JUFOF - Issue 102 - 1995 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUFOF Journal für UFO-Forschung (Number 6, 1995, Year 16) is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., a German non-profit organization dedicated to UFO research. The magazine features a variety of articles, including UFO sighting reports, photographic analysis, and discussions on the nature of the UFO phenomenon. The cover prominently highlights reports from Brandenburg, Germany, with the headline "Brandenburger schwören: Wir haben Ufos gesehen!" (Brandenburgers swear: We have seen UFOs!).

Editorial Stance and Key Themes

The editorial, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, addresses the shift in media coverage from UFO sightings to alleged alien abductions. Peiniger expresses skepticism towards abduction claims, suggesting they might be influenced by media sensationalism and psychological factors. He emphasizes that JUFOF's focus remains on "conventional" UFO observations, photos, and landing traces, rather than abduction experiences, which he believes require different expertise, possibly from psychologists. This stance highlights a critical and evidence-based approach to UFO research, distinguishing it from more sensationalist aspects of the field.

UFO Sightings and Case Reports

The issue presents several documented UFO sightings from Germany, categorized by case number, date, time, location, witness(es), classification (NL/IFO - Not Identified / Identified Flying Object), and investigation status. These include:

• Case 1983/1984 (Leegebruch): A witness describes a bright, flat, round disc with three large lights, emitting a neutral light, hovering near an autobahn.
• Case 19950917 A (Bad Oeynhausen-Volmerstein): Lights described as 'cotton balls' were seen rotating around a central point and disappearing/reappearing.
• Case 19950310 A (Quedlinburg): A 14-year-old filmed a small, white, cloud-like object moving in the sky, resembling a dissipating contrail.
• Case 19950101 A (Hohenthurm): A witness reported a round, bright light moving slowly and emitting a soft orange glow with a humming sound.
• Case 19940827 A (Malsfeld-Elfershausen): Witnesses reported a circular object with internal light spots, described as a 'round cloud formation,' which rotated and vanished abruptly.
• Case 19940814 A (Twiste): Several witnesses observed a disc-shaped, funnel-shaped, luminous object with rapid circular movements, estimated to be 300 meters in diameter.
• Case 19950609 A (Döbra): Witnesses reported a large object descending into a forest, described as blinking with a rotating wheel.
• Case 19941030 A (Lindenberg): Witnesses reported strange light phenomena, including an oval object with rotating light spots and small tails.
• Case 19941112 A (Schwanebeck): Two students reported a yellow, rotating object resembling a 'New Year's Eve wheel.'
• Case 19941112 A (Schönwalde): A family reported a large, oval UFO with radiating edges moving with rhythmic, slow movements.

Many of these cases are classified as NL/IFO, with investigations often being closed due to insufficient data or likely explanations like light effect devices.

Analysis of the Nagora Photos

Rudolf Henke's article, "DIE NAGORA-FOTOS ARTISTISCHE MANIPULATIONEN? TEIL 2," critically examines a series of UFO photographs attributed to Rudi Nagora. Henke meticulously analyzes the photographic evidence, including the camera used (Agfa Click-I-Box), its technical specifications (negative size, focal length, aperture, shutter speed), and the resulting image characteristics like depth of field and potential for blur. He questions Nagora's account of the circumstances under which the photos were taken, particularly the date and weather conditions. Henke points out inconsistencies, such as the object appearing in the same part of the frame across multiple shots and the lack of clear reference points, suggesting that the photos might not depict genuine UFOs but rather a manipulated object, possibly a thrown model.

Henke's analysis focuses on several criteria: weather conditions, object environment, object locations, object movement, and image structures. He uses comparative analysis with other photo series and expert opinions to support his hypothesis that the Nagora photos are likely fabrications. He notes that the object's consistent appearance in the upper left quadrant of the frame, despite claims of erratic movement, contradicts the UFO hypothesis and aligns better with a thrown object model. He also highlights discrepancies in reported wind speeds versus meteorological data, suggesting the photos might have been taken on different days than claimed.

UFOs in Brandenburg and Niederbarnim

Several articles report on UFO sightings in the Brandenburg region. "Bernau bitte melden!" and "Brandenburger schwören: Wir haben Ufos gesehen" detail numerous reports from Lindenberg, Schwanebeck, Schönwalde, and Klosterfelde. Witnesses describe oval, rotating objects with radiating lights, some appearing to beam light from a 'barn' or house. The article "Die Scheune strahlte aus allen Ritzen“ (The Barn Radiated from All Seams) recounts experiences from Neu-Lindenberg and Schönwalde, where residents reported seeing strange, luminous objects. Despite the witnesses' conviction, the magazine presents potential explanations, including light effect devices and the possibility of misinterpretation, while also acknowledging the persistent nature of these reports.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a section on LITERATUR (Literature) and SOFTWARE - CDS, recommending books and digital content related to UFOs. GEP-INTERNA provides updates for members, including LESERBRIEFE (Letters to the Editor).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic, and the distinction between genuine sightings and potential hoaxes or misinterpretations. The GEP maintains a rigorous, scientific approach, emphasizing the need for verifiable data and rational explanations. The editorial stance clearly prioritizes empirical evidence over anecdotal accounts, especially concerning sensational claims like alien abductions, positioning JUFOF as a journal for serious, critical UFO research.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 102 from June 1995, delves into several key topics within the UFO and related fields. The cover prominently features the headline "CHALLENGE IST DA!" and announces new content on Ufology, Egyptology, Pre-Astronautics, and Popular/Borderline Sciences, with a special mention of the "CHALLENGE" magazine.

