JUFOF - Issue 086 - 1993 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUFOF JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, number 2/93 (Heft 86), published in March/April 1993 by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), is dedicated to exploring various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine features articles on UFO observations, the RAEL movement, and a specific abduction case.

GEP and its Mission

The GEP is described as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. Their definition of a UFO is an object or light that cannot be explained by conventional means at the time of observation. The GEP investigates these reports using questionnaires, field research, and background analysis, and collaborates with authorities and scientific institutions. The journal "Journal für UFO-Forschung" is their official publication.

UFO Observations

This section details several UFO sightings:

• Hamburg (1.11.1992): A photograph taken by a child of a possible UFO, later analyzed and deemed likely a bird in flight.
• Bielefeld (2.12.1992): A bright light observed by Rudi M. that moved at high speed, initially mistaken for a helicopter. The explanation offered is a plane with landing lights on, performing a maneuver.
• Leipzig (16.12.1992): Witnesses reported a bright, flying object described as two stacked saucers with a large triangular window and portholes, making a loud noise. This was initially attributed to a spotlight from a disco tent, but other reports of a loud object persisted.
• Winterlingen-Benzingen (20.12.1992): Strange, circular lights were observed, later identified as reflections of car headlights in fog.
• Hamm (3.01.1993): A couple observed a silent, orange-red glowing object. The explanation provided was a model hot-air balloon launched from a birthday party.
• New York (30.11.1989): Linda Napolitano reported being abducted by three small aliens through her apartment window and taken into a UFO. The UFO then descended into the East River. She also reported a previous incident involving an implanted probe and a later abduction where the probe was removed. Her young son was also allegedly 'beamed' to a UFO.
• Witnesses to the Napolitano Abduction: Two individuals claiming to be police officers reported witnessing a small girl or woman being taken into a large object hovering over an apartment building. Investigations by Hopkins revealed they were not police officers but security guards accompanying an important personality, possibly Javier Perez de Cuellar.

Irrational Cults: The RAEL Movement (Part 2)

This article continues the examination of the RAEL movement, founded by Claude Vorilhon (RAEL), who claims to be a messenger from extraterrestrials. The movement's ideology is presented as a new 'atheistic religion' that posits extraterrestrials created humanity. RAEL's personal history is detailed, including his early life, artistic pursuits, and his claim of receiving a 'message' from ETs in 1973. The movement's teachings emphasize universal love, pleasure, and the rejection of traditional religious taboos. The article discusses the RAEL movement's views on sexuality, procreation, and the role of women, suggesting a liberation from societal constraints. It also touches upon the movement's organizational structure and its leader's elevated status as a 'prophet'. The article notes the movement's alleged use of 'pornographic' imagery to attract new members, citing an example from the Japanese RAEL movement.

UFO Research and Other Sections

• Literature: A section lists books related to UFOs, including "UFO-GEHEIMNISLÜFTUNG" and "LIFE BEYOND PLANET EARTH?".
• Book Review: A review of Ulrich Magin's "Kontakte mit 'Außerirdischen' im deutschen Sprachraum" is presented, describing it as a comprehensive collection of contact and abduction reports.
• Editorial: Hans-Werner Peiniger addresses the question of belief in UFOs, emphasizing the GEP's scientific approach and the need to distinguish between misinterpretations and genuine unexplained phenomena.
• Preview: A preview of upcoming articles in JUFOF is included, featuring topics like the 'Langenargen' phenomenon and photo analysis.
• In Own Affairs: A notice regarding overdue payments for the journal and the GEP's reliance on voluntary contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, the critical examination of unconventional belief systems like the RAEL movement, and the ongoing effort to scientifically investigate the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance, particularly from Hans-Werner Peiniger, emphasizes a balanced approach, acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena while advocating for rigorous investigation and the debunking of misidentifications. The GEP's commitment to scientific inquiry and its role as a primary research organization in Germany are highlighted.

