JUFOF - Issue 103 - 1996 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), number 103, from January/February 1996, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., is dedicated to the investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena. The magazine features a mix of detailed case studies, discussions, and literature reviews, with a strong focus on sightings reported in the Hameln region of Germany.

Cover Story: UFO-Beobachtungen

The cover highlights several UFO sightings and related topics. The main headline teases "Die Nagora-Fotos: Artistische Manipulationen?" by Rudolf Henke. Other featured articles include "UFO-Beobachtungen" by Hans-Werner Peiniger, detailing multiple sightings in Hameln, and "Obduktion eines Außerirdischen? Kritisches zum 'Santilli-Film'" by Achim Th. Schäfer, which critically examines the controversial 'Alien Autopsy Film'. A literature section lists several relevant books and videos.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The issue includes standard publication details: ISSN 0723-7766, Volume 17, Number 1, dated January/February 1996, with a cover price of DM 5.00. The publisher, GEP e.V., is described as a non-profit scientific association dedicated to UFO research. The editorial section, "Liebe Leser!", addresses the ongoing debate surrounding the 'Alien Autopsy Film' and mentions an upcoming NDR report on UFOs. It also acknowledges reader feedback on previous articles and emphasizes the magazine's role as a discussion forum.

Key Articles and Case Studies

1. UFO-Beobachtungen: Fall-Nummer 19930911 A (Hameln)

This case involves Roswitha W. and her daughter Marion W. who, while on a driving lesson, observed a pulsating yellow and red light object resembling a 'Brummkreisel'. The object caused the car's radio to fail and the engine to lose power. The driving instructor, Herr F., initially appeared unresponsive but later commented on the car's slow speed. The object was described as having a red light at the bottom and emitting a pulsating yellow light from 'windows'. The experience lasted about 4 minutes, and the car's interior was illuminated by a blue light. The witnesses later searched the area but found no physical traces.

2. UFO-Beobachtungen: Fall-Nummer 19900806 A (Aerzen)

Heinz Zacharias reported observing a large, luminous rectangular shape, five times the size of the full moon, hovering over the cooling towers of the Grohnde nuclear power plant. The object, illuminated by neon-like light, was stationary for about 3 minutes before dissolving. Zacharias, a businessman, does not believe it was a UFO but rather a meteorological phenomenon, possibly related to the power plant's emissions or atmospheric conditions.

3. UFO-Beobachtungen: Fall-Nummer 19900807-02 (Hameln)

Irma K. (76) reported observing a large, dark object with a transparent upper section and a red glow on its lower half. The object moved slowly and emitted a flame-like propulsion from its underside. She described it as box-like, with a rounded rear, and estimated its altitude at 30-50 meters. The observation lasted 2-3 minutes. The GEP classified this as a 'Problematic UFO' but leans towards a meteorological explanation.

4. UFO-Beobachtungen: Fall-Nummer 19910227 A (Hameln-Holtensen)

Manfred P. observed a bright, elliptical light with a red edge, resembling a jellyfish, which descended diagonally over Holtensen. The object was visible for about half an hour and was described as brighter than the North Star. The GEP suggests it could have been a model hot-air balloon or possibly the planet Venus.

5. UFO-Beobachtungen: Fall-Nummer 19900916 A (Hameln)

Marion W. and her mother Roswitha W. reported seeing a rapidly moving, bright red-green light that descended vertically and then dissolved. They initially thought it was a shooting star but were struck by its intensity and unusual movement. The object was described as round, wider at the top, and emitting a strong light. The GEP classified this as 'NL / NEAR IFO' and considered a pyrotechnic device as a possible explanation.

6. UFO-Forscher wollen Hamelner Flugobjekt identifizieren

This article discusses the GEP's investigation into the luminous rectangular object observed by Heinz Zacharias (Fall-Nummer 19900806 A). Hans-Werner Peiniger, chairman of the GEP, states that most observed objects can be explained by misinterpretations of natural phenomena, such as aircraft lights, weather balloons, or industrial emissions. The GEP aims to clarify misunderstandings and has been recognized as a public benefit organization for its educational work.

7. Helles Objekt am Holtenser Himmel

This newspaper clipping from the 'Deister- und Weserzeitung' reports on Manfred P.'s (identified as Otto Mueller in the article) sighting of a bright, lens-shaped object with a red tail over Holtensen. Experts from the Sternwarte Bochum and the GEP suggest it could be a weather balloon or a small hot-air balloon, respectively. The article also mentions a previous incident in 1989 involving a hot-air balloon that triggered a large search and rescue operation.

