JUFOF - Issue 115 - 1998 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (JUFOF), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., is the first issue of 1998, identified as Heft 115 and Volume 19. It covers January/February 1998 and is priced at DM 6.00. The cover prominently features the GEP's mission statement and a special report on 'UFO-BEACHTUNGEN' (UFO Sightings) and a piece titled 'Imperator übernimmt demnächst die Weltherrschaft' (Emperor will soon take over the world).

Articles and Content

Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens (Man as Part of the UFO Phenomenon)

This article by Craig Roberts explores two psychological theories relevant to UFO and abduction research. The first theory focuses on personality assessment, particularly 'Fantasy Proneness' and psychopathology. The second theory links geology and psychology, postulating electrical brain stimulation. Roberts emphasizes the need for scientific investigation into whether psychological mechanisms create these unusual traumatic events, aiming to reduce the scientific community's hesitation.

UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN (UFO Sightings)

This section presents several detailed UFO sighting reports:

• Erschreckendes Phänomen nahe Bremen (Frightening Phenomenon near Bremen) (Fall-Nummer: 19970729 A): A witness and his daughter observed a silent, oval-shaped object composed of multiple yellow-white lights with red flashes near Weyhe-Dreye. The object hovered and then moved towards a railway bridge. Investigations suggested it was likely an Airbus A320 landing at Bremen airport, with the witnesses' perception influenced by distance, atmospheric conditions, and the aircraft's lighting.
• UFO verursacht Sogwirkung (UFO Causes Suction Effect) (Fall-Nummer: 19960812 A): Two women driving near Königsbrunn reported a bright, milky white-yellow light following them, accompanied by a backward-pulling suction effect. The effect ceased when a car's high beams appeared. The report discusses possible explanations including military aircraft, wind gusts, or psychological reactions due to fear and fatigue. The case is classified as a 'PROBLEMATIC UFO' due to unresolved questions.
• Graublaue Scheibe mit Positionslichtern (Gray-Blue Disc with Position Lights) (Fall-Nummer: 19970916 A): A witness in Kleve observed a silent, gray-blue disc with three white position lights moving rapidly across the sky. The object's flight duration was estimated at half a second, significantly shorter than a conventional aircraft. The explanation leans towards a meteor or possibly a light effect device.
• Sonnenuntergang mit UFO (Sunset with UFO) (Fall-Nummer: 199708): A photograph taken by a 16-year-old girl in Paderborn, intended to capture a sunset, revealed an object on the developed image. The object, appearing as a dark, flat disc with a dome, was too small to be noticed at the time of photography. Explanations considered were a bird or a dust speck on the negative.
• Lichterhaufen über österreichischem Ort (Cluster of Lights over Austrian Town) (Fall-Nummer: 19971115 A): A witness in Hallein, Austria, observed a cluster of dancing lights in a meadow that appeared and disappeared. The witness even addressed the lights directly. The phenomenon was attributed to a light effect device, possibly a reflection from clouds.
• Blasse Lichter nahe Peine (Pale Lights near Peine) (Fall-Nummer: 19961116 A): Witnesses driving near Peine reported seeing a series of pale, rectangular lights forming a semicircle, moving alongside their car at a consistent distance. The lights were described as projecting onto fields and were compared to a 'saucer in fog'. The case was concluded to be likely caused by a light effect device.

Imperator übernimmt demnächst die Weltherrschaft (Emperor will soon take over the world)

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger details correspondence with Jürgen K. from Kassel, who claims to be 'Agent T 1' of the 'Galactic Confederation and the Tarkin Federation Metropolis'. Jürgen K. believes he has the right to rule Earth, aiming to restore humanity's perfection and establish world peace. He describes his background as a 'time and dimension guardian' and his contacts with alien 'space federations' through a modified radio. He claims to have been promoted to 'galactic emperor' and has engaged in conflicts with 'combat robots' and 'Cylon units'. He also mentions destroying planets to prevent his 'main enemy' from attacking Earth with negative radiation. He announced his intention to leave Earth soon to start a new life with a new family and establish his own space base.

Das posttraumatische Streßsyndrom bei UFO-Entführungen (Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome in UFO Abductions)

This section, authored by Helmut Poppenborg, is a brief mention of the topic, likely an introduction to a more detailed discussion within the magazine.

