JUFOF - Issue 085 - 1993 01

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL FOR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: 85 (Vol. 14, No. 1)
Date: January/February 1993
Publisher: Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V.
Country: Germany
Price: DM 5.00

This issue of the 'Journal for UFO-Forschung' delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, blending detailed case studies with critical analysis of the broader context surrounding UFO beliefs and research.

Articles and Features

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

The issue presents several reported UFO sightings:

• Hans-Werner Peiniger documents sightings from November 30, 1992, in Berlin; October 10, 1992, near Zehdenick; September 23, 1992, in Großheppach; and January 1, 1991, in Engelskirchen.
• A detailed report from Sabine M. describes an observation on October 10, 1992, near Zehdenick. She saw a large, dark, cigar-shaped object with rounded ends hovering at an estimated altitude of 250 meters and a length of 60-80 meters. The object was stationary and silent. The identification section suggests this was likely a 'Solar-Zeppelin,' a type of inflatable toy that rises using solar-heated air.
• Frank H. reports seeing about 7 bright lights moving in a circular pattern in the Berlin sky on November 30, 1992. These lights were described as brighter than an airplane. The investigation suggests these were likely laser beams reflecting off the clouds, possibly from laser shows in the city.
• A sighting on September 23, 1992, near Großheppach is attributed to a spotlight from a discotheque used for advertising.
• An observation on January 1, 1991, in Engelskirchen involved an orange-to-white pulsating light, identified as a model hot-air balloon.

Unidentifiziertes Objekt über Chile (Unidentified Object Over Chile)

This section, authored by O. Hainaut from ESO-La Silla, details a significant sighting on the night of January 23-24, 1992, observed by thousands across Chile. The object was described as a luminous cloud that developed a mushroom-like shape, resembling a spaceship with a comet's tail. Journalists from 'El Mercurio' described it as a "luminous cloud that grew northward and from which a mushroom-like shape suddenly grew, resembling an atomic explosion." It was likened to "a spaceship with a comet's tail."

Astronomers and assistants at La Silla observed the object between 23:15 and 23:21 local time. It appeared as a small, luminous ring that expanded, followed by a larger cone shape. The object then accelerated rapidly westward. The initial identification by R. Rast and N. Johnson from NASA suggested it was the GUS-Rakete Cosmos 2176, possibly re-igniting its engines. H. Böhnhardt also proposed a connection to Cosmos 2176, but noted that these rockets were launched from Plesetsk, not Baikonur, and more data on the object's trajectory would be needed for confirmation. I. Ferrin ruled out a comet and suggested it might be debris from the third stage of a GUS rocket.

Knapp vorbei? (Close Call?)

A. Smette and O. Hainaut recount an observation on January 26, 1992, near La Silla, Chile. While observing planets at dawn, they noticed a bright, diffuse light moving north. Using 7x50 binoculars, they described it as a bright condensation surrounded by a circular nebula, resembling a comet. The object moved rapidly and disappeared as the sky brightened. The authors considered possibilities such as a small comet nucleus, a satellite reentry, or a high-altitude experiment releasing Barium or Lithium. They concluded that while a natural object like a comet is the most probable explanation, a man-made phenomenon could not be entirely ruled out.

High-Strangeness und die Sprach-Wissenschaft (High-Strangeness and Language Science)

Ulrich Magin explores the linguistic aspects of UFO reports. He argues that many elements of 'high-strangeness' cases can be explained by the general principles of speaking and reporting. Magin identifies four key aspects:

1. Linguistic Necessities: Stories need a beginning, middle, and end to be understood, which can oversimplify complex events. Reports often focus narrowly on the sighting itself, omitting contextual details.
2. Conventionalization: Language simplifies reality. Terms like 'UFO' carry pre-existing imagery (e.g., flying saucers), leading witnesses to fit their experiences into these conventional molds, even if the actual observation was different (e.g., seeing lights and interpreting them as windows on a disc).
3. Tradition: Historical accounts can be influenced by existing narratives and folklore, leading to the retelling of experiences in traditional patterns (e.g., the Bouchmann case being shaped by existing myths).
4. Register Shift: Using inappropriate language or terminology (e.g., using 'window' instead of 'light' or 'spaceship' instead of 'natural phenomenon') can create confusion or humor, highlighting how the choice of words affects perception and reporting.

Magin emphasizes that while language plays a significant role, it doesn't invalidate all high-strangeness reports but suggests more attention should be paid to these linguistic factors.

Irrationale Kulte am Beispiel der "Rael"-Bewegung (Irrational Cults Using the Example of the "Rael" Movement)

Werner Walter critically examines the Rael Movement, founded by Claude Vorilhon (who adopted the name 'Rael'). Walter traces the movement's origins to the UFO wave of the early 1970s in France, linking it to the broader New Age and spiritualist movements of the time. He criticizes the movement for its blend of pseudo-science, religious fervor, and commercial exploitation, contrasting it with serious UFO research.

Walter highlights how cults often thrive during times of crisis and societal change, offering simple answers and a sense of belonging. He points out that the Rael Movement, like many others, promises a utopian future and a connection to extraterrestrial beings, which Walter views as a form of manipulation. He contrasts the large followings of such cults with the smaller readership of serious UFO research journals, suggesting that people often seek comforting narratives rather than critical inquiry. The article also touches upon the historical role of organizations like DUIST (Deutsche UFO/IFO Studiengesellschaft e.V.) in shaping the public perception of UFOs in Germany, often through sensationalized reporting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a commitment to rigorous investigation and critical analysis within the field of UFO research. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of sensational claims and the commercialization of UFO phenomena often found in cults. The journal aims to provide factual reporting, reasoned analysis, and a distinction between genuine scientific inquiry and pseudoscientific or cultic beliefs. The emphasis on linguistic analysis and the critique of irrational cults underscore a desire to ground UFO research in logic and evidence, separating it from myth and superstition.

