JUFOF - Issue 118 - 1998 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (JUFOF), number 4 of 1998, published by the "Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V." (GEP), focuses on various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The cover story, "Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens" by Craig Roberts, explores psychological theories related to UFO and abduction research, examining personality traits and the potential for psychological mechanisms to create unusual experiences. The issue also includes a special GEP publication, "Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens," detailing its content and price.

UFO Sightings and Case Studies

The journal presents several documented UFO sightings and evaluations:

• UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings): Hans-Werner Peiniger documents multiple sightings from December 1993 to June 1996 in various German locations, including Niederbobritzsch, Wiesent, A-Reichersberg, Kellenhusen, Gaildorf, and Chemnitz-Gablenz.
• Kreuzförmiger Flugapparat über Niederbobritzsch (Cross-shaped Aircraft over Niederbobritzsch): A detailed report from December 26, 1993, describes a cross-shaped craft with blinking lights and a pear-shaped fuselage observed by two witnesses. The GEP classifies this as a "PROBLEMATIC UFO" due to its unusual characteristics, noting that investigations were halted due to the time elapsed since the event.
• Vermeintliche Nova war Venus (Alleged Nova was Venus): On March 15, 1998, a student in Wiesent observed a star-like object through a telescope, which he initially thought was a nova. Investigations concluded it was likely the planet Venus, with the perceived phenomena attributed to the telescope's mechanics.
• **Umgedrehte „Lichtpyramide

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), issue 118 from April 1998, offers a comprehensive look into various facets of the UFO phenomenon, including critical analyses of prominent cases, book and video reviews, and discussions on related topics like parapsychology and government secrecy. The magazine is published by GEP e.V. in Germany and is written in German.

Santilli Film: Hoax or Genuine?

The issue critically examines the controversial Santilli 'Alien Autopsy' film. Bob Shell, who previously defended the film, has now publicly stated his frustration with Ray Santilli's unfulfilled promises, leading Shell to conclude that the film is an elaborate hoax. The article also touches upon the legal aspects, noting that a US corporation attempted to sue for copyright infringement, but the case was dropped, suggesting the US military might hold the copyright.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed, offering diverse perspectives on UFO phenomena:

• Kevin D. Randle's 'Ufo-Kollisionen' (UFO Collisions): This book compiles and evaluates numerous alleged UFO crash incidents, including Roswell, Kingman, and Kecksburg. Randle categorizes many cases as hoaxes or likely hoaxes, identifying only a few as potentially authentic.
• Nick Pope's 'Die UFO-Akte' (The UFO Files): Pope, a former UFO expert for the British Ministry of Defence, reviews cases investigated by the ministry. While the book provides an overview of the ministry's approach, it's noted that the investigation methods were similar to civilian groups, and Pope's conclusions seem influenced more by UFO literature than his own findings.
• Kal K. Korff's 'The Roswell UFO Crash: What they don't want you to know': Korff critically examines the Roswell incident, aiming to present information that 'Pro-Roswell ufologists' might omit or misrepresent. He argues that no alien spacecraft crashed at Roswell and also debunks the Santilli film's claimed 1947 origin.
• Ann Andrews and Jean Ritchie's 'Von Aliens entführt' (Abducted by Aliens): This book recounts the experiences of the Jason family, particularly the 14-year-old Jason, who claims to have been abducted by aliens since childhood. The review highlights the psychological impact of these experiences on the family and suggests that while the experiences may be real, attributing them to aliens is not definitively proven.
• Bernd Wollsperger's 'Geheime Invasion: Die Masken der Fremden' (Secret Invasion: The Masks of the Strangers): Wollsperger explores the connection between UFO phenomena and occult themes, discussing conspiracy theories and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on human development.
• Karl-Heinz Zunnek's 'Geheimtechnologien, Wunderwaffen und die irdischen Facetten des UFO-Phänomens' (Secret Technologies, Wonder Weapons, and the Earthly Facets of the UFO Phenomenon): Zunnek proposes that many UFO phenomena have origins in advanced, conventional military projects, particularly those from the Third Reich, which were allegedly continued by the US.
• Johannes Fiebag's 'Von Aliens entführt' (Abducted by Aliens): Fiebag presents 25 well-researched abduction cases, noting the evolution of these experiences from technical descriptions to those with strong psychological components. He suggests that the phenomenon might be a natural aspect of human consciousness.
• Mark J. Carlotto's 'Faszination Mars' (Fascination Mars): Carlotto analyzes images of the 'Face on Mars' using computer-aided methods, concluding that the structures might be artificial. However, the review notes that more recent NASA data suggests the 'Face' is a natural geological formation.
• Erich von Däniken (ed.)'s 'Das Erbe der Götter' (The Legacy of the Gods): This book is part of a series exploring ancient astronaut theories, examining myths, artifacts, and documents that suggest extraterrestrial influence on human history.
• Elmar R. Gruber's 'Die PSI-Protokolle' (The PSI Protocols): Gruber's book delves into the latest findings in PSI research, including remote viewing and the alleged abilities of 'PSI spies' trained by US intelligence agencies.
• Viktor Farkas' 'Rätselhafte Wirklichkeiten' (Enigmatic Realities): Farkas presents a collection of unexplained phenomena, from paranormal events to UFO encounters, suggesting a deeper connection between these mysteries.
• Michael Hesemann's 'Geheimsache Fatima' (Secret Fatima): Hesemann investigates the Marian apparitions at Fatima, exploring potential UFO connections and the church's handling of the event.
• Jim Schnabel's 'Geheimwaffe Gehirn' (Secret Weapon Brain): Schnabel examines the CIA's 'Remote Viewing' program, detailing its history and the alleged use of psychic agents to gather intelligence, including UFO-related information.