This issue of the German UFO research magazine "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Issue 86, 2/93) focuses on several key topics within ufology, including a detailed examination of the Linda Napolitano abduction case, an investigation into the potential forgery of the MJ-12 documents, and a critical analysis of the Gulf Breeze sightings.

The Linda Napolitano Abduction Case

The article begins by detailing the abduction experience of Linda Napolitano, as reported to UFO researcher Budd Hopkins. Napolitano claims she was abducted by two men, identified as 'Dan' and 'Richard', who she believed were security agents. She describes being taken to a beach house, described as a 'CIA safehouse,' where she was allegedly sexually harassed and threatened. The narrative suggests that 'Dan' attempted to drown her, but was intervened by 'Richard.' The report notes that 'Dan' subsequently collapsed and was taken to a psychiatric hospital, where he allegedly took his own life with the help of extraterrestrials or the US government.

Budd Hopkins attempted to identify the two men, enlisting the help of MUFON investigators Joseph J. Stefula and Rich Butler. Through interviews with Napolitano, Stefula and Butler noted inconsistencies in her account and found the language used by 'Dan' and 'Richard' to be uncharacteristic of the security industry. Hopkins, however, was reluctant to address these discrepancies at the time, citing his upcoming book on the case. Further investigation revealed no planned helicopter takeoffs from the intended landing pad during the abduction. A significant detail revealed is Napolitano's alleged agreement with Hopkins to split any book or film rights 50:50, raising questions about the potential for sensationalism to enhance the narrative.

A Second Witness and SF Parallels

The magazine then introduces a second witness, a 60-year-old woman from Putnam County, who reported a sighting on November 30, 1989, around 3:16 AM, while driving over the Brooklyn Bridge. Her car and other vehicles on the bridge suddenly stopped, and the headlights went out. She observed a large, orange object hovering over a high-rise building, from which figures emerged and entered the object. The object then flew over the bridge. This witness also provided sketches remarkably similar to those provided by 'Richard.' The lack of media coverage for this event, despite numerous witnesses, is noted as peculiar, as is the absence of further UFO reports from the area, despite a large apartment complex with security.

The article draws a striking parallel between Napolitano's abduction story and the science fiction book "NIGHTEYES" by Garfield Reeves Stevens. MUFON employee Vince Creevy discovered the book, which features a story about 'Sarah' and her daughter 'Wendy' being abducted by aliens and taken to a UFO. The book also describes an abduction by two FBI agents who take the daughter to a CIA house on Long Island. The magazine points out that "NIGHTEYES" was published in April 1989, seven months before Napolitano reportedly informed Budd Hopkins about her abduction, raising the question of coincidence.

Evaluation and Criticism

The author expresses skepticism regarding the Napolitano case, deeming the evidence unconvincing and the circumstances highly questionable. The lack of verifiable identities for the alleged security agents and the potential for a fabricated narrative are highlighted. The author suggests that Napolitano may be experiencing psychological distress and that her involvement in Hopkins' support group for abductees might be an attempt to cope. The possibility of a large-scale hoax, similar to the MJ-12 documents and the Gulf Breeze case, is considered. The author concludes by stating that until further evidence emerges, the case will be viewed with significant doubt, possibly involving psycho-social aspects or a financial motive for Hopkins and Napolitano.

MJ-12 Documents - New Evidence of Forgery

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to questioning the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents. Researcher Armen Victorian investigated a specific detail within the documents: 'ATTACHMENT A' referencing a 'Special Classified Executive Order #092447.' Victorian contacted Ronald Geisler, the 'Executive Clerk of the President' at the White House, who has worked with presidential orders since 1964. Geisler stated that the term 'Special Classified Executive Order' is not used; only 'Executive Order' is employed, with a single exception during WWII. He confirmed that Executive Orders are sequentially numbered, and the number '092447' is fabricated, lacking any preceding zeros. Geisler also noted that these orders are transferred to the National Archives. Victorian's findings strongly support the hypothesis that the MJ-12 documents are forgeries.

