JUFOF - Issue 080 - 1992 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 1992) published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP) features a cover story about a space shuttle rescuing an alien from a crippled UFO, accompanied by a dramatic photo. The magazine delves into various UFO-related topics, including the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), crop circles, alleged hoaxes, and UFO research news.

The UFO Phenomenon and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH)

An article by Dr. Johannes Fiebag and Peter Fiebag discusses the evolution of thought regarding the origin of UFO phenomena. Initially, in the 1950s and 60s, UFOs were often considered either secret terrestrial weapons or extraterrestrial spacecraft. However, by the 1970s, a shift occurred, with some researchers exploring psychological, parapsychological, or even para-psychological causes. The concept of a 'Universal Control System' was proposed, suggesting a hidden superintelligence of intra-dimensional origin. The authors note that while some researchers like Jenny Randles, Paul Fuller, and Ulrich Magin still focus on the human psyche as the cause, there's a resurgence of interest in the ETH, with many researchers who previously rejected it now reconsidering it. They cite authors like D. Scott Rogo and Hilary Evans who believe there's a real probability that many UFOs are artificial objects of extraterrestrial origin.

The article also touches upon the difficulties in accepting the ETH, particularly concerning the physical characteristics of alleged alien beings (e.g., hands without movable fingers) and their apparent comfort in Earth's gravity and atmosphere. It questions how such beings could operate advanced technology or thrive in our environment. The diversity of reported UFO shapes also poses a challenge to the ETH, as does the phenomenon of alleged 'repairs' to landed objects, which seem to happen too conveniently. The authors also discuss the deliberate misinformation provided by alleged alien contactees, including fabricated origins and impossible technological schematics.

Crop Circles at Glees Discovered

Walter L. Kelch reports on the discovery of a crop circle in a wheat field near Glees, Germany. He notes that this phenomenon, previously seen in England, has now appeared in Germany. The circle, approximately seven meters in diameter, was formed by flattened wheat stalks arranged in a spiral pattern. Initially, the phenomenon was speculated to be of extraterrestrial origin. However, upon closer examination, Kelch concludes that the crop circle was likely a terrestrial hoax. He points to the discovery of a road marking beam of a specific length found near the field, suggesting it was used to create the pattern. He also notes that the new shoots in the flattened areas are consistent with natural growth patterns caused by wind or animal activity, leading him to believe the phenomenon is not extraterrestrial.

Blick in die Welt (In the World)

This section covers several news items:

• Andreas Schneider Obituary: Andreas Schneider, who claimed to have contact with aliens from the planet 'Homo', died of AIDS at the Frankfurt University Clinic on January 21, 1991. The report mentions his controversial status in the UFO scene and quotes Nina Hagen's spiritual farewell.
• Fred Steckling Death: Fred Steckling, a proponent of the George Adamski Foundation and author, died on August 19, 1991, following a heart attack. He was known for his belief in alien bases on the Moon.
• Faulkner Photo Falsified?: The article questions the authenticity of a UFO photo taken by Gordon Faulkner in Warminster, England, in 1965. It suggests that while previously considered evidence of a genuine phenomenon, the photo is now believed to be a hoax.
• UFOs in Advertising: Several examples are given of UFO imagery being used in advertising, including a Sierra Tequila ad featuring 'tequila hats' as UFOs and a Hitachi camcorder ad with a staged UFO sighting.
• Space Shuttle Rescues Alien: A report from 'Weekly World NEWS' claims that the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis rescued an alien from a damaged extraterrestrial spacecraft. The article notes the alien's absence from official NASA photos and suggests a cover-up.
• UFO Congress in Lyon: A UFO congress is scheduled to take place in Lyon from May 1-3, 1992, with international guests expected.
• Communication in Cosmos UFO Congress in Berlin: Another congress, 'Communication in Cosmos', is planned for April 16-20, 1992, in Berlin, focusing on topics like alien contact, UFOs, and holistic technologies, featuring various international speakers.

