JUFOF - Issue 123 - 1999 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), number 123, from 1999, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), focuses on the human aspect of UFO phenomena and presents a collection of case studies.

Article: Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens by Craig Roberts

Craig Roberts' article explores the psychological dimensions of the UFO phenomenon. He examines two main theories: one focusing on personality traits like 'Fantasy Proneness' and psychopathology, and another postulating a connection between geology, psychology, and brain stimulation. Roberts aims to demonstrate the necessity of such psychological investigations to advance scientific understanding and reduce the scientific community's hesitation to address these topics. The GEP Sonderheft 16, a 36-page publication with one illustration, is mentioned, priced at DM 12.00 (DM 9.60 for GEP members).

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

• This section lists several UFO sightings with dates and locations, compiled by Hans-Werner Peiniger:
• 18.10.1998, Bruchmühle
• 29.03.1997, Overath
• 12.03.1997, Hemer-Ihmert
• 13.06.1996, Neubrandenburg
• June 1996, Halle
• 21.01.1996, Fellbach-Oeffingen
• 12.01.1996, Scheeßel
• December 1995, Rostock
• 01.05.1994, Bielefeld

• Two specific sightings are highlighted:
• "Etwas Großes, Dunkles" over Greifswald on 12.11.1995, described by Rudolf Henke.
• "Relativ ratlos" on 19.08.1996, Bremerhaven, also by Rudolf Henke.

Article: Begriff >>UFO<< - Ein Problem der Sprachregelung by Helmut Poppenborg

Helmut Poppenborg discusses the term 'UFO' and the challenges in its definition and regulation.

Roswell News - Teil 8 by Uli Thieme

Uli Thieme continues his series on the Roswell incident.

Literatur (Literature)

This section lists books related to UFO research, including "UFO-Sekten / Gedidnapped durch Aliens / Die Dreamland-Akte / Die Zeit des Hexenwahns im Blickwinkel der UFO-Forschung".

Editorial and GEP Information (Page 2)

The "Liebe Leser Innen!" (Dear Readers!) section encourages membership in the GEP, highlighting its non-profit status and tax-deductible contributions. It mentions benefits for members, including the JUFOF journal, GEP-NEWS, library access, and discounts. The editorial states that the issue will focus on UFO cases that have been investigated but not yet published, including some that were previously reported in the press.

The "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF) is presented as a bi-monthly publication. The editorial team includes Hans-Werner Peiniger (hwp) and Gerald Mosbleck (gem). The GEP is described as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization focused on UFO research, defining a UFO as an object inexplicable to witnesses at the time of observation. They utilize questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary approaches, even being referred to by the German Ministry of Defence.

A book review for "DAS RÄTSEL: UNBEKANNTE FLUGOBJEKTE" by Hans-Werner Peiniger is included, describing it as a serious and informative book on the UFO topic.

Case Study: "Ein klassisches UFO" (A Classic UFO) - Fall-Nummer: 19981018 A

This case from Bruchmühle, Germany, describes a witness observing a round to elliptical object with a bright outer ring and a bright center, appearing and disappearing multiple times. The object was described as 'Jupiter-like' and visible between treetops. The witness's family also observed a light spot that moved in elliptical paths. The investigation suggests a possible explanation as a spotlight from a nearby disco, though the witness dismisses this due to the object's movements.

Case Study: "Wie obere Hälfte der aufgehenden Sonne" (Like the upper half of the rising sun) - Fall-Nummer: 19970329 A

This report from Overath, Germany, details a sighting of a large, round, brightly shining object, resembling the upper half of a rising sun, moving up and down and disappearing into the woods. The investigation suggests a possible explanation as a model hot-air balloon, but the witness's description of its brightness and movement makes this uncertain. The case is classified as NEAR IFO.

Case Study: UFO-Beobachtungen - "Ein klassisches UFO" (Page 3)

This section details the Bruchmühle sighting (19981018 A), where witnesses observed a round to elliptical object with a bright outer ring and a bright center. The object appeared and disappeared multiple times, described as 'Jupiter-like'. The witness's family also observed a light spot. The investigation suggests a possible explanation as a spotlight from a nearby disco, but the witness's description of the object's movements leads to the conclusion that it was likely a light effect device.

Case Study: "Wie obere Hälfte der aufgehenden Sonne" (Page 3)

This case from Overath (19970329 A) describes witnesses observing a large, round, brightly shining object, likened to the upper half of a rising sun, moving up and down and disappearing into the woods. The investigation points to a possible explanation as a model hot-air balloon, but the witness's description of its brightness and movement makes this uncertain. The case is classified as NEAR IFO.

Case Study: "Lauter wie ein Hubschrauber" (Louder than a helicopter) - Fall-Nummer: 19960121 A

This report from Fellbach-Oeffingen, Germany, describes a young witness hearing a loud humming sound and seeing a flying object described as 'like a spaceship' with lights at the rear. The object disappeared quickly. The newspaper report was uncooperative, preventing further investigation, and the case is classified as having insufficient data.

