are speculative and lack rigorous scientific verification, especially given the nine years since the theory's initial publication without substantial review.

Book Review: Johannes von Buttlar's "Buttlar's Report - Adventure Science"

Johannes von Buttlar's "Buttlar's Report - Adventure Science" is reviewed as a book aimed at young readers, introducing them to various scientific and pseudoscientific topics. The reviewer finds the book generally well-executed for its target audience, despite containing some errors and misinformation. The book covers topics such as the Mars face, UFO phenomena, artificial intelligence, and crop circles, with plentiful illustrations. The reviewer suggests that Buttlar should continue writing for children, as his style is well-suited for that demographic.

Book Review: "Science of the Gods"

A review of "Science of the Gods" by David Ash and Peter Hewitt is presented. The book attempts to bridge mysticism and science, particularly through the lens of Lord Kelvin's vortex theory. The reviewer finds the book's approach to be methodologically unsound, relying on speculation and unproven connections to explain phenomena ranging from Sai Baba's materializations to UFOs and psychic effects. The book is criticized for its lack of empirical support and its tendency to present speculative ideas as established facts.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on new members joining GEP, the availability of a GEP fax number, and a reader's letter discussing the classification of military material as potential UFO explanations. Another reader's letter suggests that UFO sightings might be manifestations from the 'other side' or 'materializations' of flying devices from other worlds. Additionally, there are listings of available publications from GEP, including special issues and series on various UFO-related topics, as well as a section for book advertisements and literature recommendations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards UFO claims, critical analysis of evidence presented by UFO researchers and contactees, and a focus on the scientific methodology (or lack thereof) in ufology. The editorial stance is clearly critical, favoring empirical evidence and scientific rigor, and often debunking or questioning extraordinary claims. The journal appears to aim at providing a more grounded perspective on UFO phenomena, contrasting with more sensationalist or belief-driven approaches found elsewhere in the UFO community.