UFO: Nonsensical Field Ornaments

This article, written by an anonymous author, discusses the phenomenon of crop circles, referring to them as 'nonsensical field ornaments'. It recounts an experience where a pilot flying over Glees discovered a crop circle. The author then details his own investigation of the circle, noting the flattened crops and new growth. He concludes that the evidence points towards a terrestrial origin, likely a hoax, rather than an extraterrestrial source. The article also mentions that crop circle designs are being made into jewelry.

Roswell Crash Revisited

Two MUFON employees interviewed Dr. Jesse Marcel Jr., son of the US Army officer who collected debris from the alleged 1947 Roswell crash. Dr. Marcel Jr. recalls his father bringing home 'fragments' but not mentioning any dead alien bodies. He believes his father did not keep this from his family and was not asked to speak about it publicly, suggesting no cover-up in that regard.

UFO-Film Clarified

This section discusses a well-known UFO film shot by Peter Day in 1973, showing a glowing ball. The article credits British UFO researcher Stewart Campbell with clarifying the incident. Campbell found evidence that the object was likely the exhaust from a US F-111 fighter jet that experienced engine trouble and jettisoned fuel, creating a fiery spectacle. The plane eventually crashed, but the pilots ejected safely.

US Government Testing Flying Saucers?

Timothy Good, author of 'Jenseits von Top Secret', claims the US government possesses and tests flying saucers. He cites former National Security Agency director Admiral Bobby Ray Inman and former Director of Naval Intelligence Rear-Admiral Sumner Shapiro as sources. The article also mentions alleged demonstrations of alien craft to US military personnel at Edwards AFB and a film from 1964 showing a saucer landing and contact with military personnel.

Diplomatic Relations with ET's

The 'Raelian Movement' reportedly plans to open an embassy for extraterrestrials in Switzerland. The movement's founder, Rael, claims to have received a message from aliens stating that ETs would return through a diplomatic channel. The opening of such an embassy would require a public vote in Switzerland.

Newspaper Clipping Service

The GEP offers a newspaper clipping service for UFO-related articles, allowing participants to receive photocopies of clippings for a fee. The service is seeking new participants.

GEP in Focus

• New Membership Conditions: The GEP's material lending service now requires a DM 10,- shipping fee for borrowed books and magazines.
• Mysterious Pictograms: A US company is producing jewelry (necklaces, earrings) featuring various crop circle pictograms, made of 'Sterling-Silver'.
• Rätselhafte Phänomene: The GEP and JUFOF are mentioned as the only UFO organizations in Germany in the magazine 'Rätselhafte Phänomene'.
• New Members: The GEP welcomes new members Gerth Grabow, Jörg Paulsen, Martin Mahn, Achim Laudenbach, and Frau Beate Chong.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, often critically examining claims and seeking rational explanations. There's a clear interest in debunking hoaxes and distinguishing between genuine research and sensationalism. The ETH is a recurring theme, with the journal tracking the evolving perspectives of researchers on this hypothesis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, but with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and the presentation of evidence, even when it leads to the conclusion that a phenomenon is a hoax or misinterpretation. The magazine also serves as a platform for news and updates within the UFO research community, including announcements of conferences and new publications.

Title: JOURNAL FUR UFO-FORSCHUNG

Issue: GEP

Volume/Year: 1991

Publisher: GEP

Country: Germany

Language: German

Cover Headline: MARINA POPOWITSCH UFO GLASNOST Ein Geheimnis wird enthüllt

Content Summary

This issue of the "JOURNAL FUR UFO-FORSCHUNG" from 1991 offers a diverse range of articles and reviews related to UFO phenomena, ufology, and related topics.

Marina Popowitsch: UFO Glasnost - An Unveiled Secret

The issue features an extensive review of Marina Popowitsch's work, which begins with a historical overview of UFO phenomena and discusses the Tunguska catastrophe. Popowitsch reportedly links the event to optical signals from an advanced civilization. The review highlights her treatment of topics like the Yeti and potential connections to UFOs. The reviewer, Hans-Werner Peiniger, expresses skepticism regarding the scientific rigor of UFO investigations in the former Soviet Union, criticizing them as often uncritical and lacking in background research, with a tendency to misinterpret phenomena, drawing parallels to English cases like Warminster. Popowitsch also presents accounts of contactees whose stories are compared to those in the USA, with dire prophecies about humanity's future.

