JUFOF - Issue 090 - 1993 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), number 90, from November/December 1993, is the 14th year of publication and the 6th issue of the year. It is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., a German organization dedicated to UFO research. The cover price is DM 5.00.

Editorial Stance and Introduction

The editorial, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, addresses the nature of UFO research and the GEP's approach. Peiniger acknowledges that many reported UFO sightings can be attributed to conventional explanations. However, he refutes the idea that the GEP aims to 'explain away' all UFO phenomena, stating that there is no simple solution. He discusses different currents within UFO research, from those who believe in extraterrestrial visitors or time travelers to those who focus on natural causes or hoaxes. Peiniger suggests that the truth may lie somewhere in between, acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence while also considering other factors. He references Jacques Vallee's work on the cultural impact of UFO phenomena and the 'Mimicry Hypothesis,' where extraterrestrial intelligences adapt their appearance to the observer's cultural context. Peiniger also muses on the possibility that humans themselves might be the trigger for UFO phenomena, suggesting a combination of anthropological, cultural, sociological, and psychological aspects. He encourages further research into related areas like 'UFOs in Music' and 'UFOs in Film and Television.'

UFO Observations (UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN)

This section, compiled by Hans-Werner Peiniger, details several reported UFO sightings:

• Fall-Nummer: 1983, Sommer (Worms, Germany): A witness reported being drawn to an orange-red, silent object that moved slowly, then rapidly, and disappeared. The witness could not recall events after the sighting. Possible explanations include a dream or a model hot-air balloon.
• Fall-Nummer: 1991, Sommer (Jena-Lobeda, Germany): A witness observed a bright light beam that transformed into a star-like shape and vanished. This is identified as likely a meteor or 'fireball.'
• Fall-Nummer: 198304/05 (Allenstein, Austria): A witness described seeing a white disc, approximately 2m in diameter, hover and then disappear at right angles multiple times. Due to the time elapsed and potential memory distortions, this case is classified as having 'insufficient data.'
• Fall-Nummer: 198910 Ende (Nußdorf, Germany): A child reported seeing a bright, multi-colored, star-like object that maneuvered and disappeared. This is identified as likely a model hot-air balloon.
• Fall-Nummer: 199211 (Heppenheim, Germany): Two youths observed a white, point-like light with a tail moving horizontally at high speed, identified as likely a meteor.
• Fall-Nummer: 19930516 A (Hagen, Germany): A witness reported a bright light with a smoke trail, compared to a starting rocket, identified as likely a model rocket.
• Fall-Nummer: 19930617 A (Nuremberg, Germany): Multiple witnesses reported a bright, disc-shaped object, larger than the moon, flying over the city. Investigations revealed that illuminated Zeppelins were being used for advertising at the time.
• Fall-Nummer: 19930614 A (Aachen, Germany): Witnesses reported a white oval object rotating and moving erratically. Investigations revealed a laser effect device projecting onto clouds.
• Fall-Nummer: 19930929 A (Lüdenscheid, Germany): A witness reported seeing bright, moving lights. Possible explanations include aircraft landing lights or planets.
• Fall-Nummer: 19930701 A (Bonn, Germany): A case of grass damage was reported, initially speculated to be from a UFO landing. However, further investigation by GEP suggested other causes, and the UFO connection was largely made by the BILD newspaper.

UFOs in Advertising (UFOS IN DER WERBUNG)

This section, also by Hans-Werner Peiniger, highlights how UFO imagery and themes are used in advertising:

• Norddeutsche Klassenlotterie: Offers a small UFO-shaped digital watch as a promotional item.
• 'Game BoyTM' Computer Game: A game featuring the Simpsons fighting aliens, with an advertisement showing a flying saucer.
• RTL+ Television: A commercial break featured a flying saucer.
• Aachen Mail Order: Offers a UFO-shaped serving dish made of stainless steel for DM 98.00.
• 'LEITZ' Office Supplies: Advertises with a character named 'Ordi' flying in a UFO.
• Swiss Dairy 'Emmen': Features fruity UFO-shaped desserts.
• Edible Paper UFOs: Small UFO-shaped candies with effervescent powder.
• Kinder Surprise Eggs (Ferrero): Includes 'extraterrestrial' 'monsters' as part of a promotion.
• 'HENKEL' Product Advertisement: Shows a small extraterrestrial (ET) exiting a flying saucer.
• 'Simba Toys': Sells a 'Light + Sound UFO' flying top and a 'UFO-Starter' that launches small UFOs.
• UFO-shaped Ashtray: A mail-order item that uses a built-in fan to extinguish cigarette smoke.
• UFO-shaped Cutter Head: A refillable magazine for grass and weed trimmers.
• Stollwerk Chocolate: Their 'Alpia-Milch-Schoko Stäbchen' for children feature a UFO on the packaging.

Peiniger notes that while consumers may not consciously register these UFO clichés, their constant presence could influence public perception.

Airship Flap in Southeast England (LUFTSCHIFF-FLAP IM SÜDOSTLICHEN ENGLAND)

Werner Walter reports on a series of UFO sightings in the London area in late January and February 1992. Initially, these sightings of 'machines, cigars, and saucers' were reported as UFOs. However, investigations by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) and its colleagues, including Steve Gamble and Ken Phillips, led to the conclusion that most, if not all, of these sightings were likely airships or zeppelins. Several reports described objects with unusual lights and cigar shapes. The article mentions a specific airship used for advertising by MITA and another by 'DAILY STAR.' It also notes that similar sightings occurred in Cheshire.

Blick in die Welt (Brief Notes)

• New Solution for the Tunguska Riddle: Scientists at NASA Ames Research Center propose that a 30-meter asteroid exploding 10 km above the Earth caused the Tunguska event. The article notes this theory is not new and has been previously discussed.
• Farmer Shot for Believing He Was an Alien: A farmer in New York, influenced by 'Starship Enterprise,' mistook a plumber for an android and shot him. He later demanded a flying saucer to escape. The farmer died from his injuries.
• Is Researching Fringe Science Dangerous?: The article discusses an advertisement by 'Projekteam Grenzwissenschaften - PROTEC' seeking people with unusual experiences. A newspaper refused to publish the ad, deeming it 'too dangerous' for children who read the publication, while readily accepting ads for psychics and astrologers.

Summary of the Case from page 6 (Zeuginbericht)

This section details a case reported by a witness (Frau L., born 1928) who, while driving at night, experienced her car being enveloped in a bright, spherical light. The event lasted 6-8 seconds, during which she felt her senses were heightened but her thinking was momentarily suspended. She reported no unusual sounds or sensations of heat or cold. After the light vanished, she experienced intense fear. She also noted experiencing heart palpitations when passing the same stretch of road. The witness believes she was in the hands of extraterrestrial beings using advanced transport. The GEP's investigation considered possibilities like fog banks, oncoming vehicle headlights creating an illusion, or even epileptic episodes. While the witness's account was deemed credible and not indicative of prior UFO beliefs, the GEP classified the case as 'Problematic UFO' due to its anomalous characteristics, acknowledging that a definitive explanation remained elusive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the GEP's methodical approach to UFO research, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and the elimination of conventional explanations before considering more extraordinary hypotheses. There is a recurring theme of distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentifications, hoaxes, or even advertising stunts. The journal also highlights the cultural impact of UFOs, as seen in the 'UFOs in Advertising' section and the discussion of how media influences perceptions. The editorial stance is one of open-minded skepticism, acknowledging the complexity of the UFO phenomenon and the limitations of current knowledge, while encouraging continued research and critical analysis.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 90, dated 6/93, is published by GEP and focuses on various aspects of ufology and the paranormal. The cover prominently features "DER UNGLAUBLICHE FLUG DER JAL-1628" (The Incredible Flight of JAL-1628) by Bruce Maccabee, detailing an incident from November 17, 1986, in Alaska.