Discussion and Evaluation Sections

Each case study includes a "Diskussion und Bewertung" section where the GEP analyzes the evidence, considers possible explanations (including meteorological phenomena, aircraft, and pyrotechnics), and classifies the sighting. For instance, the 19900916 A case is classified as 'NL / NEAR IFO' with a pyrotechnic device considered a possibility, while the 19900806 A case is attributed to meteorological conditions related to the nuclear power plant. The GEP emphasizes its scientific approach to investigating these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around detailed eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, primarily in the Hameln region. The GEP's editorial stance is one of scientific investigation, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of phenomena that remain unidentified. The magazine promotes open discussion and encourages readers to submit their own observations. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between misidentified natural phenomena and potentially genuine, unexplained events. The GEP positions itself as a credible source for UFO research, working with authorities and providing a platform for public education on the subject.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), issue 103 from 1/96, is primarily dedicated to critical analysis of UFO-related evidence and research methodologies. It features in-depth articles on photographic analysis, alleged alien encounters, and book reviews, alongside reader correspondence.

Article: The Nagora Photos - Artistic Manipulations? Part 3

This section, authored by Rudolf Henke, critically examines the Nagora photo series. It highlights inconsistencies in the object's angles relative to the photographer and its supposed flight path, suggesting these are "gross perspective errors." The author questions why the UFO was never photographed from an angle showing its full disc. The analysis points to a "throw model hypothesis," where the object might have been thrown and not in continuous flight, leading to the observed inconsistencies. The article also notes a "typical blur effect" in some photos, similar to what can be achieved with a deliberately distorted object, suggesting the Nagora object might be a hubcap or similar item.

Article: Autopsy of an Extraterrestrial? Critiques of the "Santilli Film"

Authored by Achim Th. Schäfer, this article provides a detailed critique of the controversial "Santilli Film," which purports to show the autopsy of an alien. The author meticulously describes the "being" depicted, noting its human-like anatomy with only minor deviations such as six fingers and toes, and an enlarged abdomen. Schäfer argues that most of these features can be explained by decomposition processes in a human corpse, or by a severe congenital malformation like Akrozephalopolysyndaktylie-Syndrom. He strongly refutes the extraterrestrial claim, emphasizing that the autopsy technique shown is a "pathological autopsy," which requires prior anatomical knowledge of the subject. Since the subject is allegedly alien, such knowledge would be impossible, making the film's premise flawed. The article concludes that the film does not depict an alien autopsy but rather a staged event, possibly using a puppet.

Book Reviews and Literature

The issue includes several book reviews and literature summaries:

• "DER FALL ANDREASSON" by Raymond E. Fowler: Reviewed as a classic on abduction phenomena, detailing the alleged abduction of Betty Andreasson in 1967. The review notes the book's detailed documentation and hypnotic regression protocols, while acknowledging potential criticisms and the subjective nature of belief in such events.

• "DIE ALLAGASH ENTFÜHRUNGEN" by Raymond E. Fowler: This review highlights Fowler's previous work and presents this book as further evidence of alleged alien intervention. It discusses the case of four men abducted in the Allagash wilderness in 1976, noting the memory gaps and subsequent hypnosis sessions that revealed details about alien interest in human reproduction.

• "DER UFO-ABSTURZ BEI CORONA" by Stanton T. Friedman and Don Berliner: This book is presented as a revealing account of the alleged UFO crash near Roswell, USA, and its subsequent cover-up by the U.S. military. The review praises the book's thoroughness, interviews with over 100 witnesses, and inclusion of declassified documents, calling it a careful and current investigation.

• "Satelliten der Götter" by Hartwig Hausdorf and Peter Krassa: This review discusses a journey to China to search for pre-astronautic evidence. While acknowledging the authors' insights into Chinese culture and archaeology, the reviewer finds their interpretation of artifacts as evidence of alien satellites to be "over the top" and "hastily conceived." The book is described more as a travelogue than a scientific work.

• "STERNSCHNUPPEN" by Jürgen Rendtel: This book is recommended for its clear explanation of meteors and their phenomena, filling a gap in literature for UFO investigators. It covers the origins, appearance, and observation of meteors, including fireballs which are often mistaken for UFOs.