Video Reviews

The issue also reviews several UFO-related videos:

• 'UFOs: Das Film Archiv - Teil eins: 1950-1989' (UFOs: The Film Archive - Part One: 1950-1989): This video compilation features over 75 films from 1950-1989, including archival footage from Project Blue Book and NASA missions, offering a broad range of alleged UFO footage.
• 'UFO's über Rußland' (UFOs over Russia): This video presents excerpts from lectures by Russian UFO researchers, some of whom make controversial claims about alien origins and ancient civilizations.
• 'Engel aus den Sternenschiffen' (Angels from the Starships): Georgio Dibitonto, a contactee, shares his experiences and messages from alleged extraterrestrial 'angels,' emphasizing universal love and spiritual themes.
• 'Der Roswell UFO Absturz' (The Roswell UFO Crash): Virgil Armstrong discusses alleged involvement in the recovery of a crashed spacecraft in 1948, presenting a narrative that blends UFO lore with esoteric claims.
• 'UFO's über Rußland' (UFOs over Russia) (VHS): This video features lectures by Russian UFO researchers, including Valerie Ouvarov and Maria Popowich, who present theories on alien origins, ancient civilizations, and potential dimensional gateways.
• 'Engel aus den Sternenschiffen' (Angels from the Starships) (VHS): Georgio Dibitonto, a contactee, shares his experiences and messages from alleged extraterrestrial 'angels,' focusing on spiritual themes and the presence of 'incarnated angels' on Earth.
• 'Der Roswell UFO Absturz' (The Roswell UFO Crash) (VHS): Virgil Armstrong discusses alleged involvement in the recovery of a crashed spacecraft in 1948, presenting a narrative that blends UFO lore with esoteric claims.

Software Reviews

Reviews of translation software are also included:

• DT-Info Plus: A telephone information software with city maps, offering extensive search capabilities for research purposes.
• Langenscheidts T1: A PC text translation program for English-German translation, noted for its system lexicon and integration with other software.
• Personal Translator plus 98: Another translation software from v.Rheinbaben & Busch, offering a large dictionary and user-friendly interface.

Other Articles

• 'X-Akten beim Bundeskriminalamt?' (X-Files at the Federal Criminal Police Office?): This article investigates whether the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has any UFO-related files, with a spokesperson denying their existence.
• 'Kurz Notiert' (Briefly Noted): This section includes brief news items, such as the SOBEPS organization receiving an award for its UFO research, an 'alien party' in Bielefeld, an incident involving an 'alien' threatening toilet users, and a case of a former stewardess who died due to UFO-related anxieties.
• 'Leserbriefe' (Letters to the Editor): A letter from Uli Thieme criticizes Michael Hesemann's continued defense of the Santilli film and questions the evidence presented.
• 'Neue Mitglieder' (New Members): Welcomes new members to the organization.
• 'Foto-Scanner': Announces the acquisition of a photo scanner to improve image quality for publications.
• 'Bezugsquellen' (Sources): Lists contact information for various publishers and distributors of UFO-related materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. While reviewing numerous books and videos, the authors often highlight the need for rigorous evidence and critical analysis, debunking hoaxes and questioning unsubstantiated claims. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy and cover-ups, particularly concerning the Roswell incident and alleged UFO projects. The magazine also explores the intersection of UFOs with parapsychology, ancient mysteries, and conspiracy theories, providing a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and perspectives. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific investigation of the phenomenon, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events.