JUFOF - Issue 099 - 1995 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 99, published in May/June 1995 by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., is volume 16. The cover prominently features "UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN" (UFO Observations) with a lead article by Hans-Werner Peiniger, and includes a striking image of a UFO "Fragment" with a 12mm scale. The magazine is priced at DM 5.00 and has an ISSN of 0723-7766.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The editorial is written by Gerald Mosbleck, who reflects on how even experienced UFO researchers can be surprised by phenomena, citing an experience with a "Sky-Tracker" that produced optical illusions. He also touches upon the media's attention to the Roswell film and the everyday presence of UFO-related themes in culture, referencing contributions from Hans-Werner Peiniger.

The "Impressum" section details the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V. as the publisher, founded in 1972. Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck are listed for editorial responsibilities. The GEP is described as a non-profit scientific organization dedicated to researching the UFO phenomenon, defining a UFO as an object or light that cannot be conventionally explained. Their investigative methods include questionnaires, field research, and interdisciplinary analysis. The magazine "Journal für UFO-Forschung" is highlighted as one of their key publications.

Information for GEP members is provided, outlining benefits such as receiving the journal, assistance with investigations, access to literature, discounts, and tax deductibility of contributions. The definition of a UFO is elaborated upon, emphasizing its unidentifiable nature even after thorough examination.

A "UFO-Hotline" and contact details for the GEP are also provided, along with information about ordering publications and becoming a member.

UFO Observations and Case Studies

The core of the magazine consists of documented UFO observations and their analysis. Each case is presented with a "Fall-Nummer" (Case Number), date, time, location, witness details, classification (NL for "Nicht identifiziert" - Not Identified, IFO for "Identifiziertes Objekt" - Identified Object), and the results of investigations.

Case 1973/September (Freising/Bruckberg, Germany): Erich Sch. reported a silver, round object with a honeycomb structure that moved little and then disappeared. Due to the long time elapsed, investigations were inconclusive, classifying it as "Ungenügende Daten" (Insufficient Data).

Case 1977/Summer (Bruckberg, Germany): Erich Sch. described a bright, oval object that descended, touched down briefly, and then ascended rapidly with high acceleration. The object was estimated to be about 10 meters in size. Investigations were also inconclusive due to the time lapse.

Case 1987/June 10 (Gummersbach, Germany): Horst T. reported a yellowish-white light, brighter than Venus, that moved slowly to the right and descended. While initially thought to be a plane's landing lights, the movement and lack of position lights led to further consideration. The case was classified as "Flugzeug" (Aircraft) due to the difficulty in definitively ruling out this explanation.

Case 1992/November 25 (Merzig, Germany): Nicole S. observed two colorful, blinking points that moved in a zig-zag pattern. The object's movement was described as slow and steady, with spontaneous changes in direction. The case was classified as "ungenügende Daten" (insufficient data).

Case 1995/January 17 (Sennewitz, Germany): Elke Z. reported a bright, unmoving star-like object that later appeared to change position rapidly. The analysis suggests the object was likely the planet Saturn, based on astronomical reconstruction.

Case 1995/January 27 (Wolfen, Germany): Gerlind S. reported unusual phenomena including TV reception interference, street light outages, and a green sky. The report suggests these events could be related to a thunderstorm and its electromagnetic effects, classifying the case as "Ungenügende Daten" (Insufficient Data).

Case 1995/February 3 (Lochau, Germany): Gerald J. and Lothar R. observed rotating, circular lights. The analysis points to the reflection of a light effect device, despite the claim of clear skies.

Case 1994/December 8 (Lössau, Germany): Sandra B. observed a large green, blinking point moving rapidly with a fiery trail. This is identified as a likely "Feuerkugel" (Fireball) or meteor.

Case 1995/March 12 (Murg, Germany): Thomas Z. reported a large green, blinking point moving rapidly with a fiery trail, identified as a likely "Feuerkugel" (Fireball) or meteor.

Case 1995/March 1 (Marwitz, Germany): Joachim Jarchow and others observed three large, rotating circles of light. Initial reports suggested a disco spotlight, and the investigation was closed based on this likely explanation.

Special Features and Articles

"UFOLOGIE" by Dieter van Reeken: A new edition of this book is announced, aiming to provide an overview of the UFO topic, discuss UFO sightings and photos, and address claims of contactees. The text has been reset for better readability.

"UFO'S IM ALLTAG" by Hans-Werner Peiniger: This article likely explores the presence of UFO phenomena in everyday life, collecting examples.

"KURZ NOTIERT" (Briefly Noted): This section contains short reports, including a UFO photo being faked, VABA greeting aliens, a UFO model, and a balloon-UFO.

"LITERATUR" (Literature): A list of books is provided, including titles like "UFOs: Das ewige Geheimnis" (UFOs: The Eternal Secret), "Das Sphinx-Syndrom" (The Sphinx Syndrome), "Der Götterplan" (The Plan of the Gods), "Atlantis," "Die geheime Regierung" (The Secret Government), and "REDSHIFT."