Book Reviews

"The Archetype of Our Oneness with the Earth" by William Anderson:

Reviewed by Ulrich Magin, this book explores the evolution of the "Green Man" symbol from pagan deities like Cernunnos to its Christian interpretations and modern significance. While not directly about UFOs, it touches upon themes relevant to pre-astronautic interpretations and the symbolic representation of humanity's place in nature.

"Die Rätsel im Alten Europa" by Erich von Däniken:

Reviewed by Hans-Werner Sachmann, this book is presented as a "documentary novel" aimed at a younger audience, exploring ancient mysteries and the origins of human knowledge. Däniken uses a fictional narrative to present his theories, which are often controversial. The reviewer notes that Däniken is adept at reaching new audiences and that the book could serve as a guide to mysterious locations.

"Cosmic Top Secret: America's Secret UFO Program" by William F. Hamilton III:

Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book claims the US military and industry are involved in secret projects using recovered alien artifacts and crashed spacecraft, including "Project Snowbird" for testing alien aircraft. The reviewer expresses skepticism, leaning towards a critical view of the material presented.

"Die Götter von Eden" by William Bramley:

Reviewed by Gerald Mosbleck, this book posits that humans are essentially slaves to an extraterrestrial civilization, which has orchestrated conflicts and societal decay on Earth. The reviewer questions the logic of such an endeavor and criticizes the tendency to shift responsibility onto external forces.

Other Features and Reviews

"UFOs und die Beschaffenheit von Wirklichkeit" by Ramtha:

This work is described as a compilation of channeled messages from a "spiritually highly developed being" named Ramtha, covering topics like UFOs, politics, and economics. The reviewer finds it to be typical of "revelation books" that claim ultimate truth and expresses disbelief.

"Die Rätsel des Mars" (VHS Film):

This film by Walter Hain presents evidence from NASA probes suggesting artificial structures on Mars, such as stone faces and pyramids, building on earlier work by authors like Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews.

"Zeichen im Korn" (Documentary Film):

Directed by John Macnish and commented by Jürgen Krönig, this film explores the phenomenon of crop circles in Southern England, linking them to prehistoric sites and psychological connections between humans and nature. It includes footage of the 1991 crop circle season and mentions accompanying UFO sightings.

"Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 1991" (Yearbook):

Edited by Tilman T. Reuss, this yearbook is highlighted as a valuable resource for UFO researchers, providing contact information for relevant authorities, organizations, and institutions in aviation and spaceflight. It covers German and former East German aviation.

"Flieger-Kalender 1991" and "Internationales Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt":

These publications are recommended for UFO researchers needing general knowledge in aviation and spaceflight. The "Flieger-Kalender" includes reports on experimental aircraft and military responses to unidentified flying objects, as well as a report on the JAL-1628 UFO incident.

"PC Cosmos" Software Review:

This review discusses a PC software program that simulates the night sky with high accuracy, allowing users to view constellations, planetary orbits, and celestial events from different time periods and locations. It is noted as a useful tool for amateur astronomers and UFO researchers.

"Einführung in die Astronomie" by Wolfgang Winnenburg:

This book is presented as an informative introduction to modern astrophysics, covering methods, results, and border questions like "Life in the Universe." It is recommended for those seeking a fundamental understanding of astronomy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently emphasizes the need for critical thinking and scientific rigor in UFO research. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the editorial stance appears to favor a cautious and evidence-based approach, often critiquing less rigorous or sensationalist accounts. There is a recurring theme of connecting UFO phenomena with broader historical, symbolic, and even political contexts, as seen in the articles on J. Posadas and William Anderson's work. The journal also serves as a platform for reviewing books and media related to UFOs and related mysteries, providing readers with a curated selection of relevant literature and visual content. The publication actively promotes its own special publications and back issues, encouraging readers to build a comprehensive archive of UFO research material.