JUFOF - Issue 110 - 1997 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (ISSN 0723-7766, Number 2, 1997, Volume 18, Heft 110) from the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V. covers a range of UFO sightings, case studies, and analyses. The cover prominently features a "NEUERSCHEINUNG!" (New Release!) of the book "Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens" by Craig Roberts, which explores psychological theories related to UFO phenomena.

Featured Articles and Case Studies

"Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens" by Craig Roberts

This section introduces a new GEP special publication (Sonderheft 16) that delves into psychological theories attempting to explain UFO and abduction phenomena. Roberts examines two main approaches: one focusing on witness personality traits like fantasy proneness and psychopathology, and another postulating a connection between geology and psychology through electrical brain stimulation. The author aims to encourage scientific acceptance of such research.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section presents several documented UFO sightings with detailed analyses:

• Hamburg, 29.07.1995 (Fall-Nummer: 19950729 A): A formation of seven round, white-light-emitting objects was observed for 10 seconds, exhibiting erratic movement and high speed. The GEP classified this as a "NEAR IFO" (Near Identified Flying Object), suggesting it might have been an unusual aircraft.
• Biersdorf, 14.07.1996 (Fall-Nummer: 19960714 B): A witness photographed a strange white 'dot' that appeared briefly in the sky. Analysis of the photograph suggested it might be a reflection of sunlight, possibly from a distant object.
• Veitshöchheim, 23.07.1991 (Fall-Nummer: 19910723 A): Newspaper reports describe a "burning ball" observed in the night sky, larger than the full moon, with fluid contours. The GEP identified this as likely a model hot-air balloon, with other similar sightings on July 13th potentially being reflections from a light effect device.
• Freiburg Seeparkgelände, 27.07.1996 (Fall-Nummer: 19960727 A & B): Multiple witnesses reported seeing a luminous point, initially thought to be a tethered balloon, which moved at high speed and changed direction. The GEP classified these as IFOs, with one possibility being a model hot-air balloon and another a fireball.
• Geseke, 17.01.1997 (Fall-Nummer: 19970117 A): A witness observed a point-like object moving in a straight line. The GEP identified this as likely an aircraft, possibly a landing light.

"Unheimliche Begegnung der Dritten Art in Österreich" by Wladislaw Raab

This article details a CE III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) incident reported from Drossendorf, Austria. A pensioner claimed to have filmed a UFO landing, observed two figures, and found scorched earth. However, further investigation by the journal revealed the 'UFO' in the video was a reflection of the witness himself, and the 'scorched earth' was likely caused by diesel fuel, suggesting a hoax or misinterpretation.

"Zwei Jäger und ein UFO im Allgäu!" by Reinhard Fischer

This report recounts a sighting from the early 1960s by two hunters in the Allgäu region of Germany. They observed a bright, pulsating light on the ground that then lifted off and moved towards their car at high speed. The object was described as large, silent, and emitting a strange energy. The witness, Anton S., has consistently reported this experience for decades, emphasizing its profound impact.

"Nichts gesehen..." by Rudolf Henke

This case involves a witness, Franz S., who reported seeing a large, dark object with numerous bulges and tubes moving silently over a crossroads near Mannheim in May 1995. His account was highly agitated and contradictory. Further investigation, including interviewing his companion, revealed significant discrepancies. The journal concludes that the witness likely experienced a hallucination, possibly triggered by seeing aircraft lights, and that his account may be influenced by his interest in science fiction.

"Die Wahren X-Akten" - Conference Report by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This report covers a conference held in Düsseldorf on February 22, 1997, focusing on the TV series "The X-Files" and UFO research. Speakers included Michael Hesemann (presenting KGB UFO files), Dr. Bruce Maccabee (discussing UFO photo analysis), and Nick Pope (former UFO contact for the British Ministry of Defence). The report notes that while Hesemann presented some interesting material, some explanations were questionable. Maccabee's presentation on the "Gulf Breeze" material was found unconvincing. Pope provided an overview of his work, highlighting that most cases had conventional explanations, with only a few remaining unexplained, such as the Rendlesham Forest incident.