This issue of JOURNAL FOR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Issue 1/93, Volume 85), published by GEP, delves into various aspects of UFO research, ufology, and related phenomena. The cover prominently features the JAL-1628 incident and includes articles on the Raelian movement, crop circles, and astronomical software.

The First Contact: Rael and the Elohim

The central narrative revolves around Rael's alleged first contact with extraterrestrials, referred to as Elohim. Rael, a former race car driver and magazine founder, was reportedly chosen by these beings to receive their message. The ET, described as a 120 cm tall being with almond-shaped eyes and a slight green complexion, communicated telepathically with Rael. The Elohim claim to be the creators of life on Earth, having genetically engineered humans and other species. They explain biblical events, such as the Garden of Eden and the Tower of Babel, through a scientific and technological lens, reinterpreting figures like God as 'Elohim' and biblical narratives as historical accounts of their interventions.

The Elohim's motivations for contacting Rael are explained: he was chosen from a country where new ideas are accepted and can be freely expressed, and he possesses intelligence and an open mind without being a religious opponent. His background as a child of a Jewish father and Catholic mother makes him an ideal link between two important cultures. The ETs explain that they have been guiding Rael secretly since his birth in 1946. The origin planet of the ETs remains undisclosed due to fear of human aggression, though paradoxically, they also state their planet is too distant for humans to reach.

The ETs claim to have created life on Earth, including plants, animals, and even monstrous creatures like dinosaurs through genetic experiments. They also discuss the concept of the 'Tree of Life' and the 'Tree of Knowledge,' linking them to longevity and human evolution. The narrative touches upon the 'Rael' movement's views on sexuality, suggesting that Elohim were attracted to beautiful human women, leading to the selection of the fairest for their own companionship. This led to conflict with ET Jahwe, who perceived this as wickedness and initiated a nuclear cleansing of Earth, with Noah saving the genetic essence of life in a 'rocket' (interpreted as an ark).

The ETs also provide reinterpretations of biblical figures and events, such as Moses' staff being a groundwater detector and the manna being a product of ET food industry. The trumpets of Jericho are described as ultrasonic cannons. The issue highlights a perceived contradiction in the ETs' claims about their biology and atmosphere, questioning why they can operate on Earth without breathing apparatus if their atmosphere is so different.

Reinterpreting the Bible and Human History

The Elohim's narrative extends to the Israelites' supposed use of space travel, leading to the construction of the Tower of Babel as a rocket, which resulted in their dispersion. The ETs also explain the prohibition of cutting hair and beards for Jews, linking it to telepathic antennas. Samson's birth is attributed to an Elohim angel's union with a human woman, and his natural antennas allowed direct communication with Elohim.

The issue also touches upon the concept of a world government and the need for Rael to disseminate the Elohim's historical revelations. The ETs emphasize the importance of gathering wise people around Rael before their public appearance, which will occur at a newly constructed embassy. Financial support for this project is solicited from followers.

The Elohim's long lifespans (up to 1200 years) are described as being dedicated to pleasure, including love and relationships without jealousy. The issue notes that the ETs' activities are admired by a woman, leading to the comparison with Rael's passion for motorsports.

Book Reviews and Literature

The magazine features several book reviews and literature sections:

• "Visionaries, Mystics & Contactees" by Salvador Freixedo: This book, with a foreword by John A. Keel, explores the idea that our lives are guided by elemental spirits. Freixedo's views are presented as drawing from potentially outdated UFO anecdotes and unverified press reports.
• "The Incredible Flight of JAL-1628" by Bruce Maccabee: This is a detailed account of the 1986 UFO sighting by the crew of a Japanese cargo plane over Alaska, with emphasis on the official documentation released by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
• "The Alien Within Me..." by Lee Howard Zesch: This self-published book details Zesch's contacts with extraterrestrials, including a sexual relationship with an ET named Pompi. The review notes its blend of classic contactee narratives and modern abduction themes.
• "The Holographic Universe" by Michael Talbot: Talbot's book proposes that the universe is a hologram, and all information is contained within the smallest particles. The review notes that while the theory is logically presented, it extends to explain UFO phenomena, which the reviewer finds less convincing.
• "Crop Circle Secrets" and "America's First Crop Circle" by Donald L. Cyr (ed.): These publications explore the mystery of crop circles, with various authors presenting different theories, including 'whirling vortices' and ancient origins, referencing historical accounts from the 19th century.

Software and Other Sections

• Astronomy Programs for UFO Research: The magazine reviews two astronomy software programs, "Planetarium" and "SKY III," for the Amiga computer. These programs are presented as valuable tools for UFO researchers to simulate the night sky and verify witness accounts by checking astronomical conditions at the time of a sighting.
• GEP Special Issues and Series: A list of available GEP special issues and dia-series is provided, covering topics like scientific UFO investigations, bibliographies, and contactee accounts.
• Letters to the Editor: A letter from Achim Laudenbach praises the GEP's objectivity and criticizes sensationalist or pseudoscientific claims within the UFO community.
• New Members and Computer Upgrade: The GEP announces new members and an upgrade to their computer system, now equipped with an IBM-compatible 80486 processor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It challenges sensationalism and pseudoscience while exploring various theories, from extraterrestrial contact to psychological interpretations. The Raelian narrative, while presented in detail, is also subject to scrutiny regarding its internal contradictions. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation, scientific interpretation where possible, and a distinction between genuine research and speculative claims. There is a recurring theme of reinterpreting ancient myths and religious texts through the lens of modern science and alleged extraterrestrial knowledge, often referencing works like those by Erich von Däniken. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of accurate astronomical data in UFO investigations.