JUFOF - Issue 119 - 1998 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), issue 119 from 1998, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e. V., focuses on the human element within the UFO phenomenon and presents a collection of documented UFO sightings and related research.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The journal is published by the GEP, a German non-profit scientific organization founded in 1972, dedicated to researching the UFO phenomenon. The editors are Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck. The journal appears bimonthly on a non-commercial basis. The GEP defines a UFO as an object or light whose appearance and behavior cannot be logically explained at the time of observation. They investigate reports through questionnaires, field research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. GEP members receive the journal as part of their membership and are entitled to discounts on special issues.

Cover Story: 'Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens' by Craig Roberts

The cover story, authored by Craig Roberts, explores the psychological aspects of the UFO phenomenon. Roberts examines two theories: one that assesses witness personality, focusing on fantasy proneness and psychopathology, and another that links geology and psychology through electrical brain stimulation. The author suggests that if psychology can prove or disprove that humans create these unusual traumatic events through psychological mechanisms, it would be a significant advancement for science. The article is presented as a GEP special issue (Sonderheft 16), comprising 36 pages with one illustration, priced at DM 12.00 (DM 9.60 for members).

Editorial: 'Liebe Leser Innen!' by Hans-Werner Peiniger

In his editorial, Hans-Werner Peiniger addresses the poor communication and strained relationships within the German UFO research community. He recounts an incident where a researcher was denied cooperation due to past 'unfortunate remarks.' Peiniger laments the lack of professional discourse and the tendency for researchers to take criticism too personally. He advocates for more open and factual communication, even between those with differing viewpoints, suggesting that regular meetings and information exchange could foster a more positive atmosphere. He criticizes the perceived elitism of some groups and the harsh interactions that can occur, even mentioning threats of violence.

UFO Sightings and Case Documentations

The journal features several documented UFO sightings, each with a case number, date, time, location, witness(es), classification (NL for 'Nicht identifiziert' - unidentified, IFO for 'Identifiziertes Flugobjekt' - identified flying object, DD for 'Ungenügende Daten' - insufficient data), and identification/evaluation.

• Roter Fußball mit Gitternetz (Red Football with Grid) (Fall-Nummer: 19970803 A, Siegen, Germany): A witness described a red, signal-like object with a black grid and a bright outer ring, observed for about 30 seconds. It was initially thought to be a model hot-air balloon.
• 'Plitzende, spitze Partrone' (Flashing, pointed cartridge) (Fall-Nummer: 1991, Dieburg, Germany): A witness reported a yellow, cigar-shaped object with a pointed front and a spotlight, which flashed and disappeared within seconds. The case was classified as having insufficient data.
• Lasershow des Centro (Laser Show of the Centro) (Fall-Nummer: 19971029 A, Bottrop, Germany): Reports of UFOs in Bottrop were traced to a laser show from a discotheque, identified as a light effect device.
• Rote und grüne Lichtbögen (Red and Green Light Arcs) (Fall-Nummer: 19961119 A, Goßmannsrod, Germany): Witnesses observed red and green light arcs and blinking lights from an unknown object, which emitted a humming sound. Due to lack of cooperation from authorities and missing witness reports, the case was classified as having insufficient data.
• Spiralförmiger Nebel (Spiral-shaped Fog) (Fall-Nummer: 19940407 A, Brotterode, Germany): A witness described a spiral-shaped, nebulous cloud-like object that moved rhythmically. It was classified as a light effect device.
• 2 kreisrunde leuchtende Körper (2 circular luminous bodies) (Fall-Nummer: 19910118 A, Dresden, Germany): Two bright, circular, red-yellow objects were observed moving slowly and in formation. The case was classified as NEAR IFO, possibly model hot-air balloons.
• Zwei leuchtende Objekte (Two luminous objects) (Fall-Nummer: 19940510 B, Chemnitz, Germany): Two bright objects were observed stationary in the sky before moving together. The case was classified as NEAR IFO, possibly aircraft.
• 5-6 beleuchtete Objekte (5-6 illuminated objects) (Fall-Nummer: 19971121 A, Mönchengladbach, Germany): A witness reported seeing 5-6 illuminated objects moving at high speed. The case was classified as NEAR IFO, possibly meteors or aircraft.
• 'Zischendes, blinkendes UFO' (Hissing, blinking UFO) (Fall-Nummer: 1996----, Berlin, Germany): A young witness reported seeing a UFO with blinking red and blue lights. Due to the time elapsed and potential memory distortions, the case was classified as having insufficient data.
• 15-20 helle Wolken (15-20 bright clouds) (Fall-Nummer: 19980102 A, Zwiesel-Rabenstein, Germany): Witnesses observed an appearance of 12-20 bright lights forming a circle, moving systematically. Classified as IFO, likely a light effect device.
• Sonderbare Lichterscheinung (Strange Light Phenomenon) (Fall-Nummer: 19970309 B, Ratingen, Germany): A student observed a bright object in the sky that moved and disappeared. Classified as NEAR IFO, possibly a satellite.