Key Articles and Reports

Gurke des Tages (Cucumber of the Day)

This brief report from the "Tageszeitung" (Berlin, 06.02.1993) mentions that the county of Waukesha, Washington, USA, is preparing for potential alien landings after several citizens reported UFO sightings. The county administrator, Daniel M. Finley, has officially invited extraterrestrials to land in his county.

Rätselhafte Lichtpulse (Enigmatic Light Pulses)

This article discusses ongoing research by American scientists into the phenomenon of "sonoluminescence," where a water bubble, when excited by sound waves, emits light pulses. Physicist Putterman's experiments using a glass sphere filled with water and crystals demonstrated that the bubble wall exceeds the speed of sound just before collapsing, emitting a light pulse less than 50 trillionths of a second long. The cause of this phenomenon remains a mystery.

Durch UFOs zum Brandstifter (Through UFOs to Arsonist)

Vittorio L., a 36-year-old unemployed showman, was sentenced to six years in prison and committed to a psychiatric clinic for approximately 100 arson incidents, including those at a university and hospitals in Munich, causing millions in damages. He claimed a UFO sighting near Kempten at age 16 led to a brain tumor, which he believed was caused by UFO radiation. He sought literature on UFOs at the university to support his 'UFO-brain-fantasy.'

Großscheinwerfer schon im letzten Jahrhundert (Searchlights Already in the Last Century)

This section discusses the increasing relevance of large searchlights ('SKY-TRACKER' or 'SPACE CANNON') in UFO research, often mistaken for UFOs. It notes that ideas for using such searchlights for advertising existed around the turn of the century, with drawings illustrating their potential to project images onto clouds. In the 1930s, there were even proposals to send light signals to Mars using these devices to communicate with hypothetical inhabitants.

Humanoiden-Datei (HUMDAT)

This project, initiated by the UFO-REPORT editorial team, aims to specialize in humanoid reports. Herr Raab is collecting CE III & CE IV incidents from literature and publications, creating a database of alleged alien occupants, and archiving cases with basic data (location, date, time). As of October 1993, 224 cases were on file.

UFOS AUF VIDEO: EIN TRIP RUND UM DEN GLOBUS UND WEITER... (UFOs on Video: A Trip Around the Globe and Beyond...)

Werner Walter from Mannheim has compiled a vast collection of UFO documentary material on VHS over ten years, creating Europe's largest private UFO video archive. The archive includes UFO abductions, crash sites, moon footage, Pentagon files, and classic sightings like Cash-Landrum and Roswell. The 20-hour VHS collection is available for DM 400.

UFO-Zeugen sind normale Leute (UFO Witnesses are Normal People)

An article referencing a study published in "JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY" by Nicholas Spanos of Carleton University, Ottawa, suggests that UFO witnesses are not necessarily abnormal. The study compared 49 UFO witnesses with a control group of 127 individuals and found no significant differences in intelligence or imagination. US scientist Patricia Cross also notes that some people experience sleep paralysis with vivid dreams of alien contact, which are not indicative of mental abnormality. The article concludes that UFO witnesses are typically 'people like you and me' from all walks of life.

Aimé Michel verstorben (Aimé Michel Deceased)

The article announces the death of French UFO pioneer Aimé Michel at the age of 73 on December 28, 1992. Michel was the author of books on flying saucers and contributed to numerous articles. He was instrumental in the investigation of the 1954 French UFO wave and coined the term 'Orthoteny,' describing the linear alignment of UFO sighting locations. The article includes a map illustrating this concept from October 7, 1954.