Case Study: "Rundes Gebilde mit Pendel" (Round formation with a pendulum) - Fall-Nummer: 199606--

This brief report from Halle, Germany, mentions a 10-year-old witness named Sebastian who reported seeing a 'round object with a pendulum'. The case is classified with insufficient data, and the drawing suggests a possible light effect device.

Case Study: "Lichtumflutete Scheibe über Rostock" (Light-flooded disc over Rostock) - Fall-Nummer: 199512

This case from Rostock, Germany, describes a family witnessing a light-filled disc hovering over a settlement. Radar data from nearby airports did not detect any anomalies. The case is classified with insufficient data.

Case Study: "Regelmäßig pulsierende Lichtpunkte" (Regularly pulsating light points) - Fall-Nummer: 19960112 A

This report from Scheeßel, Germany, details a witness observing several oval to round lights pulsating and moving across the sky, forming a diamond or rectangular shape. The witness experienced psychological effects, feeling startled and disoriented. The investigation suggests a possible explanation as a light effect device, noting that similar reports were published in local newspapers.

Case Study: "Ufos über Landkreis Rotenburg?" (UFOs over Rotenburg district?) (Page 6)

This article from the Rotenburger Kreiszeitung reports on numerous sightings of unidentified flying objects in the Rotenburg district. Multiple witnesses described seeing round, lamp-like objects in the sky. Some speculated about spotlights or other conventional explanations, while others were convinced they had seen something extraordinary. The article notes that the GEP was investigating these reports.

Case Study: "Mysteriöses Flugobjekt am Himmel erblickt" (Mysterious flying object sighted in the sky) - Bielefeld-Sennestadt (Page 8)

This case from Bielefeld, Germany, describes witnesses observing a mysterious object described as a square made of 16 circles, rotating and moving silently. The object was seen by multiple people, including a couple who initially feared being ridiculed. The investigation later identified the phenomenon as a result of a powerful spotlight used for advertising purposes.

Case Study: "Ufo war lediglich ein Werbegag" (UFO was merely an advertising gag) - Bielefeld-Sennestadt (Page 9)

This article confirms that the mysterious sightings in Bielefeld were caused by a 'Sky-Tracer 4000' spotlight used for advertising at various events. The GEP identified the phenomenon as a reflection from a light effect device. The powerful spotlight could project beams up to 20 kilometers, creating the illusion of a flying saucer.

Case Study: "Etwas Großes, Dunkles" über Greifswald (Something large, dark) - Fall-Nr.: 19951112 A (Page 9)

This report from Greifswald, Germany, details a witness observing a large, dark object without lights, followed by a silver streak and then three brown objects. The witness, a 15-year-old, provided detailed descriptions, but the investigation suggests possible explanations like meteors or aircraft, with the silver streak potentially being a jet. The case is classified with insufficient data for some observations.

Case Study: "Relativ ratlos" (Relatively clueless) - Fall-Nr.: 19960819 A (Page 10)

This case from Bremerhaven-Wulsdorf, Germany, involves an amateur astronomer and a possible second witness observing three diffuse, elongated objects moving at high speed. The objects were described as having constant brightness, no sound, and a rigid formation. The witness ruled out satellites, aircraft, and birds. The investigation notes that astronomers rarely report UFOs, making this observation notable, but ultimately classifies it as 'IFO (aircraft)' due to lack of definitive evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO sightings, with a strong emphasis on psychological factors and the search for conventional explanations. The GEP's methodical approach, utilizing witness testimony, questionnaires, and cross-referencing with other reports and scientific data, is evident throughout. The journal demonstrates a skeptical yet open-minded stance, aiming to demystify UFO phenomena by identifying misidentifications and light effects, while acknowledging that some cases remain unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous scientific inquiry, seeking to understand the UFO phenomenon through detailed case analysis and psychological exploration.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 123 from March 1999, focuses on the problematic terminology surrounding UFOs, re-examines the Roswell incident, and features several book reviews and discussions on related topics.

"Begriff >>UFO<< Ein Problem der Sprachregelung" by Helmut Poppenborg

Helmut Poppenborg addresses the semantic issues surrounding the term "UFO." He notes that while many people today accept the possibility of extraterrestrial life, often influenced by science fiction, the term "UFO" itself is a point of contention. Scientists and astronomers tend to use the term pejoratively, while enthusiasts equate it with extraterrestrial visitations. Poppenborg argues that the term is a linguistic barrier, hindering objective scientific discussion. He suggests that while extraterrestrial civilizations are conceivable, the term "UFO" is too loaded and imprecise, leading to confusion between scientific inquiry and anecdotal reports. He advocates for more careful language to avoid prejudicing the discussion.

Analysis of a UFO Sighting (Pages 86-87)

This section analyzes a reported UFO sighting by a witness named Michael S. The witness observed an object that, with the naked eye, appeared as a single light, but through binoculars resolved into three lights. The object moved roughly East-West. The author discusses the possibility of it being an aircraft, noting that high-flying aircraft lights can be difficult to discern. The witness's background as a long-time observer of the sky and his interest in UFO literature are considered, suggesting he might be a 'native' UFO observer. The confirmation by a second witness is deemed not particularly valuable, as UFOs do not adhere to fixed flight plans.