Psychological Aspects and Case Studies

'Begegnungen mit dem Irrationalen' (Encounters with the Irrational) by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This section presents three case studies exploring individuals who exhibit unusual beliefs related to UFOs and extraterrestrials:

• Case 1: Der neue Messias - Sohn Gottes (The New Messiah - Son of God): Matthias K. developed increasingly bizarre theories, believing he was chosen to enlighten humanity and that UFOs originate from a parallel world. He interpreted skin marks as stigmata and declared himself the new Messiah. His family sought psychological help for him.
• Case 2: Die Außerirdische und ihr Chef (The Extraterrestrial and Her Boss): Christel K. from Lübeck claims to be an extraterrestrial with a mission to help humans. She believes authorities are trying to take her children away due to her 'psychological disorder' and unusual experiences. The author notes her claims might stem from psychological issues and a need for social connection.
• Case 3: Leben auf dem Mars? (Life on Mars?): A man in Hagen presented numerous UFO sighting sketches and a photograph he interpreted as showing extraterrestrial beings on Mars. The author explains how the man's repeated copying and enlargement of a photograph, originally of the AREA 51 vicinity, led to the creation of abstract patterns that he then interpreted as alien life and structures.

Peiniger concludes that these cases illustrate how individuals can become deeply entrenched in fixed ideas, sometimes bordering on delusional states, and how media and popular authors might contribute to such beliefs.

US-Geheimdienst gibt Dokument über (ost)deutsche UFO-Sichtung frei (US Intelligence Releases Document on (East) German UFO Sighting) by Sascha Schomacker

This article reports on a declassified US intelligence document from October 1964, detailing a UFO sighting on a Soviet military airfield near Merseburg, Germany, in February or March 1963. An informant witnessed two unidentified flying objects performing vertical take-offs from the airfield. The objects were described as emitting a bright red exhaust and a loud noise, ascending vertically for about seven seconds before flying westwards. The document suggests the objects were faster than jet engines and were observed from a distance of approximately two kilometers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences, the detailed documentation and analysis of UFO sightings, the potential for misidentification (IFO and NEAR IFO classifications), and the challenges faced by UFO researchers, including internal community conflicts and the need for scientific rigor. The editorial stance emphasizes a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO research, encouraging factual reporting and professional discourse, while also acknowledging the psychological dimensions of witness accounts and the potential for delusion.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Issue 119, May 1998) delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring articles on potential military aircraft sightings, alien encounters, government cover-ups, and book reviews.

Identified Military Aircraft and Sightings

The issue begins with an analysis of a potential military aircraft sighting, suggesting it might be a VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft, possibly a Russian Yak-36 or Yak-38. The author notes that during the Cold War, major powers sought such capabilities for military advantages, leading to an arms race in VTOL technology that lasted into the 1970s. The Yak-36, developed by Yakovlev, first flew in 1963 and could reach speeds of 1009 km/h. The Yak-38, a development of the Yak-36, was operational around 1975. An attempt to confirm if such aircraft were being tested in Merseburg, Germany, was unsuccessful.

The 'Alien Photo Case'

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'Alien Photo Case,' reported by Wladislaw Raab. A reader submitted a photograph taken in 1993, which appeared to show an alien 'Grey' head on a wall that was not physically present. The woman who took the photo stated she only intended to photograph her husband. Upon developing the film, they noticed the anomaly. Investigations by the magazine, including a comparison with an 'Area 51' alien image, revealed that the 'Grey' heads were identical, suggesting a potential hoax or the use of a prop. The article discusses the possibility of double exposure, referencing techniques used in spirit photography.