"UFO-SICHTUNG IN 'TOP SECRET'-DOKUMENT AUFGEKLÄRT" by Uli Thieme: This article investigates a "Top Secret" document concerning alleged flying saucers in the German East Zone in 1948. It discusses Arthur Sack's experimental aircraft and the Me 163 rocket fighter, concluding that sightings might be explained by these known aircraft or models rather than extraterrestrial craft.

"ROSWELL-INSIDE - Achtung Klappe: Ein angeblicher Roswell-Film -- Die Zweite" by Gerhard Cerven: This lengthy article critically examines the controversial alleged Roswell alien autopsy film. It details the claims of Ray Santilli, who purportedly obtained a 1947 film showing the recovery and autopsy of an alien. Cerven meticulously dissects the evidence, questioning the film's provenance, dating methods (criticizing the use of carbon dating on film), the timeline of events, the lack of gloves worn by alleged pathologists, the use of plastic bags, and the poor quality of the footage. The article expresses strong doubts about the film's authenticity, suggesting it is likely a hoax.

"Glauben Sie an Außerirdische?" (Do You Believe in Aliens?) by Andrea Linne: This newspaper clipping reports on a sighting of three large, rotating circles of light over Marwitz, Germany. While initially interpreted as UFOs, further investigation suggests the lights were likely from a disco spotlight at a local venue.

"Lichtkreise über Marwitz" (Light Circles over Marwitz): Another newspaper report on the Marwitz sighting, also attributing it to a disco.

"4. Internationale D.U.-UFO-Konferenz / 7. Welt-UFO-Kongress": An announcement for an upcoming UFO conference in Düsseldorf, featuring prominent figures in the UFO community and promising the presentation of new films and evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation and analysis of UFO sightings, the critical examination of evidence, and the debunking of potentially misidentified phenomena. The GEP maintains a scientific and interdisciplinary approach, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the unexplained aspects of the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on scrutinizing claims, particularly concerning sensational evidence like the Roswell autopsy film, where skepticism is evident. The magazine also touches upon the historical aspects of ufology and the role of organizations like the GEP in advancing research. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, prioritizing factual analysis over sensationalism, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena.

This issue of the German UFO research journal, 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG' (Issue 99, 3/95), focuses on the pervasive presence of UFO and extraterrestrial themes in everyday life, advertising, and products, alongside reviews of books on pre-astronautics, alien contact, and related phenomena.

UFOs in Everyday Life

The issue begins with an article by Hans-Werner Peiniger titled "UFO'S IM ALLTAG" (UFOs in Everyday Life), highlighting how UFO and alien motifs appear in common products and advertisements. He notes that these elements are often unnoticed in our daily routines. Peiniger points to advertisements from the department store HERTIE, which feature images of flying saucers and a woman described as potentially alien, with slogans like "In the new year, you can land with us again." A pizzeria in Lüdenscheid advertises with "The tasty invasion from Pizzaland," including stylized spaceships. The amusement park Phantasialand in Brühl uses UFO imagery in its "GALAXY" flight simulator attraction and its "Space Center." Even a Renault Twingo "Galaxy" car is marketed with UFO-related themes. The article also showcases various products incorporating UFO designs, such as "4 SCHOKO-UFOS" (chocolate UFOs) filled with fruit quark, an aquarium UFO decoration that simulates a spaceship, a UFO-shaped party light, and a "UFO-Butler" desk organizer. A mini-mobile featuring a flying saucer is also mentioned, as is a phone card series featuring the comic character FULGOR, whose spacecraft is depicted as a flying saucer.

Debunking a Famous UFO Photo

An article titled "UFO-Foto gefälscht" (UFO Photo Faked) details the debunking of a well-known "UFO formation" photograph. The photo, which appeared in several books and was attributed to NASA or the US Air Force, was actually taken by an astronomy professor in Austria. Professor Maria G. Firneis revealed that the image was of the double star system v Persei, photographed through a diffraction grating used to enhance the visibility of fainter stars. The accompanying text was a fabricated "fantasy text" with astronomical data. The article traces the photo's dissemination through various publications, noting that while Adolf Schneider, who initially published the photo with a fabricated story, promised to remove it from future editions of his book, it continued to appear in other publications with diminished quality.

Other UFO Sightings and Phenomena

"KURZ NOTIERT" (Short Notes) section covers several brief items:

• VABA grüßt alle Aliens (VABA Greets All Aliens): A group in Konstanz called VABA (Association for the Adequate Greeting of Extraterrestrials) was founded to prepare for potential alien visitors.
• UFO-Modell (UFO Model): A plastic model of a classic flying saucer, 25 cm in diameter, is manufactured in France.
• URANE: A source for UFO-related materials.
• Zeitschrift eingestellt (Magazine Ceased Publication): The magazine 'EXPLORER', which focused on pre-astronautic themes, has ceased publication after 12 issues.