Roswell News: Major Jesse Marcel Entlarvt Ufologen by Uli Thieme

This article focuses on the Roswell incident, specifically on the testimony of Major Jesse Marcel. Uli Thieme presents a previously overlooked article from The Fort Worth Star Telegram dated July 9, 1947, which quotes Major Marcel. According to Marcel, the debris found by "Mac" Brazel was from a weather balloon and consisted of aluminum foil, wooden sticks, and synthetic rubber. Marcel states that Brazel found the debris weeks before the incident became public and that he, Marcel, brought the material to the Roswell Army Air Field. The article disputes the commonly accepted timeline of the Roswell incident, suggesting that claims of it occurring between July 2-4, 1947, are based on the fantasies of ufologists rather than firsthand accounts.

Book Reviews

"UFO-Sekten" by Lars A. Fischinger & Roland M. Horn

This book is reviewed as a significant counterpoint to the often unverified and esoteric literature on UFOs. It critically examines UFO cults, their apocalyptic beliefs, and their potential dangers, including the Hale-Bopp cult. The review praises the authors for their meticulous research and for providing a much-needed scientific perspective on the UFO phenomenon.

"The Aliens and the Scalpel" by Dr. Roger K. Leir

Reviewed by a non-medical professional, this book presents alleged scientific proof of extraterrestrial implants in humans. The reviewer notes that Dr. Leir, a cousin of Kenneth Ring, is prone to exaggeration. The book is described as being written like a novel, with excessive personal detail. The reviewer questions the validity of the "implants," suggesting they could be ordinary foreign bodies or bodily reactions. The book's sponsorship by the Bigelow Foundation and its publication in a UFO-focused press are also noted.

"UFOs & Alien Contact: Two Centuries of Mystery" by Robert E. Bartholomew & George S. Howard

This book analyzes UFO sightings from 1896 to 1997, examining historical waves of sightings. The authors suggest that many sightings can be explained by conventional phenomena such as stars, planets, balloons, and atmospheric effects. They argue that UFO waves often begin with non-UFO events and that mass panics or 'mass delusions' play a significant role in misinterpreting stimuli. The book also explores the psychological aspects of alien contact.

"Charles Fort: DA!" and "Der Ritt auf dem Kometen" (About Charles Fort)

These reviews highlight the work of Charles Fort, an early researcher of anomalous phenomena. "DA!" is described as a collection of Fort's observations on unexplained events, including UFOs, presented with his characteristic critical and often humorous style. "Der Ritt auf dem Kometen" is presented as a biography of Fort, detailing his extensive research in libraries and his critical approach to science. Both reviews emphasize Fort's role as a pioneer in the study of unexplained phenomena and his influence on later UFO research.

"Gekidnapped durch Aliens" by Marina Rosenberg

This is a review of a personal account of alien abduction. The reviewer finds the book interesting for its insights into the abductee's psychological state, suggesting possible hysteria or paranoia. The author, Marina Rosenberg, believes that a military-like organization, not just aliens, is involved in her experiences and that a genetic trait makes certain individuals susceptible to abduction. The reviewer remains skeptical of the reality of the abduction claims.

"Die Dreamland-Akte: Area 51 - Amerikas supergeheime High-Tech-Militärbasis" by David Darlington

This book is praised as a highly informative work on Area 51. It separates myth from reality regarding the secret military base, discussing its history, the development of advanced aircraft, and UFO-related speculation. The review highlights Darlington's research into Bob Lazar and the UFO community surrounding Area 51.

"Die Zeit des Hexenwahns im Blickwinkel der UFO-Forschung" by Gisela Ermel

Gisela Ermel draws parallels between the historical witch hunts and the modern UFO phenomenon. She suggests that both phenomena stem from a belief in hidden realms and secret operations against humanity. The review notes the commonalities of alleged flying experiences and involuntary contact with non-human beings in both contexts.

Software Review: Check-Com 2000

This section reviews a software package designed to test computer systems for Year 2000 compliance. It includes programs for checking the system clock, software compatibility, and potential issues after the year 2000 rollover.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

This section contains letters from readers, including a lengthy response from Michael Hesemann to criticisms leveled against him by Uli Thieme. Hesemann defends his work, particularly his book "Jenseits von Roswell," explaining his methodology and refuting accusations of manipulation and misrepresentation. He also addresses criticisms from Riccardo Bresemann and Sascha Schomacker regarding specific UFO photos and his research practices. The section also includes a brief mention of a UFO sighting in Turkey and a Swiss photo.

Other Content

The issue also includes advertisements for books, a UFO research society (FGK), and back issues of the journal. There is also a section on GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.) publications and special offers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO terminology, the re-evaluation of historical UFO cases like Roswell, and the review of literature that attempts to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and UFO phenomena. The journal appears to maintain a stance of critical investigation, distinguishing between serious research and more speculative or esoteric claims. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and the careful use of language when discussing UFOs and related topics. The editorial stance favors well-researched, evidence-based discussions over sensationalism or unsubstantiated theories.