JUFOF - Issue 087 - 1993 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JUFOF Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 3 from May/June 1993, volume 14, is published by the "Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e. V." (GEP). The cover features the title "Die Anderen" (The Others) with the subtitle "Begegnungen mit einer außerirdischen Intelligenz" (Encounters with an extraterrestrial intelligence), and an illustration of an alien head. The price is DM 5.00.

GEP Information and Definitions

The journal provides information about the GEP, describing it as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. They define a UFO in the narrower sense as a reported perception of an object or light that cannot be conventionally explained and remains unidentifiable after thorough examination. The GEP investigates these reports using specialized questionnaires, field research, and background information, working interdisciplinarily with support from authorities and scientific institutions. The magazine itself, "Journal für UFO-Forschung," is published bi-monthly on a non-commercial basis.

GEP members receive the journal as part of their membership, can request questionnaires for reporting sightings, and can borrow books. The GEP also offers a 20% discount on its special publications and allows tax-deductible donations.

Key Articles and Features

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

This is a review of a GEP special publication (Sonderheft 16) by Ulrich Magin. The book is described as a comprehensive collection of German contact and humanoid reports. It analyzes reports, witness testimonies, and the social context of UFO beliefs. The catalog includes over 120 entries chronologically detailing alleged contacts with beings from space or other dimensions. The book covers aspects of the UFO myth from abductions to pre-astronautics theories and includes a bibliography and indexes.

"Neubewertung im Fall Langenargen" (Re-evaluation in the Langenargen Case)

This section, authored by Rudolf Henke, critically re-examines the Langenargen case, focusing on the witness's recovery and the credibility of the evidence. Henke questions the methods used by MUFON-CES in their investigation. The article suggests that the witness, identified as J. Sch., may have experienced psychological issues, including potential alcohol abuse, epilepsy, and anxiety, which could explain his reported experiences. The analysis contrasts the witness's account with medical and psychological assessments, including reports of delirium tremens and schizophrenic tendencies, suggesting that the "encounter" might have been a self-projected hallucination rather than a real event.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section presents several reported UFO sightings with case numbers, dates, times, locations, witness details, classifications (NL/IFO - Not Identified / Identified), and investigation outcomes.

• Case 19930101 A (January 1, 1993, Gießen): Witnesses reported a stationary light that disappeared, followed by three lights in a triangular formation. The investigation concluded these were likely misidentified aircraft lights, possibly landing lights or anti-collision lights.
• Case 19920918 A (September 18, 1992, Boston, USA): A tourist's photograph revealed strange bright, saucer-shaped objects. An expert analysis identified these as lens reflections, possibly from a bright light source outside the frame.
• Case 19921104 A (November 4, 1992, Idstein, Germany): Multiple reports of unknown flying objects were received by the police. The cause was identified as laser cannons used by a discotheque organizer, with reflections visible on clouds.
• Case 19921117 A (November 17, 1992, Dortmund, Germany): A witness provided a photograph of a UFO, which was later determined to be a deliberate hoax. The witness admitted to creating the fake photo to test how easily such hoaxes could be made.
• Case 19921127 A (November 27, 1992, Rodewisch, Germany): Residents reported diffuse, moon-sized lights circling. These were identified as powerful spotlights from a discotheque.
• Case 199212 A (December 1992, Bielefeld, Germany): A witness described a flying object, larger than a point, composed of three large, colorful lights in a triangle formation, moving northeast. This was likely a conventional aircraft with anti-collision lights.
• Case 19930121 A (January 21, 1993, Radebeul / Dresden, Germany): Numerous calls reported a bright, oval object. Astronomers identified it as Venus, despite some witnesses describing it as a "huge oval thing" and suggesting it was an alien craft.
• Case 19930308 A (March 8, 1993, Jena-Lobeda, Germany): A witness observed a spherical light phenomenon moving vertically. This was likely a conventional aircraft with landing lights.

"Kurz Notiert" (Briefly Noted)

This section mentions the potential discontinuation of the Swiss magazine "SIGN" and the launch of a new "Magazine for Fringe Science" by Walter Leo Kelch. It also notes an attempt by Reinhard Nühlen to establish a "German-Speaking Society for UFO Research."

"Literatur: Die Anderen" (Literature: The Others)

This appears to be a reference to the book by Johannes Fiebag, "Die Anderen: Begegnungen mit einer außerirdischen Intelligenz" (The Others: Encounters with an extraterrestrial intelligence), featured on the cover.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

Editorial by Gerald Mosbleck

The editorial addresses readers, highlighting the "Langenargen case" re-evaluation as a significant contribution. It also laments the drastic increase in postal charges, which necessitates a rise in subscription prices. Mosbleck also comments on changes in the German-speaking UFO landscape, including the potential closure of "SIGN" and the emergence of new publications and initiatives.

