JUFOF - Issue 113 - 1997 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Issue 113, September/October 1997, Volume 18) is published by the "Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V." (GEP), a German scientific organization dedicated to researching the UFO phenomenon. The cover prominently features "UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN" (UFO OBSERVATIONS) with a list of reported sightings and a striking image of a tall tower.

Special Report: The Human as Part of the UFO Phenomenon

The issue begins with a significant contribution by Craig Roberts, titled "Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens" (The Human as Part of the UFO Phenomenon). This GEP special edition, 36 pages long, explores two psychological theories related to UFO/abduction research. The first theory examines witness personality traits, focusing on "Fantasy Proneness" and psychopathology. The second theory links geology and psychology, postulating electrical brain stimulation. Roberts argues that if psychology can prove or disprove that humans create these unusual traumatic events through psychological mechanisms, it would be a major scientific advancement. He emphasizes the necessity of such research and aims to reduce the scientific community's hesitation.

UFO Observations and Case Investigations

The journal then delves into various UFO sighting reports, presenting them as "UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN" (UFO OBSERVATIONS) and "DOKUMENTATIONEN - BEWERTUNGEN" (DOCUMENTATIONS - EVALUATIONS).

• UFO near Fire Watchtower (Ferch, Germany): A photograph taken by Monika H. shows a blurred object. Investigations suggest it was likely an insect or bird due to its position outside the camera's focus and its apparent rapid movement. The case is classified as DD/IFO (Data Deficient / Identified Flying Object).
• Fiery Light over Ahrweiler (Germany): Jürgen C. L. reported a large, unexplained fiery light. The description, including its shape and movement, leads to the identification as a Party-Model hot-air balloon (NL/IFO).
• Satellite over Rammingen (Germany): Max S. observed a small white light moving rapidly. The characteristics align with a satellite, though the witness noted its sudden start of movement (NL/IFO).
• Blinking Flying Object over Weilerbach (Germany): A report from the police described a bright, blinking object. Astronomical data identified the planet Jupiter as the cause, with atmospheric effects explaining the blinking (NL/IFO).
• Rotating Light Phenomenon over Bad Breisig (Germany): Irene Honsberg and a friend observed a complex rotating light pattern. While initially puzzling, the description is identified as characteristic of a light effect device (NL/IFO).
• Green Objects over Wilhelmshafen (Germany): Michaela H. and Malte K. reported two green discs. The explanation considered is self-made hot-air balloons, possibly due to their size, color, and erratic movements (NL/NEAR IFO).
• Six Light Objects over Vienna (Austria): R. B. and M. L. observed six white objects. The explanation points to foil balloons, noting their potential for varied colors and stationary behavior due to wind (DD/IFO).
• "Best Certainly Not an Earthly Flying Object" UFO Video from Marl/Recklinghausen (Germany): Monika M. submitted a video of an object. After detailed analysis, the object is identified as the planet Venus, with the witness's lack of familiarity with the night sky being a key factor (NL/IFO, V-1-Fall).
• "Fireball" over Leichlingen (Germany): Bianca S. and Sheila V. reported a fireball-like object. The characteristics strongly suggest a model hot-air balloon, considering factors like darkness, size, and glow (V-2-Fall).

UFO Abductions and Psychological Aspects

• Help Calls from UFO Abductees: A case from Hesselrod, Germany, where police responded to calls for help from a woman in a forest, turned out to be a staged "UFO abduction" as part of a children's holiday game. This highlights the increasing presence of UFO themes in educational contexts.

