JUFOF - Issue 112 - 1997 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUFOF Journal für UFO-Forschung, number 4 of 1997 (Volume 18), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e. V., focuses on the human aspect of the UFO phenomenon and presents numerous sighting reports from Germany. The cover story, "Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens" by Craig Roberts, delves into psychological approaches to understanding UFOs and abductions.

Articles and Features

Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens by Craig Roberts

This special GEP issue (Sonderheft 16) explores how psychology has engaged with UFO and abduction research. Roberts examines two main theories: one focusing on witness personality traits like Fantasy Proneness and Psychopathology, and another proposing an electrical stimulation of the brain that connects geology and psychology. The author aims to demonstrate the necessity of such psychological investigations and assessments to help overcome the scientific community's hesitation.

Editorial: Liebe Leser! by Gerald Mosbleck

Gerald Mosbleck reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident, noting the surge in UFO hysteria in the USA and globally. He observes how the event has fueled a profitable industry and media fascination, with TV series like 'Akte X' contributing to public interest. Mosbleck also discusses the US Air Force's report on Roswell, which presented findings from tests using dummies dropped from aircraft, suggesting this may have been misinterpreted by witnesses. He criticizes the military's secrecy, which he believes has eroded trust.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section details numerous UFO sightings reported in Germany during July 1996, with analyses by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Rudolf Henke. Most cases are identified as natural phenomena or known objects:

• July 6, 1996, Würzburg: A silent, fast-moving object with red and orange colors was observed. Identified as a model hot air balloon.
• July 13, 1996, Waldbrunn: A 'fireball with a flame inside' was seen ascending. Identified as a model hot air balloon.
• July 20, 1996, Sulzfeld: A large, red, rotating object was observed. Identified as the planet Jupiter.
• July 20, 1996, Veitshöchheim: A round, flickering yellow-red object was seen moving fast. Identified as a model hot air balloon.
• July 21, 1996, Marktbreit: A bright, stationary object was observed, with smaller objects seen approaching and leaving it. Identified as the planet Jupiter.
• July 21, 1996, Abtswind: A red-yellow object appeared stationary. Identified as the planet Jupiter.
• July 21, 1996, Abtswind: Witnesses observed a bright object that seemed stationary. Identified as the planet Jupiter.
• July 22, 1996, Würzburg: An object remained stationary and then disappeared. Identified as a model hot air balloon or possibly a light effect device.
• July 22, 1996, Remlingen: A bright star-like object descended significantly. Identified as the planet Jupiter.
• July 22, 1996, Fladungen: Witnesses observed a 'ball with a long tail', possibly a meteor or firework.
• July 23, 1996, Rödelsee: A yellow-red flickering object was observed moving fast. Identified as a model hot air balloon.
• July 24, 1996, Marktbreit: Witnesses observed what appeared to be a low-flying aircraft with green and red lights, and a golden 'waterfall' of light. Possibly identified as the planet Jupiter with atmospheric effects.
• August 9, 1996, Hammelburg: An object moved in zig-zag patterns without lights. Identified as a satellite.
• September 4, 1996, Waldbrunn: A bright light phenomenon was observed for 15 seconds. Identified as a meteor or fireball.