Psychological Analysis of Witnesses

A recurring theme throughout the issue, particularly in the "Langenargen case" analysis, is the critical examination of witness psychology. The journal explores how factors like alcohol consumption, pre-existing mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, epilepsy, schizophrenia), and suggestibility can influence or even create reported UFO experiences. The principle of "Ockham's Razor" (entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily) is invoked, suggesting that conventional explanations should be exhausted before resorting to extraordinary ones.

Hoaxes and Misidentifications

Several reported sightings are debunked as misidentifications of conventional aircraft (planes, landing lights, anti-collision lights), atmospheric phenomena (Venus), or deliberate hoaxes (the Dortmund case). The journal emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation to distinguish between genuine unexplained phenomena and mundane explanations or fabrications.

The GEP's Role and Methodology

The journal consistently promotes the GEP's scientific approach to UFO research, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods, detailed investigation, and a commitment to distinguishing between credible evidence and speculation. The definition of a UFO is presented as a key element of their research framework.

Conclusion

This issue of JUFOF provides a critical look at UFO phenomena, prioritizing scientific rigor and psychological analysis. It debunks several sightings while critically re-examining a prominent case, highlighting the potential for misinterpretation and psychological factors in witness accounts. The journal also serves as a platform for the GEP to disseminate information about its research and publications.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 87 from the 3rd quarter of 1993, delves into critical analysis of UFO research, focusing on alleged manipulations, the psychological aspects of witness testimonies, and alternative hypotheses. The publication, based in Germany, features articles that question the methods and conclusions of prominent UFO researchers and organizations.

The Strange Transformation of the Beings from Langenargen

The lead article critically examines the case of witness Sch., who reported an encounter with beings in Langenargen. The author, v. Ludwiger, initially presented the case as leading to a psychological "anxiety psychosis." However, the article points out that MUFON-CES psychologists questioned this assessment, and the witness only sought psychotherapy seven months after the encounter. A significant point of contention is the alleged manipulation of the witness's description of the beings over time. In 1977, the beings were described as approximately 1.10-1.30m tall, with "human-like" bodies, long arms, claw-like fingers, and round heads. By 1981, after v. Ludwiger read about UFO crash stories, including one from New Mexico, the description of the Langenargen beings was altered in his publications to match the "typical" ET head shape of the time, with skull-like heads and slanted eyes, despite the witness not having known about the New Mexico case.

The article questions why the witness was initially examined by a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist and criticizes MUFON-CES for presenting the case to psychiatrists as a "remote diagnosis" without clear results, with one suggesting an alcohol delirium. The author expresses disbelief that a scientific organization would resort to such "drawing manipulations" to lend credibility to a dubious case, especially since the original MUFON-CES reports from 1977 are no longer readily available.

How a Photo Becomes More Credible Than its Photographer

This section critiques the handling of photographic evidence, particularly a UFO photo published by v. Ludwiger in his book "Der Stand der UFO-Forschung." The author highlights three points that v. Ludwiger "overlooked":

1. Previous analyses from nine years earlier had presented contradictory results, with some suggesting it was a model.
2. The photographer had refused cooperation with critical UFO organizations like CENAP.
3. Photo analysis is only justified if the witnesses are credible. The article notes that the credibility of the witness in this case (Walter Sch.) was questioned, with some labeling him a "spinner" or "fraudster" due to his later behavior, including creating collages.

The article further accuses v. Ludwiger of manipulating the original description of the Langenargen beings to match the "typical" ET head shape associated with the Stringfield-ETs, implying a deliberate attempt to enhance the case's credibility by altering the visual evidence.

Why No Psychiatrist?

This section questions the investigative approach taken by MUFON-CES regarding witness Sch. Instead of a direct psychiatric examination, the case was presented to remote psychiatrists for "remote diagnoses." The article suggests that one of these remote diagnoses pointed towards an alcohol delirium, a conclusion that seems to have been downplayed or omitted in subsequent publications.

The Mimicry Hypothesis and the 'Others'

Johannes Fiebag's book "Die Anderen" (The Others) is reviewed. Fiebag proposes that UFO phenomena and encounters with alleged extraterrestrial intelligences are not necessarily physical events but rather manifestations of "The Others"—a concept that encompasses beings perceived throughout history as gods, angels, demons, fairies, and now as 'aliens.' He suggests that these "Others" adapt their appearance and technology to the prevailing cultural and intellectual context of different eras, a concept he terms the "Mimicry Hypothesis."

