JUFOF - Issue 089 - 1993 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUFOF (Journal für UFO-Forschung), number 5/93, published in September/October 1993, is the 14th year of publication and the 89th issue. It is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP) and costs DM 5.00. The cover prominently features the question "DEUTSCHE BEREITS SEIT 1934 AUF DEM MOND?" (Germans Already on the Moon Since 1934?) alongside articles on UFO sightings, UFO evidence, and a review of a book about alleged German spaceflight.

GEP and its Mission

The GEP is described as the largest non-profit scientific association in Germany focused on UFO research. They define a UFO as an object that was not explainable to witnesses at the time of observation. The GEP investigates these reports using questionnaires, field research, and background analysis, collaborating with authorities and scientific institutions. They also publish their own journal, "Journal für UFO-Forschung," and other specialized publications.

Key Articles and Features

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section details several reported UFO sightings:

• January 12, 1993, Hamburg: Two 'light circles' were observed, later appearing as three lights. Identified as likely a helicopter.
• April 5, 1993, Biberach: A 'neon-colored object' was reported and identified by police as a weather balloon.
• 1988, Hamburg: A pulsating, yellow-red sphere was seen, identified as a model hot-air balloon.
• October 1988, Rhodos, Greece: An object with a tail was observed, possibly a celestial phenomenon.
• May 19/20, 1993, Munich: Mysterious light effects reported by citizens were identified as a carousel light show.
• June 23, 1993, Gütersloh: Four large light points were seen, identified as searchlights from Circus Krone.
• July 4, 1993, Heslach: Light circles observed by gaststätte guests were identified as laser spotlights.
• June 14, 1993, Aachen: An oval white object was seen, identified as a laser effect device.
• June 27, 1992, Essen: A photo showed a bright light spot, identified as a small illuminated object or lens reflection.

Deutsche bereits seit 1934 auf dem Mond? (Germans Already on the Moon Since 1934?)

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger reviews the book "DEUTSCHER RAUMFLUG AB 1934 EIN UNBEQUEMES BUCH" by Franz Philipp. Philipp claims to have developed advanced aircraft and spacecraft, including a 'solar-powered aircraft' and a 'rocket-less spacecraft' called FRALI I. He alleges that he and pilot Ernst Udet flew to the moon in 1934 and that he later built a moon station. The article dismisses Philipp's claims as 'spinnerisch' (whimsical) and likely fabricated, particularly the description of 'moon people' and the 'meat-fruit tree' on a planetoid named Erika. The author also critiques a photo presented as a 'H.-U.-Bombenexplosion' as a typical fairground art piece.

Grundproblem UFO-Beweise (The Fundamental Problem of UFO Evidence)

Werner Walter discusses the difficulty of proving the materiality of the UFO phenomenon. He notes that while thousands of 'trace cases' exist, many reports are of poor quality, and even physical traces are not always linked to UFO sightings. Walter highlights cases where alleged UFO traces were later explained as natural phenomena (rain puddles) or deliberate hoaxes (a farmer using a lawnmower). He also critiques the analysis of alleged alien substances, citing the Ubatuba case where fragments were identified as artillery projectiles. Walter concludes that most trace reports can be dismissed, and even remaining cases cannot definitively exclude conventional explanations due to a lack of specific information.

Blick in die Welt (A Look at the World)

This section contains several short reports:

• Der mähende Teufel (The Mowing Devil): Discusses the historical context of crop circles, referencing an old legend from 1678 where a farmer's field was mowed in concentric circles as punishment for cheating a day laborer. The article connects this to ancient sun cults and suggests the 'mowing devil' might have been a form of protest against the ruling class and religious differences.
• Die meisten Kornkreise sind gefälscht (Most Crop Circles are Faked): Cites American researcher Chris Rutkowski, who found that North American crop circles lack the effects reported in English ones. He estimates that 50-75% (possibly up to 90%) of British crop circles are faked, and that distinguishing between 'real' and fake formations is difficult.
• Kornkreise geschäftlich genutzt (Crop Circles Used Commercially): Reports on farmers charging admission to view crop circles and a researcher selling 'energy wheat' from crop circles. This highlights the commercialization of the phenomenon.
• CSFR-Militärs auf UFO-Suche (Czechoslovakian Military on UFO Search): A report from the Prague newspaper "Prague News" indicates that Czechoslovakian military authorities are paying increased attention to UFO sightings and are collaborating with a private research group to collect and analyze reports.