Editorial and Methodological Discussions

• Lights in the Night Sky: UFO Reports Researched and Evaluated: Rudolf Henke discusses his method for verifying UFO reports, proposing a classification system based on the certainty of identification. He distinguishes between different orders of object verification and emphasizes Ockham's Razor principle, favoring conventional explanations.
• The Phantom: Wladislaw Raab investigates a witness report from Herr T., which initially sounded like the "visitor phenomenon" but later revealed inconsistencies. Herr T. reported a tall, cloaked figure, a strange buzzing sound, and a pressure wave. However, further investigation by Bernd Oberacker uncovered significant psychological issues with Herr T., including neurological disorders and possible schizophrenia, casting doubt on the reliability of his account. The report underscores the importance of on-site research and psychological assessment.
• Experiences with RTL-Mysteries: Hans-Werner Peiniger recounts his participation in the TV show "RTL-Mysteries." He criticizes the show's sensationalist approach to UFO topics, noting that reports are often exaggerated with special effects for entertainment value rather than factual accuracy. Peiniger highlights how media portrayals can distort public perception and reinforce misconceptions about the UFO phenomenon.
• Flying Saucer over Chantaburi/Thailand: Axel Ertelt reports a sighting of a large, "flying saucer"-like object described as silver-grey with white lights. The witness described it as very large and hovering close to the ground before moving away. The report notes that such sightings are not uncommon in Thailand.

Scientific Analysis and Explanations

• Mysterious Light Phenomenon: This section discusses sightings of bright, flashing lights above clouds, referencing reports from "Aviation Week & Space Technology." Two events are detailed: one involving upward-directed light beams recorded by a NASA DC-8 over the Midwestern USA during a thunderstorm, and another observed by an American Airlines pilot over a cumulonimbus cloud. These phenomena are tentatively linked to sprites or similar upper-atmospheric electrical discharges.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes a critical and investigative approach to UFO reports. The GEP, as the publisher, prioritizes scientific methodology, seeking rational explanations for sightings, often identifying them as known phenomena like satellites, planets, balloons, or atmospheric events. The magazine also critiques the sensationalism of media coverage and highlights the importance of witness psychology and on-site investigation. There is a clear stance against unfounded speculation, particularly concerning theories that might have neo-Nazi or racist undertones, as discussed in the "Liebe Leser!" (Dear Readers!) section, which warns against the resurgence of such ideas disguised as UFO research. The recurring theme is the rigorous examination of evidence to distinguish between genuine mysteries and misidentifications or hoaxes.

This issue of the German-language magazine "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Issue 113, 5/97) delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, historical accounts, and related fringe topics. The cover story, "Unknown Reality - Die Welt des Unerklärlichen," suggests a broad exploration of unexplained phenomena.

Atmospheric Light Phenomena

The issue begins with an article discussing unusual atmospheric light emissions, possibly related to thunderstorms. It references studies by Otha Vaughan of NASA and reports from U-2 pilots, suggesting these phenomena are observed globally and may involve ion plasma. The article explores the potential for these events to be related to Earth's resonance and ionospheric conditions.

New Television Film on UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the upcoming NDR television film "Ufos über Waterlow." The film, directed by Zoltan Spirandelli, is a poetic comedy based on Michael Illner's book. It tells the story of Robert Becker, who claims to have been an unofficial Stasi agent investigating alien invasions, and his companion Sascha. Their story unfolds in a village where they encounter local factions and a journalist, Talula, who exposes their legend. The film explores themes of belief, skepticism, and the human desire to believe in the extraordinary. The director is quoted as saying the tragicomic aspect lies in Robert's obsession with UFOs and the universal disbelief he faces.