Analysis of Nagora Photographs

The issue dedicates significant space to a detailed analysis of a series of photographs taken by a witness named Nagora. The author meticulously examines the cloud structures and apparent object size variations across 12 images. By comparing cloud formations and estimating wind speeds, the analysis suggests that the time elapsed between shots might be longer than initially assumed, challenging the idea of rapid-fire photography. The core of the analysis revolves around the significant fluctuations in the object's apparent size, with measurements showing variations of up to 200% between different photos. This discrepancy is used to argue against simpler explanations and to suggest a substantial depth variation or movement of the object, potentially around 20 meters. The author refutes claims by other researchers (Ludwiger and Klein) regarding minimal size variation, presenting detailed measurements and calculations.

Wilhelm Reich: An Extraterrestrial Austrian?

A lengthy article explores the life and theories of Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian psychoanalyst who developed the concept of 'Orgon energy.' The article traces his early life, his break from Freudian psychoanalysis and the Communist Party, and his emigration to the USA. In Maine, Reich discovered Orgon energy, which he believed was a universal life force capable of healing diseases, including cancer. He developed devices like the 'Orgon Accumulator' and 'Cloudbuster' to harness this energy. The article also touches upon Reich's belief that UFOs produced 'Deadly Orgone Energy' (DOR) and his later paranoia about communist conspiracies and government persecution. It notes his conflict with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which led to his books being burned and his imprisonment, where he died in 1957. The article positions Reich as a martyr figure for various groups, including New Age adherents and ufologists, while acknowledging his potential paranoia and valuable discoveries. It reviews two new books on Reich: one by Jerome Greenfield, which critically examines the US government's case against Reich, and another by Franz Ferzak, described as more chaotic and satirical.

Critique of Esotericism and New Age

Another section, "Die esoterische Verführung" (The Esoteric Seduction) by Gerhard Kern and Lee Traynor, offers a critical perspective on the rise of New Age and esoteric movements. The authors argue that as traditional religion declines, these movements offer 'new paths to knowledge' and 'self-realization.' However, the book critically examines these claims, questioning their scientific basis and analyzing the underlying humanistic and societal models. The review concludes that these 'new forms of spirituality' do not fare well under scrutiny, often relying on outdated or disproven ideas and lacking a willingness to explain phenomena scientifically. The critique highlights problematic aspects such as authoritarian group structures and potentially racist tendencies within some New Age circles.

Book and Media Reviews

Several book and media reviews are featured:

• "Das Alien Imperium: UFO-Geheimnisse der USA" by Andreas von Rétyi is recommended for its exploration of alleged extraterrestrial intervention and secret US projects like 'Area 51.' The review notes its collection of material on the 'Bennewitz-Akte' and other alleged incidents.
• "Der jüngste Tag hat längst begonnen" by Erich von Däniken is reviewed, focusing on his search for the origins of messianic beliefs and his interpretation of ancient texts as evidence of extraterrestrial contact. The review also mentions Däniken's discussion of UFO sightings, floods, and fallen angels in antiquity.
• "The Roswell Film" is discussed, with a CD-ROM version of the controversial autopsy footage being reviewed. The review notes the CD-ROM's content, including video segments, historical overviews of Roswell, and general UFO information, but finds the introductions to be superficial.
• "UFOS - THE REAL STORY" CD-ROM, featuring Stanton T. Friedman, is presented as an introductory tool for PC users interested in UFOs, though it is noted for its lack of critical information and one-sided presentation.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes sections on:

• New Members: Welcoming new subscribers to the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.).
• GEP in the Media: Reporting on the GEP's involvement in media coverage, including the Fehrenbach case appearing in various magazines and TV programs.
• GEP Email Address: Providing contact information via email.
• Letters to the Editor: A letter from Dr. Johannes Fiebag responding to a review by Ulrich Magin, defending the GEP against accusations of racism.
• Jubilee Quiz Winners: Announcing the winners of a quiz held in a previous issue.
• Publisher Information: Listing addresses for various publishers and distributors of UFO-related literature.
• cenap-infoline: An advertisement for a UFO news service offering concise, up-to-date information.
• UFO - REPORT: An advertisement for a publication focusing on humanoid sightings and abductions.
• CHALLENGE: An announcement for a new magazine covering Ufology, Egyptology, and related fringe sciences.
• GEP Sonderhefte (Special Issues): A catalog of available GEP special publications on various UFO-related topics, including the Condon Report and bibliographies.
• Fotomechanische Nachdrucke (Photomechanical Reprints): Offering reprints of older works on UFOs and related topics.
• Dia-Serien (Slide Series): Listing available slide collections on UFO phenomena.
• Jahresabonnement (Annual Subscription): Information on subscribing to the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include rigorous analysis of UFO evidence, particularly photographic material, often challenging conventional interpretations and exposing perceived flaws in the work of other researchers. There is a strong critical stance towards pseudoscientific claims and New Age ideologies, advocating for a more rational and evidence-based approach. The journal also engages with the historical and cultural aspects of UFO phenomena, including figures like Wilhelm Reich and events like the Roswell incident. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to inform readers by presenting detailed analyses, diverse perspectives, and critiques of unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community and beyond.