Other Sections

• GEP-Sonderheft 16: KONTAKTE MIT "AUSSERIRDISCHEN" IM DEUTSCHEN SPRACHRAUM: A review of a book by Ulrich Magin, described as a comprehensive collection of German contactee and humanoid reports, analyzing reports, witnesses, and the social context of UFO beliefs. It contains over 120 entries chronologically detailing alleged contacts with extraterrestrial beings.
• Impressum and GEP Information: Details about the journal's editorial staff, subscription prices, and information about becoming a GEP member.
• Definition des Begriffs "UFO" (Definition of the Term "UFO"): Provides a formal definition of a UFO.
• Meldestelle für UFO-Beobachtungen (Reporting Office for UFO Sightings): Contact information for reporting UFO observations to the GEP.
• Liebe Leser! (Dear Readers!): An editorial by Gerald Mosbleck reflecting on the challenges of proving UFO facts and the importance of witness testimony, referencing a Spiegel article about witness reliability.
• Literaturliste (Literature List): Information on obtaining a list of recommended German-language books on UFOs from the GEP.
• UFO-REPORT: An advertisement for a publication focusing on humanoid and abduction reports.
• Und was ist mit den Fotos? (And What About the Photos?): Discusses the use of computer analysis in examining UFO photographs and films, using the example of the Catalina Island film, which was initially thought to be a UFO but was later identified as a small aircraft.
• West-Wales-Welle (West-Wales Wave): An investigation into a 1979 UFO sighting report in Broadhaven, Wales, which concluded that the events were largely misinterpretations, hoaxes, and exaggerated accounts.
• UFO-Szenarios als Stereotypen (UFO Scenarios as Stereotypes): Explores the idea that UFO encounters, particularly abductions, might be influenced by psychological stereotypes and subconscious desires, referencing the work of researchers like Alvin Lawson.
• The Challenge of UFOs: Discusses the official stance of the US government on UFOs, referencing the Condon Report and a national academy of sciences study that concluded UFOs do not pose a national security threat and that future sightings should be handled as normal surveillance operations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence, the distinction between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misidentifications, and the psychological aspects of UFO belief. The GEP and its contributors appear to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded approach, emphasizing rigorous investigation and the need for verifiable proof. There's a clear effort to debunk sensationalized claims while acknowledging the complexity and persistent nature of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance leans towards scientific inquiry and a cautious interpretation of witness accounts and alleged physical evidence.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Issue 89, May 1993) is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena, pre-astronautics, and related mysteries. It features articles, book reviews, and news items related to the field.

UFO from US Space Shuttle Discovery Filmed

The lead article discusses a film purportedly taken from the US Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1992. It debunks initial sensationalist claims by Johannes von Buttlar and the B.Z. newspaper, clarifying that the film was shot during the ATLANTIS mission (STS-44) in November 1991 and was publicly available. While acknowledging the film shows a puzzling object, the article presents the official NASA explanation of ice crystals, supported by UFO skeptic James Oberg and Vincent DiPietro. The article also addresses the mysterious 'laser beam' or 'rocket' seen near the object, suggesting it might be a misinterpretation or artifact, and concludes that it is not evidence of alien spacecraft.

Historical UFO Phenomena

A brief historical note mentions a sighting from 1547 in Eiderstedt, Germany, described as a bright cross-shaped phenomenon near the moon, likely a natural event interpreted through a religious lens.