UFOs in the European Parliament

A brief report highlights a question posed to EU Commissioner Neil Kinnock regarding unidentified flying objects in European airspace. The question, raised by MEP Antony Wilson, sought to know if the EU Commission was aware of such phenomena and if the extraterrestrial hypothesis was considered a plausible explanation. Kinnock's response indicated the Commission's inability to provide information on such matters.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• "Entführt ins All" by Budd Hopkins: This review is highly critical, calling the book a "greatest failure in UFO history." The reviewer, Wladislaw Raab, dismisses the case of Linda Cortile (Napolitano) as a convoluted and unbelievable agent story, accusing Hopkins of being duped and suggesting he should retire from research.
• "Begegnungen mit Außerirdischen" by Richard L. Thompson: This book compares modern UFO phenomena with Indian Vedas. The reviewer finds Thompson's analysis of the UFO phenomenon to be refreshingly critical at times, particularly regarding hypnotic regression. However, the reviewer notes Thompson's questionable treatment of the Billy Meier case. The book's second part explores Vedic parallels to UFO phenomena, including descriptions of ancient flying vehicles (Vimanas). Thompson's conclusion suggests a higher intelligence is orchestrating a "game of confusion" to preserve human free will.
• "Unknown Reality" by Harris: This extensive book (over 900 pages) is described as a comprehensive overview of ufology, touching upon numerous aspects, including alleged Nazi flying saucer developments. The reviewer notes that while Harris presents a vast amount of information, it is often speculative and drawn from controversial sources, lacking a balanced, critical discussion.
• "Das Bermuda Rätsel Gelöst" by Michael Preisinger: Preisinger's book is presented as a critical examination of the Bermuda Triangle. The reviewer notes Preisinger's critique of skeptics but questions his omission of other critical works. The book discusses alleged paranormal events in the Bahamas and Florida Keys, including compass anomalies during expeditions, which Preisinger speculates could be related to "wormholes" or "materialization zones" for UFOs.
• "HEX - Der UFO-Roman" by Kai Meyer: This is a fictional novel that interweaves historical events from Nuremberg (1561) and Berlin (1926) with UFO themes, exploring a mysterious conspiracy and a dark power.
• "Zeichen für die Ewigkeit" by Erich von Däniken: This book focuses on the Nazca lines in Peru, presenting new color photographs and Däniken's theories on their pre-astronautic origins. The reviewer finds it a valuable resource for Nazca enthusiasts, despite some minor inconsistencies and the high price.
• "Muttergottes-Erscheinungen: Tatsachen oder Täuschungen?" by Josef Hanauer: This book by a Catholic priest critically examines Marian apparitions, comparing them to UFO phenomena. Hanauer analyzes cases like Lourdes, Heroldsbach, and Fatima, finding numerous inconsistencies and suggesting natural explanations for many reported events, including the Fatima "Sun Miracle."
• "Im Allerheiligsten der Geheimdienste und des U.S. Militärs" by Leonard H. Stringfield: This book compiles Stringfield's research on alleged UFO crashes and retrievals. It discusses his contacts with J. Allen Hynek and presents information on cases like Roswell, Farmington, and Kecksburg. The reviewer notes that while some stories may be fabricated or related to satellite debris, others remain intriguing, and that Stringfield provides insider material, though many sources remain anonymous.
• "Die Dunkle Seite des Mondes" by Brad Harris: This two-volume work is described as a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena, citing numerous sources, including insider magazines. The author is unknown, but appears well-versed in UFO literature.
• "Flying Triangle' UFOs: The Continuing Story" by Omar Fowler: This is a follow-up to a previous work, presenting new cases and findings on triangular UFOs worldwide. It discusses whether these craft are terrestrial (stealth technology) or extraterrestrial.

Software and Video Reviews

• "Red Shift 2" (United Soft Media Verlag): This astronomy software is praised for its comprehensive planetarium features, real-time simulations, and multimedia capabilities, including online access to an astronomy lexicon and video sequences. It is recommended for both amateur astronomers and UFO researchers.
• "Skyplot Pro" (Data Becker Software): This planetarium program offers various sky views, easy settings for location and time, and functions for simulating celestial events. While praised for its detailed manual and accuracy, it lacks a grid for azimuth and altitude and does not display planets in its "system view."
• "Sternzeit" (FUJI MAGNETICS GmbH): This astronomy software is an updated version of "Planetarium 1.0." It includes features like a star map, solar system simulation, and detailed information on celestial objects. The reviewer notes the program's speed and comprehensive database but points out the absence of Deep Sky objects.
• "The Face on Mars: The Avebury Connection" (Video by David S. Percy): This video presentation explores alleged connections between the Cydonia region on Mars and the Avebury area in England, citing structural similarities and mathematical calculations. The reviewer suggests that with enough interpretation, connections can be found between almost any geographical area and Martian formations.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes sections on "Leserbriefe" (Letters to the Editor), where readers discuss topics like the psychological state of alleged abductees and criticisms of UFO researchers. There is also a "Zeitungsausschnittservice" (Newspaper Clipping Service) and a "Polizeiadressbuch" (Police Directory).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, the comparison of UFO sightings with historical and religious accounts, and the critical examination of UFO research methodologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical analysis while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual reporting, speculative theories, and outright hoaxes. The magazine also highlights the growing interest in UFOs and related subjects, as evidenced by the numerous book and media reviews, and the expansion of UFO research organizations.