LITERATUR (Literature)

This section reviews several recent publications related to UFOs and the paranormal:

• DIE GRÖSSTEN UFO GEHEIMNISSE DER WELT by Nigel Blundell and Roger Boar.
• DIE WÄCHTER VON EDEN - Auf den Spuren der Weltformel by Johannes von Buttlar.
• RAUMFAHRT IM ALTERTUM - Auf den Spuren der Allmächtigen by Erich von Däniken.
• FEHLENDE ZEIT - Von UFOs entführt by Budd Hopkins.
• DIE PALMBLATT BIBLIOTHEK und andere geheimnisvolle Schauplätze dieser Welt by Peter Krassa and Reinhard Habeck.
• UND WIEDER KORNKREISE. Die Suche nach Fakten. Und Begegnungen der dunklen Art by Jürgen Krönig (ed.).
• MENSCHHEITSRÄTSEL - Mit Beiträgen von J.v.Buttlar, E.v.Däniken, R. Charroux u.a. by Beate Kuckertz (ed.).
• ZEITSCHOCK. Invasion aus der Zukunft by Ernst Meckelburg.
• BESUCHER VON INNEN by Lyssa Royal and Keith Priest.
• DIE MENSCHHEIT UND DAS LEBEN VOR UND NACH DER SINTFLUTKATASTROPHE AM 5. JUNI 8498 v.u.Z. by Paul Schulz.
• UFOs - UNBEKANNTE FLUGOBJEKTE AUS EINER ANDEREN WELT? (Part of a 10-volume series "DIE WELT DES UNERKLÄRLICHEN").

GÖTTERSPUREN - Der neue UFO-Report (Traces of Gods - The New UFO Report)

This review discusses Luc Bürgin's book "GÖTTERSPUREN Der neue UFO-Report." The reviewer finds the book's subtitle somewhat misleading, possibly referencing Hynek's UFO Report. While the book explores UFO phenomena and pre-astronautics, the reviewer criticizes its superficiality and lack of critical depth, stating it doesn't offer an objective picture of the UFO phenomenon and doesn't surpass previous SIGN contributions.

DIE GROSSEN RÄTSEL DER LETZTEN 2500 JAHRE (The Great Mysteries of the Last 2500 Years)

Walter-Jörg Langbein's book examines various mysterious phenomena and historical enigmas, including the Loch Ness Monster, Nazca lines, and Easter Island heads. It covers mysteries from the last 2500 years, with one example chosen for each century. The book describes phenomena and seeks explanations, but the reviewer notes it's not a purely scientific work, acknowledging the need for explanations beyond pure reason.

PHÄNOMENE - Die Welt des Unerklärlichen (Phenomena - The World of the Unexplained)

This section reviews the collected work "Rätselhafte Phänomene" (Enigmatic Phenomena), which is available in a bound edition. It covers topics such as the supernatural (PSI, hypnosis), the uncanny (ghosts, crop circles, Bigfoot), extraterrestrials (UFOs), and other phenomena. The collection is described as a broad overview of unexplained phenomena, acknowledging the need for explanations and not being entirely uncritical.

Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique (UFO Wave Over Belgium)

This review of the book "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique" by SOBEPS documents the 1989-1991 UFO sighting wave in Belgium. The reviewer acknowledges the book's detailed case documentation but expresses reservations about some explanations, finding radar recordings unconvincing and some sightings potentially explainable by conventional aircraft. However, the sheer volume of material suggests "something" unusual occurred, possibly a triangular craft. The reviewer leans towards the possibility of a secret military project rather than extraterrestrials, noting the lack of a high "strangeness factor" in the observed craft.

ALIENS

This section announces a special publication by Wladislaw Raab, editor of the UFO-Report, which exclusively features images of "Aliens" and related data. The material is sourced from Japan, USA, Russia, and Germany. Raab believes that CE III/IV reports have a real core and that the collected visual material is part of his "HUMANOIDEN DATEI" (HUMDAT).

DR. FU MAN CHU MEETS THE LONESOME COWBOY

This is a review of Eugenia Macer-Story's self-published book, which attempts to understand the UFO phenomenon through the lens of magic, blending personal experiences with literary cases.