Roswell and Government Secrecy

Uli Thieme's section on 'Roswell News' reports the death of Lt. Col. Philip Corso, author of "The Day after Roswell," at the age of 83. Corso claimed to have had access to documents indicating alien spacecraft crashes at Roswell and that the debris led to a technological boost for American industry. The article also mentions Travis Middleton's refutation of Corso's claim that the microwave oven originated from alien technology, citing a 1930 prototype. Despite such debunking, plans are underway to erect a memorial plaque near Roswell. The article notes the media's extensive coverage of the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident, with over 1000 articles and significant media attention, highlighting the town's efforts to boost UFO tourism.

Book Reviews and Research

The magazine features numerous book reviews and discussions on UFO-related topics:

• Andreas von Rétyi's "Geheimbasis AREA 51": This book is reviewed, focusing on the history and secrecy surrounding the Area 51 military complex. It discusses alleged unconventional aircraft development and the possibility of recovered alien technology. The review notes that von Rétyi's work includes personal experiences and research, and critically examines the claims of Bob Lazar, suggesting that while Lazar's credibility is questionable, some independent reports corroborate aspects of his claims.
• Lila Matera's "Geheime Zeugen": A novel that incorporates UFOlogical aspects and theories into a fictional legal thriller about an alien abduction.
• Leona / Veit's "Evakuierung in den Weltraum": This book presents channeled messages and drawings about an evacuation of humanity by extraterrestrials, linking it to end-time prophecies and biblical themes.
• David Bischoff's "Die UFO Verschwörung": The first part of a trilogy about a former Blue Book employee who investigates UFO phenomena and becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving a secret CIA department and a mysterious 'Publisher' society.
• J. J. Benítez's "100 000 Kilometer zu den UFOs": A collection of Spanish UFO cases, some of which differ significantly from those reported in Germany. The review notes Benítez's tendency to favor groups claiming contact with extraterrestrials and his sometimes uncritical evaluation of evidence.
• Johannes von Buttlar's "Zeitreisen": Discusses the possibility of time travel and the 'Granny Paradox,' suggesting that current UFO encounters might indicate that these theoretical challenges have already been overcome.
• Cornelia von Däniken's "Reiseführer zu den Monumenten der Götter": A travel guide to pre-astronautic sites worldwide, from Egypt to Yucatán, presenting evidence for ancient alien visits.
• Peter Fiebag's "Zeitreisen zur Apokalypse": Explores the reasons behind the downfall of ancient civilizations and draws parallels to potential future scenarios for modern civilization.
• Ulrich Dopatka's "Die große Erich von Däniken Enzyklopädie": An updated lexicon of pre-astronautics, providing an overview of the field, key figures, and theories, including the 'Ancient Astronaut' hypothesis.
• Walter-Jörg Langbein's "Götter aus dem Kosmos": An introduction to pre-astronautic theories, starting with UFO phenomena and moving towards interpretations of biblical events as extraterrestrial encounters.
• Ulrich Dopatka's "Beweise für das Unglaubliche": Presents arguments for pre-astronautic theories, focusing on archaeological sites and artifacts, though the review questions the 'scientific explosive' nature of the material presented.

UFO Technology and Research Projects

The issue also covers:

• A.E.Z.T. Ion Drive: A description of a patented development for an atmospheric, electron, cycle, and propulsion system, potentially enabling silent flight and hovering.
• "UFOrm Datei" Project: An initiative by the Independent Alien Network (IAN) to catalog and analyze different UFO shapes to study temporal, geographical, and socio-cultural connections.
• "Ferngelenktes UFO": A review of remote-controlled UFO-shaped balloons sold by a Canadian company.

Software and Merchandise

• "Flying Saucer" Software: A review of a computer game simulating flight in a flying saucer, involving missions to rescue a friend and uncover a conspiracy.
• UFO-themed Merchandise: Several sections highlight UFO-themed products, including 'Alien Glow Lolly' lollipops, 'Alien-Schlüsselanhänger' keychains, 'Bunte Feuerbälle' (fireworks), and 'Nasch-UFOS' (candy).

Organizations and Events

The magazine lists various UFO research organizations and publications, including the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), CENAP, and UFO-REPORT. An invitation is extended for the GEP's annual general meeting and work session with CENAP in Wolpertshausen-Cröffelbach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of potential alien encounters, the examination of government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, and the exploration of pre-astronautic theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and research findings while also acknowledging potential hoaxes and misidentifications. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, as seen in the book reviews and the discussion of the 'Alien Photo Case.' The magazine also highlights the commercialization of UFO culture through merchandise and media portrayals.