Gulf Breeze Case Under Scrutiny

The magazine revisits the highly controversial Gulf Breeze case, noting that new facts continue to emerge that support the 'hoax hypothesis.' The article specifically focuses on the 'Roadshoot' photograph, one of Ed Walters' most famous images of a hovering UFO. Technical consultant William G. Hyzer, along with former MUFON employee Rex Salisberry, conducted experiments that indicated the photograph was likely produced using a double-exposure technique. Hyzer noted that the bright light from the alleged UFO did not reflect on the hood of Walters' car, as it should have if the photo were genuine. Further analysis of other Walters' photos revealed that the background was blurred while the UFOs were sharp, suggesting camera movement during the background exposure, a characteristic of double exposure.

Mark Curtis, an ABC reporter, reportedly recreated Walters' photos using a Polaroid 108 Land camera, with assistance from Walters' former friend, Tommy Smith, who provided details about Walters' 'trick technique.' The 'Road Shoot' was successfully replicated.

The article also discusses the general sightings in Gulf Breeze, suggesting that many of the reported phenomena, such as red lights, could be attributed to conventional sources like flares, model hot-air balloons, or aircraft lights. The authors express skepticism about the authenticity of the UFO footage and photos, suggesting they do not depict unusual craft and could be explained by mundane causes. They conclude that the Gulf Breeze sightings are likely misinterpretations of conventional phenomena or a hoax.

Other Topics and Reviews

UFO-Trickfotos (UFO Trick Photos)

The magazine invites readers to share their experiments in creating UFO trick photos for a photo archive, offering to reimburse expenses.

Literature and Video Reviews

Several books and videos are reviewed:

• "UFOs: DIE BEWEISE" (UFOs: The Evidence) by Michael Hesemann: A video documentary that includes statistical data, historical aspects, interviews, and UFO footage. While considered interesting for laypeople, the reviewer finds it superficial and lacking critical analysis, noting the reuse of material from other Hesemann productions.
• "UFO - TOP SECRET" by Gerd Jürgen Burde: Another video documentary from the publisher of "UFOs: DIE BEWEISE." The reviewer criticizes Burde's business practices and the one-sided presentation of UFO phenomena, suggesting it is more commercially driven than informative.
• "LIFE BEYOND PLANET EARTH? MAN'S CONTACTS WITH SPACE PEOPLE" by Janet and Colin Bord: A comprehensive compilation of alleged contacts with extraterrestrials. The reviewer notes the book's neutral presentation and the authors' differing conclusions on the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life.
• "THE OTHER" by Brad Steiger: This book explores the idea of UFOs and their occupants as interdimensional beings. Steiger posits a symbiotic relationship between humans and these 'Star People.'
• "UFO RESEARCH DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS FOR THE 1990s" by Gene Duplantier: A directory listing UFO organizations and publications, containing nearly 1000 addresses. While useful, it is noted that the listings are alphabetical, making specific searches difficult.
• GEP-SONDERHEFT 12: "DER UNGLAUBLICHE FLUG DER JAL-1628" by Bruce Maccabee: This special issue details the 1986 sighting of an unidentified flying object by the crew of a Japanese cargo plane over Alaska, highlighting the extensive documentation released by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

New Publications

Announcements are made for new books, including "DIE ANDEREN" by Johannes Fiebag and "ENGEL UND ANDERE AUSSERIRDISCHE" by Keith Thompson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational abduction claims, a critical examination of photographic and documentary evidence, and a focus on debunking or questioning controversial UFO cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence and cautioning against accepting unsubstantiated claims at face value. The magazine actively promotes a more grounded approach to UFO research, highlighting potential hoaxes and the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and fabricated stories. The inclusion of reviews for books and videos also reflects an effort to provide readers with a broad overview of current UFO literature and media, while maintaining a critical perspective.