JUFOF - Issue 101 - 1995 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUFOF - Journal für UFO-Forschung, number 101, dated September-October 1995, is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V. It is a German-language publication focusing on UFO research, with a price of DM 5.00.

Cover Story: The Nagora Photos

The cover prominently features the article "DIE NAGORA-FOTOS ARTISTISCHE MANIPULATIONEN? TEIL 1" by Rudolf Henke. The article critically examines the famous Nagora photographs, questioning their authenticity and suggesting they might be artistic manipulations. The cover also includes a stark black and white image related to the Nagora photo series, labeled "KRITISCH BETRACHTET" (Critically Examined) by Klaus Webner.

Editorial and Letters

In his "Liebe Leser!" (Dear Readers) column, Gerald Mosbleck thanks readers for their reactions to the 100th issue. He addresses the recent media frenzy surrounding the alleged "Roswell Autopsy Film," noting the mixed reactions from UFO researchers and skeptics. Mosbleck expresses concern about the sensationalism in media, citing the "Stern TV" program's handling of the Fehrenbach case as an example. He also introduces Rudolf Henke's analysis of the Nagora photos and mentions the MUFON-CES group's work.

UFO Observations and Case Documentations

The journal presents several documented UFO sightings, often classified as NL/IFO (Not Identified / Identified Flying Object), with detailed reports and discussions:

• Fall-Nummer: 1994 Ende (Hünfeld-Großenbach): A red point of light observed by Andreas B. was identified as a model hot-air balloon.
• Fall-Nummer: 19950716 A (Eschborn): Witnesses reported a circle of bright white lights moving at high speed, possibly a reflection from a light effect device, though the witnesses were not fully convinced.
• Fall-Nummer: 199111-- (Herne): Yvonne S. reported seeing seven bright lights forming a pyramid shape, initially moving slowly and then rapidly.
• Fall-Nummer: 198306-- (Cloppenburg): Matthias H. described a silent, Zeppelin-like object with multiple rows of lights moving over a highway at night.
• Fall-Nummer: 19950617 A (Großgmain): Barbara C. observed bright, diamond-shaped lights in the sky that became paler and disappeared.
• Fall-Nummer: 19950805 A (Offenbach): A round object changing color was seen hovering over a forest, identified as a model hot-air balloon.
• Fall-Nummer: 19950725 A (Markranstädt): An anonymous caller reported a hovering object, which police identified as a Lufthansa cargo plane.
• Fall-Nummer: 19950409 A (Mallorca): A cigar-shaped object in a photograph was identified as a photographic development error.

Special Articles

Der Zeugenbeweis aus juristischer Sicht (The Witness Testimony from a Legal Perspective)

Authored by Jochen Ickinger, this article critically examines the reliability of witness testimony in UFO research. Drawing parallels with legal proceedings and citing legal commentaries (ZPO), Ickinger argues that human perception is inherently subjective and prone to errors due to memory, individual biases, and psychological factors. He contends that ufologists often place too much trust in witness accounts without sufficient critical evaluation, suggesting that many UFO reports, lacking objective evidence, could be dismissed from the outset. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations of human perception.

Die Nagora-Fotos: Artistische Manipulationen? (The Nagora Photos: Artistic Manipulations?)

This multi-part series begins with Rudolf Henke's analysis. He references previous critical assessments by Adolf Geigenthaler and Klaus Webner. Webner, a UFO skeptic, had previously demonstrated that the Nagora photos could be replicated using a VW Beetle hubcap. Henke's article aims to further analyze the photos, referencing arguments from MUFON-CES and questioning the validity of claims that the photos are genuine UFO evidence. The article discusses the historical context of the Nagora photos, their alleged origin in 1971 by Rudi Nagora, and the connections between Nagora, Geigenthaler, and Adolf Schneider.

UFO ein Party-Ballon (UFO a Party Balloon)

This article from the Offenbach-Post newspaper explains a UFO sighting over Bieber on August 5, 1995. The object, initially described as a disk changing color, was identified as a party balloon that had escaped during a wedding celebration. The explanation also addresses the phenomenon of colored lights seen at night due to atmospheric conditions and sunlight.

Short Notes (Kurz Notiert)

• UFO Insurance: A report about a German insurance company offering coverage against UFO collisions, which was later warned against by consumer protection agencies.
• Alien Autopsy Reenacted: A report on an ARTE television documentary that recreated an alien autopsy, highlighting the possibilities of media manipulation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic and testimonial, and the skepticism towards sensational claims. The GEP, as the publisher, appears to adopt a rigorous, scientific approach, seeking rational explanations for reported phenomena and emphasizing the limitations of subjective evidence. The journal actively engages with and critiques common ufological narratives, such as the Nagora photos and the Roswell incident, by presenting counter-arguments and alternative explanations. The legal perspective on witness testimony underscores the journal's commitment to a fact-based, critical analysis of UFO reports.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 101, dated 5/95, is a German-language publication focusing on various aspects of UFOlogy, including case studies, book reviews, and organizational news. The cover prominently features the headline "WESEN AUS DEM WELTRAUM?" (Beings from Outer Space?) and advertises "Erste Dokumentation der Welt über fotografierte Ufonauten" (First documentation in the world of photographed Ufonauts).