Fiebag argues that many UFO reports, including abduction cases, are not factual accounts but rather reflections of human psychology, fears, and desires, constructed from our inner world. He acknowledges that there might be a "hard, real core" to the phenomenon but emphasizes the lack of concrete evidence. He also critiques the tendency of some UFO researchers to dismiss cases that seem too extraordinary, stating that this limits the field's potential.

Fiebag draws parallels between modern abduction narratives and ancient myths of fairies, elves, and gnomes, suggesting that these are not literal historical events but rather symbolic representations of deeper human experiences. He contends that the "Others" are the true constructors of these narratives, shaping them from our collective unconscious.

Regarding UFO crash retrievals and the 'airship phenomenon,' Fiebag notes discrepancies with reality and suggests that while there might be a kernel of truth, it is obscured by misinformation and misinterpretations. He concludes that the major problem in UFO research is the "lack of evidence."

Fiebag's "Mimicry Hypothesis" suggests that advanced extraterrestrial intelligences possess a technology so advanced it appears as magic, allowing them to adapt their appearance to match the intellectual level and cultural context of different times and cultures. This explains why early encounters might have involved descriptions of beings like kobolds or fairies, while modern encounters feature the familiar "little grey beings" in saucer-shaped craft.

He also questions the nature of reality itself, suggesting it might be influenced from the outside. The traditional extraterrestrial hypothesis, he argues, fails to explain the complexity of the UFO phenomenon, as do other hypotheses like multidimensional vehicles or parallel worlds. He finds the "psychosocial" hypothesis, which grounds everything in human psychology, too simplistic.

Fiebag's work is described as interesting but also raises concerns for the reviewer, Hans-Werner Peiniger. Peiniger notes that Fiebag's conclusions align with those of critical UFO researchers (GEP, CENAP) who question the reality of UFO events due to the variety and often contradictory nature of reports. Peiniger agrees that the totality of reports cannot be real events and questions whether moving towards more speculative hypotheses like the Mimicry Hypothesis is the right path. He concludes that while Fiebag's book offers an explanation for "encounters with an extraterrestrial intelligence," it has only a very low probability of being correct, though he doesn't entirely rule out a real core to the UFO phenomenon that might point to "extraterrestrial visitors."

New UFO Society and MUFON-CES Criticism

The issue also reports on the planned founding of a new German-language UFO research society by Reinhard Nühlen, who is accused of plagiarizing the statutes of the GEP e.V. The article suggests Nühlen's intention is more pro-UFO than critical investigation.

Furthermore, the article details the expulsion of Marc Theobald, editor of "Independent Science," from MUFON-CES by Illobrand von Ludwiger. Theobald was reportedly expelled for publishing an article by Werner Walter (CENAP). Ludwiger is also accused of forcing Theobald's resignation from GEP.

UFO Landing Filmed in Canada?

A case is presented where an American UFO researcher, Bob Oechsler, is investigating a film allegedly showing an "alien disc" landing in a military test area in Canada in August 1991. The film reportedly shows lights, smoke, and humanoid beings. The material was sent anonymously to Oechsler. Despite Oechsler's claims that the case is not a hoax, the article notes that similar material was distributed two years prior and was also deemed a hoax by researchers. The article concludes that until Oechsler can provide more conclusive evidence, this case is also likely a hoax.

UFO Start in the Steppe: Bushes and Shrubs Burn

This section discusses a case involving photographs from a film allegedly showing a UFO taking off from a steppe, causing grass, bushes, and shrubs to burn. The article points out that this case, like the MJ-12 documents, may have been based on anonymously supplied material from a member of a secret society called "The Holy Grail." This society claims to have contact with extraterrestrials and aims to prevent a nuclear war initiated by China. The documents also contain information about alien bases on the moon and Mars, and the origin of extraterrestrials from a planet named "Eden." The photos of the alleged extraterrestrials are described as blurry and lacking detail.

Literature and GEP Information

The issue concludes with a "Literatur" section listing new book releases related to UFOs and related topics, including works by Willi Schillings, Charles Berlitz, Janet and Colin Bord, and Erich von Däniken. It also includes a list of available GEP special publications and series, as well as subscription information for the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO research methodologies, the questioning of evidence presented by organizations like MUFON-CES, and the exploration of alternative hypotheses such as the Mimicry Hypothesis. The editorial stance is clearly critical of unsubstantiated claims and alleged manipulations within the UFO community, advocating for rigorous analysis and evidence-based conclusions. The journal appears to align with a more skeptical yet open-minded approach to the UFO phenomenon, prioritizing critical thinking and transparency.