Other Reports and Discussions

• "Das rätselhafte Licht im Brieselanger Wald" by Jürgen Krumnow: Details an encounter with a mysterious light.
• "Eingriffe aus der Schattenwelt" by Wladislaw Raab: Discusses interventions from a 'shadow world'.
• "Der Mann aus der anderen Dimension" by Ulrich Magin: Explores encounters with beings from another dimension.
• "Literatur" section: Lists several books related to UFOs and mysterious phenomena, including "Tagebuch einer Entführten - Phantome des Schreckens", "Weltatlas der rätselhaften Phänomene", and "Das Tunguska-Phänomen".
• Police Helicopter Incident: An account of women in Assen, Netherlands, being startled by a police helicopter's searchlight, mistaking it for a UFO.
• Case from Holzwickede (May 1994): Witnesses reported a large, dark, silent object landing on a field. Due to the late reporting, the case was classified as having insufficient data.
• "Sternenwolke" over Hövelhof/Detmold (August 1995): Two students observed a formation of lights that changed shape. Identified as Pleiades star cluster or a similar astronomical phenomenon.
• Josefine Toxfeldt's Contact Claims: A woman claims to have had contact with extraterrestrials since 1960, describing the Jupiter phenomenon observed near Würzburg as a 'typical alien spaceship'. The article suggests these experiences may be subjective, possibly linked to psychological stress.
• Four UFOs near Dresden photographed (December 1994): An analysis of photographs showing four bright 'objects', with discussion suggesting they could be mini-fesselballons or birds, rather than anomalous phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the attempt to demystify UFO sightings by identifying them as known objects or natural phenomena, with a strong emphasis on astronomical explanations like the planet Jupiter. The journal also highlights the psychological aspects of witness perception and the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs, particularly in relation to the Roswell incident. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, aiming to provide rational explanations while acknowledging the enduring mystery of the UFO phenomenon. The GEP's role as a scientific research organization is emphasized throughout.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), volume 4/97, issue 112, published in April 1997, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical cases, and related theories. The cover prominently features an article on the "incredible flight of JAL-1628" by Bruce Maccabbee.

Article: The Pleiades Sighting

The issue begins with a discussion of a case where two students reported seeing strange lights. The author analyzes their descriptions, comparing them to the Pleiades star cluster. The students' initial perception of a "milky cloud" and later "stars" is consistent with observing the Pleiades. The reported direction and movement of the objects also align with the Pleiades' position and apparent motion in the sky. The author suggests that perceived changes in shape and formation could be due to the eye's light adaptation and varying visual acuity, rather than the objects themselves changing. The article concludes that the observation is likely an "IFO (Stars: Pleiades)".

Article: "Overwhelming Impression" - Delta Formation over Spain

This section details a case from May 20, 1995, where a doctor and his wife, Dr. Wolfgang W. and Cornelia W., observed a "Delta-Formation" of lights over Reus, Tarragona, Spain. The objects appeared to be similar in brightness and maintained formation, moving at a speed slightly faster than a satellite. After about two-thirds of the observed distance, the formation dispersed, and the objects appeared to accelerate. The event lasted approximately 15 minutes. The wife also reported seeing another object with a "fluttering movement" in the northwest sky. The witnesses had no prior interest in UFO literature, and the doctor had mild myopia and astigmatism but wore glasses. The discussion notes the possibility of re-entry phenomena or aircraft lights, but the witnesses' descriptions and the unusual movement of one object make it a "problematic UFO" case.

Article: "Surrounded by an Aura" - CE-II Case from Corsica

This case, from July 1994, involves Axel S. and his wife Birgit, who observed strange "light phenomena" on a beach in Solaro/Solenzara, Corsica. They described 8 to 12 equally sized triangles, about 50 cm at the base and 1 meter high, moving like musical notes. The phenomena were described as constantly in motion and having varying luminosity. Their beach umbrella also began to glow as if illuminated from behind. After touching the umbrella stand, Axel S. reported feeling an "aura" around him, and later found a red, circular mark on his forearm that disappeared after a few days. These lights reappeared several times over three weeks. The witnesses have a high predisposition for UFO beliefs, having reported previous sightings and being familiar with UFO literature. The discussion suggests possible explanations like reflections from sea creatures or foam, or even physiological effects like eye floaters. The case is classified as CE-II (Close Encounter of the Second Kind) with a preliminary identification of IFO (Reflexes + Physiological).

Article: The Mysterious Light in the Brieselanger Forest

This extensive article by Jürgen Krumnow investigates a mysterious light phenomenon observed nightly in the Brieselanger Forest near Berlin. The lights, described as fist-sized, changing location and color, cold, and glaring but not blinding, have been observed for nearly 20 years. Local residents, including Doris W., have tried to understand the source. Initial suggestions of vehicle lights by forest rangers were dismissed by witnesses. The author recounts his own investigation, including a nighttime visit to the forest, where he observed the lights. He also explores local legends, including one about the ghost of a murdered girl. Further investigation suggests the lights appear when vehicles pass on a nearby road, leading to the conclusion that the phenomenon is not of extraterrestrial origin but likely related to human activity, possibly a prankster referred to as the "Leuchter" (illuminator).