KURZ NOTIERT (Briefly Noted)

• This section provides short news items:
• No military UFO service in the Netherlands.
• UFOs are referred to as 'res inexplicata volens'.
• Chilean Air Force is researching UFOs.
• A driver with a 'UFO driver's license'.
• Resignation due to UFOs.
• Light effects over Vechta; police and fire department response to a fireball.
• UFOs over Tenerife.

UFOs im Alltag (Teil 12) (UFOs in Everyday Life - Part 12)

This is a continuing series by Hans-Werner Peiniger.

LITERATUR (Literature)

This section lists 'Video Software' as a literature item.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The issue includes an 'Impressum' detailing the publisher (GEP e.V.), editors (Hans-Werner Peiniger, Gerald Mosbleck), and publication details. It defines a UFO in the narrower sense and provides contact information for the GEP, including their postal address, phone number, fax, and email. A 'Liebe LeserInnen!' (Dear Readers!) letter from Hans-Werner Peiniger discusses his surprise at an article in 'UFO-nachrichten' featuring Dr. Helmut Lammer, questioning the journal's scientific integrity and its association with MUFON-CES. He also announces the upcoming publication of an index and register for JUFOF from 1991-1995, with plans for future indices. He reiterates the journal's focus on UFO sightings from German-speaking regions and expresses concern about 'sect-like groups' and 'UFO-Spiritism'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed analyses of UFO sightings, exploring potential explanations from conventional sources (aircraft, atmospheric phenomena) to more speculative ones (light effect devices, psychological factors). The GEP's stance emphasizes scientific investigation and a critical approach, while acknowledging the psychological impact on witnesses. There's also a notable focus on the 'UFO phenomenon' within the German-speaking world. The editorial also touches upon concerns regarding the scientific rigor of other UFO publications and the rise of 'UFO-Spiritism'. The issue also includes a section on 'UFOs in Everyday Life' and literature reviews, indicating a broad scope of coverage within the UFO research field.

This issue of the Journal für UFO-Forschung (Journal for UFO Research), dated 1/98 (Volume 1/98), is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena. The issue is largely dedicated to cataloging UFO sightings and related events, particularly those occurring in Germany during the 1990s. It also explores the psychological and societal implications of these phenomena, alongside reviews of relevant books and multimedia.

Contents Overview

The magazine opens with a comprehensive index for the years 1991-1995, covering issues 73-102 of the journal. This index is meticulously organized into contributions (articles, reports, regular columns), reviews (books, magazines, audio-visual media, software), and registers (chronological and geographical UFO observations, personal and subject indexes).

Following the index, the issue presents a detailed list of UFO sightings reported from various locations, primarily in Germany, with dates ranging from 1991 to 1997. These reports often describe the observed phenomena as light effects, meteors, fireballs, model hot air balloons, or unidentified flying objects. Specific locations mentioned include Veitshöchheim, Freiburg/Br., Stötten, Hammelburg, Bad Nauheim, Alpirsbach, Seestermühle, Waldbrunn, Marl, Dettingen/Erms, Bad Breisig, Essen, and many others across Germany and some international locations like Thailand and Spain.

Key Articles and Themes

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in UFO Abductions

A significant article by Helmut Poppenborg, titled "Das posttraumatische Streßsyndrom bei UFO-Entführungen" (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in UFO Abductions), explores the connection between alleged alien abductions and PTSD. The author discusses how psychological and medical researchers often diagnose PTSD in individuals who report alien encounters. Poppenborg examines the symptoms of PTSD and suggests that the experiences must be perceived as life-threatening and inescapable. He also posits that PTSD could arise from non-extraterrestrial causes, such as severe personal problems or trauma, leading individuals to unconsciously generate UFO abduction narratives as a coping mechanism. The article references the work of David M. Jacobs and other researchers in the field.

UFOs in Everyday Life

Another section, "UFOs im Alltag" (UFOs in Everyday Life) by Hans-Werner Peiniger, highlights how UFO motifs and themes are integrated into popular culture and advertising. Examples include a Renault-Clio car advertisement featuring an alien abducting a woman, and Always sanitary pads advertising with an image of a flying saucer. The section also mentions a promotional video for the alien character "Galaxl" and a bicycle advertisement that uses UFO imagery.