Book Reviews and Pre-Astronautics

The journal features extensive reviews of books related to UFOs and pre-astronautics:

• DAS SPHINX-SYNDROM: DIE RÜCKKEHR DER ASTRONAUTENGÖTTER (The Sphinx Syndrome: The Return of the Astronaut Gods) by Walter Jörg Langbein is reviewed. The book explores the theory that ancient "astronaut gods" may have returned and suggests that they are not benevolent beings.
• TERRAFORMING: STÄDTE IM WELTALL (Terraforming: Cities in Space) by Johannes von Buttlar discusses methods for making hostile celestial bodies habitable, including plans for lunar and Martian colonies, emphasizing the necessity of finding new living spaces due to population growth.
• DREAMLAND: Roman by Hilary Hemingway and J.P. Lindsay is described as a suspenseful novel exploring themes of Area-51, Roswell, and MJ-12, centered on an astronomer investigating miscarriages.
• DER GÖTTERPLAN: Außerirdische Zeugnisse bei Maya und Hopi (The God Plan: Extraterrestrial Testimonies among Maya and Hopi) by Peter Fiebag is praised for its in-depth research into pre-astronautic theories concerning the Maya and Hopi cultures, suggesting a non-random developmental plan for these civilizations.
• ATLANTIS: MYTHOS ODER WIRKLICHKEIT (Atlantis: Myth or Reality) by Murry Hope compiles theories about the lost continent of Atlantis, though the reviewer notes that it sometimes ventures into speculation and quotes from 'prophets' and 'seers.'
• DIE GEHEIME REGIERUNG: AUSSERIRDISCHE SIND GELANDET (The Secret Government: Extraterrestrials Have Landed) by Georg Segal is presented as a controversial brochure alleging US government cooperation with aliens and conspiracy theories involving the CIA and population control.
• UFOS IN THE NEW AGE: Extraterrestrial Messages & the Truth of Scipture by William M. Alnor is reviewed. Alnor, a fundamentalist Christian, argues that alleged extraterrestrials are actually demons.
• JOURNEY INTO LIGHT by Jeanne C. Baker and Joseph A. Madera is described as a book exploring spiritual and extraterrestrial themes, including alien reincarnation and the nature of the afterlife.
• WITHOUT CONSENT: A Comprehensive Survey of Missing-Time and Abduction Phenomena in the UK by Carl Nagaitis & Philip Mantle is critiqued as a superficial work on abduction experiences.
• CLOSE EXTRATERRESTRIAL ENCOUNTERS: Positive Experiences With Mysterious Visitors by Richard J. Boylan and Lee K. Boylan is discussed. The authors present abduction cases as potentially positive spiritual experiences, with an ecological and pacifist message from the 'Greys.'
• CONCLUSIONS ON OPERATION MAJESTIC TWELVE by Kevin D. Randle concludes that the MJ-12 documents are likely forgeries, similar to the 'Aquarius-Telex' and 'Cutler-Twining-Memorandum.'

Software and Other Items

• RED SHIFT: A multimedia CD-ROM software for exploring the universe, offering a planetarium, astronomical data, and videos.
• Ballon-UFO am Himmel (Balloon UFO in the Sky): The company 'Airstar' produces internally illuminated balloons used for advertising, some reaching up to 4 meters in diameter.
• Verstorben (Deceased): The issue notes the passing of several prominent figures in UFO research: John Magor, Elisabeth Klarer, Rho Sigma (Dr. Ing. Rolf Schaffranke), and Leonard H. Stringfield.
• Mailbox für UFO-Interessierte: Information is provided about the DREAMLAND BBS, a mailbox service for UFO enthusiasts.
• ZENTRALE MELDESTELLE FÜR UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN: A contact number for reporting UFO sightings.
• MAGAZIN FÜR GRENZWISSENSCHAFTEN: An advertisement for a magazine covering various fringe science topics.
• RARITÄT: An offer to sell classic UFO books, the Condon Report and Edward J. Ruppelt's report.
• GEP-SONDERHEFTE: A list of special publications available from GEP.
• DIA-SERIEN: A series of visual presentations on UFO-related topics.
• JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG: Subscription information for the journal.
• SONSTIGES, NEUERSCHEINUNGEN: Miscellaneous items and new releases.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor include:

• Jochen Ickinger discusses "Sky-Tracker" light effects, noting their use by circuses and their potential misidentification as UFOs. He also comments on the classification of "PROBLEMATIC UFO" cases.
• Albert Budden clarifies his book's premise, stating it attempts to explain some UFO sightings through electromagnetic fields and allergies, not as a simplification of all UFO reports.
• Karla Turner corrects a misrepresentation of her views in a previous review, emphasizing that she does not believe aliens are helping humanity.
• Michael Hesemann expresses dismay at a hateful letter regarding his book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently maintains a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It prioritizes factual reporting, scientific analysis, and the debunking of hoaxes and misidentifications, as seen in the detailed analysis of the 'UFO formation' photo. However, it also provides a platform for various theories, including pre-astronautics and alien contact, often through book reviews and reader contributions. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a skeptical examination of claims, while acknowledging the enduring mystery of the UFO phenomenon. The journal also serves as a hub for the German UFO research community, listing contact information, publications, and events.