Computer Program: 'Alien'

The magazine introduces a PC computer program called 'Alien' from the USA, which won an award for 'Strange Software' and is presented as a tool to help determine if one's neighbor might be an alien.

Alien Implants

This section discusses the recurring theme of alien implants in abduction cases. It references a report about a potential implant in the Linda Napolitano case and cites Rudolf Henke's research, which suggests that what is described as an alien implant might actually be a benign brain tumor (adenoma), potentially explaining some abduction symptoms.

Travis Walton's Abduction Filmed

The issue notes the release of the film "FIRE IN THE SKY" in the USA, based on the Travis Walton abduction case from 1975. It mentions that the film was released by Paramount Pictures and that segments had been shown on CNN.

Publication Updates

The magazine announces the discontinuation of the journal 'CIRCLE' after only two issues, attributing it to a saturated market.

Politicians Discuss UFOs

This section details discussions in the European Parliament regarding UFOs, spurred by sightings in Belgium and a 'RE ENTRY' event in 1990. It highlights a proposal by MEP Elio di Rupo to establish a 'European Center for the Observation of UFOs' to collect and coordinate reports from citizens, scientists, and military personnel.

Book Reviews

'AUSSERIRDISCHE INTELLIGENZ REALITÄT ODER ILLUSION' by K.H. Türk

This review discusses a book by Professor K.H. Türk, an anthroposophist, which presents UFO phenomena from an anthroposophical perspective. The reviewer notes that the book is not a scientific publication but aims to introduce the UFO topic to anthroposophical circles. It is criticized for relying heavily on sources like von Ludwiger and for ignoring critical viewpoints. The reviewer points out an error regarding the HEDRI prize and suggests that the author should have applied his own principle of investigating claims rather than accepting them uncritically.

'THE PLAINS OF SAN AUGUSTIN CONTROVERSY, JULY 1947' by Gerald Anderson, Barney Barnett, and the Archaeologists CUFOS-FUR

This booklet, co-published by the Fund for UFO Research and CUFOS, presents arguments for and against a second alleged crash near San Agustin in 1947, concurrent with the Roswell incident. It details the differing viewpoints of researchers like Randle, Schmitt, Friedman, and Berliner, and notes the difficulty in reaching a consensus, even among organizations like CUFOS and FUR. The summary by Michael D. Swords highlights methodological issues with some of the research presented.

'U.F.O. CONTACT/ABDUCTION: A HEALER'S PERSPECTIVE' by Trisha Keen

This review discusses Trisha Keen's book, which is described as a 'New Age' guide for abductees. The reviewer criticizes the book for its categorization of aliens and ETs and expresses concern about the influence of figures like Hopkins, suggesting that such approaches manipulate people under the guise of scientific research or trauma relief.

'THE BENNEWITZ PAPERS' by Christa Tilton

This review covers a compilation of information on the Bennewitz affair, which alleges alien bases in Dulce, New Mexico, and alien abductions. The reviewer notes that the booklet includes articles and documents related to the case, featuring names prominent in ufology. While acknowledging the author's search for 'truth', the reviewer finds the organization of the material chaotic and the photographic evidence unconvincing.

'WESEN AUS DEM WELTRAUM?' by Klaus Webner

This book is presented as the first documentation of 'Ufonauts' through photographs. The author reportedly compiled fantastic stories and photographic material from around the world to investigate the presence of beings from outer space.

'TRAUMSPRUNG: VORKOMMNISSE AUS DER ÜBERWELT' by Ernst Meckelburg

Ernst Meckelburg's new book is recommended for its exploration of unexplained phenomena, including disappearances, hauntings, and mysterious finds like a 500,000-year-old geode containing a spark plug-like object. The reviewer praises the book's clear and understandable style.

'ENGEL UND ANDERE AUSSERIRDISCHE: UFO-PHÄNOMENE IN NEUER DEUTUNG' by Keith Thompson

This book offers a new perspective on UFO phenomena, suggesting a connection between angels and aliens. It is described as providing a wealth of textual evidence and symbolic depth, creating a new view of a world where angels and aliens are not so alien to each other.