"UFO über dem Freiburger Seeparkgelände" by Andreas Birkenberger

This article details a sighting on July 27, 1996, in Freiburg, Germany, where multiple witnesses observed a luminous point described as a "burning tethered balloon." The object moved at high speed and changed direction. The investigation suggests the phenomenon was likely a reflection from a light effect device or a model hot-air balloon.

"UFO in Veitshöchheim?" and "Unbekanntes Flugobjekt schon vorher gesichtet" (Newspaper Excerpts)

These excerpts from local newspapers report on a sighting in Veitshöchheim on July 23, 1991, of a "burning ball" in the night sky. Subsequent reports indicate similar sightings on July 13th, with one witness describing a luminous sphere above the clouds. The GEP suggests these were likely reflections from a light effect device.

"Der Pfarrer der UFO-Gemeinde: 'Ich glaube an außerirdische Kräfte'"

This article discusses a reported UFO landing in Drosendorf, Austria, by a pensioner named Rolf Slama. An expert was sent to collect soil samples, and the video was sent for analysis. The local priest, Robert Fonteyne, expresses belief in extraterrestrial forces. The article also briefly mentions other historical UFO sightings in Austria and Germany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently emphasizes the importance of critical analysis and objective investigation of UFO reports. It frequently distinguishes between potential misidentifications (IFO - Identified Flying Object), cases with insufficient data (NL - Not Classified), and truly unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly in Hans-Werner Peiniger's "Liebe Leser!" (Dear Readers!) section, advocates for a more factual and less emotionally charged UFO community in Germany, urging researchers to remain objective, admit errors, and engage in respectful dialogue. The journal aims to provide a platform for serious UFO research, distinguishing itself from sensationalism.

Themes: UFO Sightings, Case Studies, Analysis, Psychology of Witnessing, Skepticism, Hoax Detection.

Tags: UFO, Unidentified Flying Object, Sighting, Case Report, Analysis, Witness Testimony, Germany, Austria, Psychology, Skepticism, Hoax, Misidentification, GEP, Journal für UFO-Forschung, 1997.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Issue 110, 2/97) focuses on the potential psychological and pharmacological explanations for UFO close encounters, alongside reviews of books and software related to UFO research and the paranormal. The magazine maintains a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims while exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon.

Medikationen als Ursache für UFO-Nahbegegnungen?

Authored by Helmut Poppenborg, this article explores the possibility that medications taken by individuals could be the cause of reported UFO close encounters. Poppenborg highlights that certain common medications, such as nasal drops (Xylometazolin, Oxymetazolin, Tramazolin) for children, can induce hallucinations of spiders and mice. More significantly, tricyclic antidepressants like Clomipramine and Imipramine are discussed for their potential to cause psychosis-like states and hallucinations in both children and adults. In severe cases, these can even induce complete schizophrenia. The article notes that antidepressants are sometimes misused for treating enuresis (bedwetting) in children, which is considered a form of bodily harm. Certain antiepileptic drugs, like Hydantoins (e.g., Diphenylhydantoin), are also implicated in causing psychotic effects, hallucinations, and severe psychoses, sometimes leading to violent behavior in patients. In such instances, neuroleptic medication, such as Haloperidol, might be necessary to manage the psychotic symptoms. Poppenborg emphasizes that while these side effects are often reversible, they can lay the groundwork for endogenous schizophrenia. He cautions against automatically attributing UFO experiences to psychosis, as this can lead to stigmatization and negative consequences for the individual, particularly given instances of psychiatric abuse in German-speaking countries. The article also touches upon the presence of UFO-related delusional content in schizophrenic patients, suggesting a societal influence on the themes of their delusions.

Book and Software Reviews

DIE WAHREN X-AKTEN: Das Buch der unerklärlichen Phänomene, Band 1 by Jane Goldman is reviewed by Reinhard Kloth. The book is described as an entertaining journey through unexplained phenomena, using episodes from the X-Files series as a hook. It provides a bibliography for further research and is recommended for those intrigued by the X-Files. The review notes that the book is 352 pages long and published by vgs verlagsgesellschaft in 1996.