The Nagora Case: A Critical Analysis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed and critical examination of the Nagora UFO sighting and photographic case. The article meticulously dissects multiple versions of Rudi Nagora's account, dating back to 1971, highlighting numerous inconsistencies and contradictions. These discrepancies are noted in the sequence of events, the perception of sounds (humming vs. whistling), the object's behavior (seamless back-and-forth movement versus jet-like speed), the presence of witnesses (wife, field workers), and the object's appearance and descent. The author, likely Hans Meiser, points out that the evolving narrative suggests potential embellishments or fabrications over time. The article also questions the credibility of Nagora, noting his known interest in UFOs and previous sightings, and contrasts his account with the more objective approach expected from scientific investigation. The lack of independent, verifiable witnesses and the failure to locate the actual photographic site are also emphasized as significant weaknesses in the case.

Alien Abduction: "GEHEIMES LEBEN" Reviewed

The magazine features a review of David M. Jacobs' book "GEHEIMES LEBEN" (Secret Life), which documents alleged alien abductions and the creation of hybrid beings. The reviewer acknowledges the detailed accounts but expresses skepticism, suggesting that dream-like elements and psychological factors might be at play. The review discusses the similarities in abduction narratives and questions whether these are truly extraterrestrial encounters or a form of psychological phenomenon, possibly influenced by media. It also touches upon the potential for misinterpreting common gynecological issues as signs of abduction.

Book Reviews and Thematic Explorations

Several book reviews offer insights into related topics:

• "WESEN AUS DEM WELTRAUM?" by Klaus Webner: This book is presented as the first documentation of photographed Ufonauts, featuring 93 photo illustrations of creatures and corpses.
• "JENSEITS DES IRDISCHEN" by Avalon Verlag: This magazine aims to appeal to those interested in the mystical and extraordinary, covering topics beyond conventional explanations.
• "UFOS: Wahn oder Wirklichkeit?" by Avalon Verlag: This publication likely explores the reality of UFOs.
• "UFOS DATABASE MAPPING AND RESEARCH TOOL" by Larry Hatch Software: A shareware tool containing UFO cases from 1952-1953.
• "THE REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS" by Ruppelt: A classic work on UFO research.
• "DIE FORSCHUNG NACH AUSSERIRDISCHEM LEBEN" by Eugster: Focuses on the search for extraterrestrial life.
• "LEBEN UNTER FERNEN SONNEN?" by Fuchs: Explores life under distant suns.
• "WAREN DIE GÖTTER ASTRONAUTEN?" by Khuon: Discusses the ancient astronaut theory.
• "ICH LIEBE DIE GANZE WELT" by v. Däniken: A work by Erich von Däniken.
• "CONDON-REPORT" (Excerpts): Scientific investigation into UFOs.
• "Gibt es wirklich Fliegende Untertassen?" by Cohen: A discussion on the existence of flying saucers.
• "Bibliographie über Außerird. Leben, UFOs, 1703-1990" by v. Reeken: A comprehensive bibliography.
• "Das UFO-Rätsel" by Smith/Havas: An exploration of the UFO enigma.
• "Ufologie" by v. Reeken: A work on the study of UFOs.
• "H. Oberth und die UFO-Forschung" by v. Reeken: Focuses on Hermann Oberth's connection to UFO research.
• "Geheimnisse im Weltall" by Trent: A children's book about space mysteries.
• "Ist Mars ein bewohnter Planet?" by Plassmann: Discusses the possibility of Mars being inhabited.
• "Fliegende Untertassen - Ja oder Nein?" by Schöpfer: Explores the question of flying saucers.
• "DAS RÄTSEL DER MARIENERSCHEINUNGEN" by Thomas Ritter: This book is reviewed critically, suggesting that Ritter interprets Marian apparitions as manipulations by extraterrestrial intelligence. The review points out factual inaccuracies and selective use of evidence in Ritter's arguments, particularly regarding the apparitions at Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima.
• "ERSCHEINUNGEN UND BOTSCHAFTEN DER GOTTESMUTTER MARIA" by Gottfried Hierzenberger and Otto Nedomansky: This extensive documentation of Marian apparitions is presented as a resource for checking the hypothesis of similarities between religious visions and abduction experiences. However, the review notes that the book's source citations are weak, and it contains geographical and chronological errors.
• "BIOASTRONOMIE" by Jean Heidmann: This book is reviewed as a work on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and the scientific study of life in the universe. It distinguishes between scientific SETI efforts and the less rigorous UFO phenomenon.
• "DAS MONTAUK PROJEKT" by Preston B. Nichols and Peter Moon: This book, which is not directly about UFOs, is reviewed as a speculative account of alleged time travel and psychic experiments, drawing parallels to the "Philadelphia Experiment." The reviewer criticizes it for relying on rumors and science fiction rather than hard facts.

Other Sections

• Letters to the Editor (Leserbriefe): Includes correspondence from Uli Thieme regarding a dispute with Hesemann, Olaf Menze congratulating the journal on its 100th issue and commenting on the Fehrenbach case, and Manfred Thomas discussing the philosophical and existential implications of the UFO phenomenon.
• GEP in the Media: Reports on GEP's involvement in a TV segment for "Stern TV" concerning the Fehrenbach case.
• GEP in Sulzbach: Details a UFO event organized by DEGUFO e.V., noting commercial aspects and a dispute involving Michael Hesemann and the Roswell autopsy film.
• New Members: Welcomes new members to GEP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of UFO evidence, particularly witness testimony and photographic documentation. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between rigorous scientific investigation and speculative or pseudoscientific interpretations. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, encouraging critical thinking and demanding verifiable evidence. The review of the Nagora case exemplifies this approach, dissecting inconsistencies and questioning the reliability of the witness. The exploration of alien abductions and religious visions also reflects a desire to understand these phenomena through a more grounded, analytical lens, while acknowledging their complexity and the psychological dimensions involved. The publication also highlights the importance of inter-organizational communication within the UFO research community, as noted in the letter from Olaf Menze.