Book and Media Reviews

The issue features several reviews of books and multimedia related to ufology and the paranormal:

• "Spurensuche im Reich des Übersinnlichen" by Mike Dash: Reviewed by Ulrich Magin, this book is praised for its comprehensive and critical examination of mysterious phenomena, including UFOs, from a Fortean perspective. Magin notes the book's exploration of human perception, memory, and the social factors influencing belief in the paranormal.
• "UFOs: SOS an die Menschheit" by J.J. Benítez: This review discusses Benítez's account of a Peruvian organization (IPRI) claiming telepathic contact with extraterrestrials from Jupiter's moon Ganymede. The reviewer expresses skepticism, noting the similarities to other contactee reports and the lack of concrete evidence, while acknowledging the book's historical value for ufological research.
• "Verdeckte Operationen: Militärische Verwicklungen in UFO-Entführungen" by Helmut and Marion Lammer: This review highlights the book's investigation into alleged military involvement in UFO abductions, including secret underground facilities, mind control experiments, and implantations. The authors suggest that the US military might be using the UFO phenomenon to conduct secret experiments.
• "Geheimwissenschaft Geomantie" by Ulrich Magin: This review discusses the concept of geomancy and "ley lines," ancient pathways believed to possess mystical energies. Magin's analysis suggests these lines represent an architectural idea and a worldview rather than mere trade routes or energy zones.
• "Das Kornkreis-Phänomen: Eine kosmische Verbindung?" (Video): This video documentary is reviewed, covering the history of crop circles, including hoaxes and alleged extraterrestrial communication. It features interviews and footage of crop circle formation.
• "Kontakt mit dem Universum" (Software): This review discusses an interactive CD-ROM by Erich von Däniken that explores pre-astronautics, UFO phenomena, and ancient mysteries. While praising the content and multimedia aspects, the reviewer finds the user interface less convincing.
• "Das Ungeklärte" (Software): This CD-ROM is described as a comprehensive multimedia product on fringe science topics, including UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and unexplained events, featuring over 1000 illustrations, videos, and sound documents.

Short News Items ("Kurz Notiert")

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related news:

• No military UFO service in the Netherlands: A report about a supposed Dutch military UFO service is clarified, with the explanation that no such official unit exists.
• UFO becomes "res inexplicata volens" in Vatican Latin dictionary: The Vatican's new Latin dictionary includes this term to describe UFOs.
• Chilean Air Force investigates UFOs: The formation of a committee to study anomalous aerial phenomena by the Chilean Air Force is announced.
• Driver with "UFO driver's license": An amusing anecdote about a fake driver's license found during a border check.
• TV-Movie "Visioner": Announcement of a SAT.1 production about a woman expecting a baby from an alien.
• Resignation due to UFOs: The resignation of Michael Knighton, head of the British football club Carlisle United, after reporting his own UFO experience.
• Light effects over Vechta: Reports of strange lights observed in the Vechta region, possibly attributed to light effect devices.
• Police and fire department operation due to a fireball: An incident in Iserlohn involving a large-scale search operation following reports of a fireball.
• "One UFO abduction per day!": A report from the "First World Forum for Ufology" in Brasilia claiming a high rate of alien abductions.
• "Extraterrestrial" scammed a couple: An account of an elderly Italian couple defrauded by individuals posing as extraterrestrials.
• Evacuation by extraterrestrials: A claim that extraterrestrials evacuated residents during flood disasters in East Germany and Poland.
• UFOs over Tenerife: A discussion linking a doomsday cult's beliefs about alien spacecraft with previous UFO reports from Tenerife.

Other Sections

• "Wissen auf Video" (Knowledge on Video): This section reviews the video "Das Kornkreis-Phänomen: Eine kosmische Verbindung?" (The Crop Circle Phenomenon: A Cosmic Connection?).
• "Software": Reviews of CD-ROMs related to ufology and pre-astronautics.
• "Leserbriefe" (Letters to the Editor): This section features correspondence from readers, including discussions on the credibility of certain authors and publishers, and debates about the nature of UFO phenomena.
• "Forschungsprojekt: Wie die UFOs nach Deutschland kamen" (Research Project: How UFOs Came to Germany): An appeal to readers to contribute to a research project investigating the history of UFO sightings in Germany from 1947 to 1970.
• "Bezugsquellen" (Sources): Information on where to purchase books, calendars, and other publications mentioned in the journal.
• "Zeitungsausschnittservice" (Newspaper Clipping Service): An offer to provide newspaper clippings related to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation of UFO sightings, the psychological impact of alleged extraterrestrial encounters (particularly PTSD), the integration of UFO motifs into popular culture, and critical analysis of ufological claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, with a willingness to explore various aspects of the UFO phenomenon while maintaining a degree of skepticism, especially regarding claims lacking concrete evidence. The journal encourages reader participation in research and provides a platform for diverse viewpoints within the ufology community.