JOURNAL OF UFO STUDIES, Vol. 6 is reviewed by -hwp-. This issue from CUFOS (The J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies) features several interesting articles. Psychiatrist David A. Gotlib discusses therapeutic strategies for UFO abduction cases. Psychologist Stuart Appelle critically evaluates theories explaining the abduction phenomenon. Physicist Jack Kasher analyzes a video from the Space Shuttle Discovery showing anomalous objects. Michael D. Sword critically reviews the Condon Report and the work of Donald E. Keyhoe. The review notes that apart from the Discovery film analysis, the volume contains valuable contributions to UFO research.

DIE UNERMESSLICHKEIT DES SEINS: Autobiographie über Kontakte mit außerirdischen Intelligenzen by Karin and Reiner Feistle is reviewed by -hwp-. The book details the experiences of the Feistle couple, who claim to have been abducted by extraterrestrial intelligences. The reviewer notes that the book presents their experiences in a coherent manner, but expresses skepticism about their groundedness due to their strong leaning towards esoteric beliefs. The reviewer also points out Reiner Feistle's recommendation of books by Jan van Helsing, which have been labeled as racist.

PECHVOGEL PYRAMIDE by Bernd Harder is reviewed by Gerhard Cerven. Harder, a journalist, critically examines phenomena such as clairvoyance, electromagnetic smog, UFO photos, and communication with the deceased. The book aims to provide a clear and understandable overview of these topics without demonizing the paranormal or UFO research. It challenges established Egyptology and offers new explanations for ancient mysteries.

DATEI X: Online zu den ungelösten Rätseln dieser Welt by Ulrich Dopatka is reviewed by -hwp-. This book provides an overview of information sources available on the internet for those interested in the paranormal and UFO research. It highlights how the internet can be used to find information on topics like crop circles, UFOs, and the Roswell crash.

• SOFTWARE reviews include:
• SATELLITEN-FOTOS Deutschland-Gesamtausgabe: A CD-ROM set containing satellite photos of numerous German cities, useful for UFO case investigations.
• WebEdit Pro 2.0: A powerful web page design software for Windows, offering numerous features for both beginners and advanced users.
• CyberSky™™: An astronomy software for Windows that provides a simplified view of the night sky, including planets and phases of the moon.
• DEEP SPACE: The Observer's Guide to the Night Sky: A comprehensive astronomy software for semi-professional astronomers, offering detailed data on stars and celestial objects.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

This section features several letters:

Michael Hesemann, Düsseldorf, addresses accusations made against him, particularly by Uli Thieme. Hesemann defends his research on the Popovich photo and the Montreal model, refutes claims of misrepresenting information, and clarifies his academic background and the use of his income for research. He also criticizes Thieme's interpretations and calls for a public apology.

Rudolf Henke, Sandhausen, responds to letters from M. Hesemann and S. Raab. Henke criticizes Hesemann's justifications as evasive and argues that Hesemann selectively presents evidence, often misinterpreting or misrepresenting UFO photos and cases to support his claims. He accuses Hesemann of twisting facts and questions his credibility.

Helmut Poppenborg, Münster, comments on the "Hill Star Map" (JUFOF 1/97). He argues that the idea of established routes or trade routes between stars is trivial, as advanced civilizations would likely have advanced propulsion and resource management capabilities. Poppenborg suggests that the depiction of trade routes is a product of confabulation under hypnosis, rather than a genuine representation of an advanced civilization.

UFOLOGIE: Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen

This section reviews Dieter von Reeken's book "UFOLOGIE: Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen." The book, first published in 1981 and reissued, aims to provide clear information on UFOs and debunk myths. It covers the history of ufology, UFO sightings, UFO photos, and alleged contactees, with citations provided. The review notes that the text has been reset for better readability.

GEP-Sonderhefte and Fotomechanische Nachdrucke

This section lists various special publications and reprints available from GEP, covering topics such as the Condon Report, UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and historical UFO-related texts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of UFO phenomena, exploring potential psychological and pharmacological explanations, and scrutinizing the evidence presented by researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, emphasizing the need for rigorous analysis and evidence-based conclusions, while still acknowledging the complexity and enduring mystery of the UFO topic. There is a clear effort to distinguish between genuine research and unsubstantiated claims or esoteric interpretations.