Article: Interventions from the Shadow World - Historical Consideration of the 'Men in Black'

This article by Wladislaw Raab explores the phenomenon of the "Men in Black" (MIBs), figures often associated with UFO encounters. The author traces their history from ancient legends of "black men" to modern reports of MIBs appearing to UFO witnesses. He cites historical accounts of mysterious figures in black, including a fisherman encountering monks in black robes and a coachman being followed by a dark figure. The article connects these historical accounts to contemporary MIB reports, where they allegedly warn witnesses and researchers against revealing information, sometimes with threats. The author also touches upon the idea that MIBs might be extraterrestrials, time travelers, or secret government agents. The article includes several historical anecdotes and legends, suggesting a long-standing presence of such figures in folklore.

Article: The Man from Another Dimension

Ulrich Magin critically examines the work of UFO researcher Dr. Johannes Fiebag, suggesting that Fiebag's interpretations and facts often differ significantly from established reality, leading to the theory that Fiebag might be describing phenomena from a parallel dimension. Magin points out discrepancies in Fiebag's accounts regarding historical events, geographical locations, and the origins of phenomena like the Tunguska event and the ruins of Tiahuanaco. He argues that these inconsistencies are too significant to be attributed to simple research errors, suggesting Fiebag's work originates from a different reality. The article concludes by posing the question of what kind of interdimensional being Fiebag might be.

Book Reviews:

• "Tagebuch einer Entführten" by Katharina Wilson: Reviewed by Wladislaw Raab, this book is described as an important objective account of CE IV (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind) scenarios, including abduction experiences and paranormal components. It emphasizes that abductions can be remembered without hypnosis and suggests UFO phenomena are more complex than commonly believed.
• "Phantome des Schreckens" by Peter Krassa: Reviewed by Wladislaw Raab, this book examines the history and influence of the "Men in Black" phenomenon, linking it to historical accounts and suggesting their involvement in socio-cultural structures. Krassa hypothesizes a connection between historical aspects and the modern UFO phenomenon.
• "Weltatlas der Rätselhaften Phänomene" by Karl P.N. Shuker: Reviewed by "hwp", this book compiles over 500 unexplained phenomena, events, and mysteries from around the world, organized by continent and country. It covers a wide range of topics, from paranormal events to UFO sightings, serving as an introductory overview.
• "Die Wahren X-Akten" by Jane Goldman: Reviewed by "hwp", this book explores the real-life backgrounds of the "X-Files" TV series, discussing themes from the second and third seasons. It includes interviews with the show's creators and experts, covering topics like dream worlds, stigmatization, sea monsters, and conspiracy theories. The review notes that the FBI has not historically investigated such phenomena.
• "Das Tunguska-Phänomen" by Felix Siegel: Reviewed by "hwp", this book documents the research into the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia. It presents various hypotheses about the cause of the massive explosion, including meteorites, comets, black holes, and alien spacecraft.
• "Im Raumschiff zur Arktis" by Reinhold O. Schmidt: Reviewed by "hwp", this book recounts Schmidt's alleged encounter with extraterrestrials in 1957, including a trip to the Arctic and Egypt. The review finds the account simplistic and lacking in detail, but notes its re-publication due to continued interest in contactee stories.
• "Zeichen am Himmel" by Andreas Walker: Reviewed by "hwp", this book by a Swiss meteorologist provides an accessible overview of cloud formations and weather phenomena, including atmospheric optics and spectacular natural phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the analysis of UFO sightings, the historical context of unexplained phenomena, the concept of "Men in Black," and the intriguing possibility of parallel worlds. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, seeking rational explanations where possible (e.g., the Brieselanger light, Pleiades sighting) while also exploring more speculative theories like parallel dimensions and the historical roots of UFO-related folklore. The magazine encourages detailed research and critical analysis of witness testimonies and historical accounts.