• "UFOs: GEHEIMNISSE DER SCHWARZEN WELT" (Video Documentary by Michael Hesemann): This video is reviewed as a comprehensive collection of material on Area 51, featuring interviews with key witnesses like nuclear physicist Robert Lazar. While the reviewer finds the included original footage of moving lights unconvincing (interpreting some as kites), he acknowledges Hesemann's effort in compiling witness testimonies and UFO photos/videos.

Letters to the Editor

The "LESERBRIEFE" section features several contentious exchanges:

• Letter from Franz Seidl regarding the Greifswald sighting: Seidl defends his skepticism about a simple explanation for the Greifswald sighting, citing a Luftwaffe Hauptmann's statement that military illumination or flares do not match the observed characteristics. He criticizes the GEP's tendency to dismiss cases due to insufficient data.

• Response from Gerald Mosbleck (GEP): Mosbleck thanks Seidl for his clarification but reiterates that the GEP works with any group open to cooperation and free of ideology. He defends the GEP's approach of investigating and debunking alleged UFOs, stating their goal is to separate fact from fiction, not to prove the existence of UFOs.

• Letter from Corinna Blöß: Blöß expresses astonishment at the GEP's focus on explaining away UFO sightings as balloons or light effects, accusing them of actively trying to disprove UFO existence rather than researching the phenomenon. She criticizes the GEP for dismissing her own sighting as having "insufficient data" and suggests the organization should be renamed to reflect its focus on debunking.

• Response from Gerald Mosbleck (GEP): Mosbleck clarifies that the GEP researches the UFO phenomenon broadly, not just alleged alien spacecraft. He defends their methodology, stating that uncovering a hoax proves only that specific case is not extraterrestrial. He dismisses Blöß's understanding of research as "amateurish" and clarifies that the GEP does not aim to prove or disprove ET presence but to investigate phenomena.

• Letter from Michael Hesemann: Hesemann responds to a review of his work, criticizing the media outlets mentioned (Extra, Hautnah, Stern TV) for misrepresenting his findings and portraying him as greedy. He clarifies his stance on the Santilli film, stating he believed it to be a hoax and that Stern TV selectively edited his comments.

• Letter from Hesemann regarding Dr. Johannes Fiebag: Hesemann criticizes Fiebag's association with a right-wing publisher (Grabert/Hohenrain), citing the publisher's alleged antisemitic and Holocaust-denying stance. Hesemann questions Fiebag's judgment and political leanings based on this association, and also challenges Fiebag's promotion of Billy Meier's teachings.

• Response from Gerhard Cerven (DEGUFO) to Hesemann: Cerven addresses Hesemann's points, denying that DEGUFO is an "opposing group." He questions Hesemann's business acumen and criticizes his handling of the Santilli film screening, suggesting Hesemann's actions led to the need for an additional venue. Cerven also defends DEGUFO's right to charge for videos and events.

• Statement from Stefan Rickes (MG-Redaktion) regarding Dr. Fiebag: Rickes defends the JUFOF's review of Fiebag's book, stating that the critique was based on the material provided by Ulrich Magin and that Fiebag can request the full documentation. He also comments on Fiebag's increasingly negative tone and word choice.

• Letter from Ulrich Magin: Magin directly refutes Fiebag's claims, labeling them as lies. He clarifies his position on "racism" and "right-wing radicalism," distinguishing between Fiebag's personal stance and his association with a controversial publisher. Magin details the alleged extremist views of the Grabert/Hohenrain publishing house and its personnel, questioning Fiebag's defense of publishing with them.

Other Sections

• "Bezugsquellen" (Sources): Lists publishers and distributors for UFO-related literature and videos.
• "GEP-SONDERHEFTE" (GEP Special Issues): Lists available special publications from GEP e.V.
• "DIA-SERIEN" (Slide Series): Offers slide sets on various UFO-related topics.
• "Bücher zu verkaufen" (Books for Sale): A list of used books available for purchase.
• "UFO DATABASE MAPPING AND RESEARCH TOOL": Information about a shareware UFO database.
• "Neue Mitglieder" (New Members): Welcomes new members to GEP e.V.
• "Prozeß geht in 2. Runde" (Lawsuit enters 2nd round): Reports on a legal case involving MUFON-CES and Rudolf Henke.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are critical analysis of UFO evidence, the distinction between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misidentifications, and debates over research methodologies. The editorial stance, as represented by GEP e.V., is one of skepticism and a commitment to rigorous, evidence-based investigation, aiming to clarify rather than sensationalize UFO reports. There is a clear emphasis on debunking unsubstantiated claims and promoting a scientific approach to the subject.