LESERBRIEFE (Letters to the Editor)

• Gerhard Gerven, Hamburg: Provides supplementary points to a review of a Hesemann video, pointing out factual errors in the depiction of aircraft and military personnel. He also questions the rank and credibility of "Com.Sgt.Maj. Robert Dean" and his alleged Cosmic Top Secret report.
• Tim Schünemann, Goslar: Critiques an article on the Gulf Breeze case, arguing that the author unfairly dismisses evidence supporting the case and fails to consider alternative interpretations or experts like Jeff Sainio. He questions the methodology and conclusions drawn from the case.
• K.-H. K., Berlin: Responds to an article about alleged German moon landings in 1934, recalling a brief encounter with Franz Philipp, whom he describes as mentally disturbed and claiming his machines had been over Berlin.

"AREA 51" - VIEWER'S GUIDE

This review discusses Glenn Campbell's brochure about Area 51, a US Air Force base suspected of testing alien spacecraft. The brochure is described as a tourist guide, providing information on sightings, viewing spots, and accommodation.

Garfield Reeves-Stevens NACHTAUGEN (Night Eyes)

This is a review of a UFO thriller novel by Garfield Reeves-Stevens, which reportedly draws parallels to the Linda Napolitano abduction case.

DAS NEUE LEXIKON DER ESOTERIK (The New Lexicon of Esotericism)

Marc Roberts' book is reviewed as a comprehensive guide to spiritual and esoteric aspects of the UFO phenomenon and the New Age movement, containing over 3000 entries.

ALPHA

This section announces the latest issues of a publication titled "ALPHA," which covers ethics, biology, natural sciences, and technology in ancient texts. It mentions a discussion on length contraction and its implications for interstellar travel.

Whitley Strieber MAJESTIC

A review of Whitley Strieber's novel "Majestic," which is based on a mysterious 1947 event and personal experiences, is presented.

KORNKREISE (Crop Circles)

• CROP CIRCLE LANGUAGE by Steve Canada: This section reviews a set of 10 brochures by Steve Canada, who claims that crop circles are made by the Anunnaki, extraterrestrials from the planet Nibiru. He compares Sumerian texts and images to modern crop circles, suggesting they are announcing the Anunnaki's return.
• Other Crop Circle Publications: The section also lists other publications related to crop circles, including "CIPHERS IN THE CROPS" by Beth Davis and "CHALLENGER - A Major Malfunction" by Malcolm McConnell.

EXTRATERRESTRIAL CONTACT AND HUMAN RESPONSES

Richard J. Boylan's booklet is discussed, which includes a "confidential" letter to Bill Clinton regarding the Star Wars program and its alleged connection to shooting down UFOs. Boylan claims that extraterrestrial races visit Earth, and that abductions are positive, consciousness-altering experiences.

VISITORS FROM TIME & UFOS AND THE PSYCHIC FACTOR

These two books by Marc Davenport and Ida M. Kannenberg are described as typical of contemporary American ufology, often falling into the 'New Age' category. Davenport's book is a collection of unverified UFO anecdotes, while Kannenberg's book details her channeled communications with an extraterrestrial named "Hweig."

GEP-SONDERHEFT 12: DER UNGLAUBLICHE FLUG DER JAL-1628

This is a review of Bruce Maccabee's special report on the JAL-1628 incident, which documents the observations of unidentified aerial phenomena by the crew of a Japanese cargo plane over Alaska. The report is noted for its extensive documentation released by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

GEP-SONDERHEFTE (GEP Special Issues)

A list of available GEP special issues is provided, covering various UFO-related topics such as the Condon report, scientific investigations, and bibliographies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related phenomena from a perspective that, while often critical, remains open to the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown origins. There's a clear interest in scientific investigation, historical accounts, and the psychological aspects of witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained phenomena, often contrasting fringe theories with scientific skepticism, but ultimately presenting a wide array of viewpoints and research findings within the UFO community. The journal also features book reviews, letters to the editor, and announcements related to UFO research organizations like GEP.