'UNHEIMLICHE PHÄNOMENE DES 20. JAHRHUNDERTS' by Janet and Colin Bord

This book is a re-release of "Geheimnisse des 20. Jahrhunderts" and covers unexplained occurrences and mysterious events. It is praised for its entertaining yet documentary style, presenting witness testimonies and photographs of phenomena for which there is no rational explanation.

'DER ARMSTRONG REPORT: AUẞERIRDISCHE UND UFOS. SIE BRAUCHEN UNS - WIR SIE NICHT!' by Virgil Armstrong

Virgil Armstrong's book details his experiences with UFOs and aliens, their purpose, and their experiments with humans. The author claims to have developed telepathic abilities to communicate with higher intelligences and aims to expose government cover-ups.

'GESANDTE DES ALLS: KONTAKTE MIT AUẞERIRDISCHEN IM ALTERTUM UND MITTELALTER' by Dr. Johannes and Peter Fiebag

This anthology, a revised and updated version of a 1980 book, explores the theme of 'cosmic initiations' and extraterrestrial contact in ancient and medieval times. It includes contributions on figures like Imhotep, Moses, Abraham, King Arthur, Merlin, Roger Bacon, and Leonardo da Vinci.

'BEGEGNUNG DER DRITTEN ART IN DEN DOLOMITEN' by Walter Rizzi

This brochure details Walter Rizzi's alleged 'third kind encounter' in the Dolomites in July 1968, where he reportedly had telepathic contact with an alien occupant of a landed spacecraft. The information is presented as the most comprehensive source on this case.

'BEWEISE FÜR DIE EXISTENZ AUSSERIRDISCHER TECHNOLOGIEN' by Adolf Schneider

This publication summarizes recent information on alien visitations and crashed UFOs, particularly in the USA, and alleged cooperation between the US government and aliens for technology exchange in the 1950s and 1960s.

'BOTSCHAFT AUS DEM KOSMOS: RÜCKKEHR DER AUẞERIRDISCHEN' by Michael Hesemann

Michael Hesemann's book connects crop circles to the Sumerian culture and the UFO phenomenon, proposing that crop circles are a message from extraterrestrial intelligences heralding their return. The reviewer, while disagreeing with Hesemann's conclusions about crop circles, acknowledges his on-site research and interviews.

'SOBEPS: DIE UFO-WELLE ÜBER BELGIEN' and 'UND WIEDER KORNKREISE'

These are listed as upcoming reviews in a future JUFOF issue.

'THE PLAINS OF SAN AUGUSTIN CONTROVERSY, JULY 1947' by Gerald Anderson, Barney Barnett, and the Archaeologists CUFOS-FUR

This is a summary report of a conference sponsored by the Center for UFO Studies and the Fund for UFO Research, discussing the San Agustin controversy.

GEP Publications and News

GEP Special Issue 12: 'DER UNGLAUBLICHE FLUG DER JAL-1628' by Bruce Maccabee

This special issue is a German translation of Bruce Maccabee's article on the JAL-1628 incident, detailing the observations of unidentified aerial phenomena by the crew of a Japanese cargo plane over Alaska in 1986. The case is noted for the extensive documentation released by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Other GEP Publications

A list of other available GEP special issues is provided, covering topics such as the Condon report, UFO research contributions, bibliographies, and specific UFO cases.

New Members and Radio Interviews

The magazine welcomes new members to GEP and reports on radio interviews given by Herr Peiniger.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the scientific and historical investigation of these phenomena. It appears to maintain a critical yet open stance, presenting various viewpoints and reviewing literature from different perspectives within the UFO research community. There is a clear emphasis on providing detailed information and analysis, often referencing specific cases, researchers, and publications. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and critical evaluation, as seen in the reviews and discussions of controversial cases and theories.