JUFOF - Issue 125 - 1999 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 125, published in May 1999, is volume 20 of the publication by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP). The cover prominently features "UFO-BEOBACHTUNGEN" (UFO Sightings) and includes a new release announcement for Ulrich Magin's book "KONTAKTE MIT 'AUSSERIRDISCHEN' IM DEUTSCHEN SPRACHRAUM" (Contacts with 'Extraterrestrials' in the German-Speaking Area).

Publisher and Organization Information

The GEP is presented as a reputable, non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research, founded in 1972. It emphasizes its interdisciplinary approach, collaboration with authorities and scientific institutions, and its role in investigating UFO reports through specialized questionnaires and field studies. The magazine "Journal für UFO-Forschung" is highlighted as a key output, alongside various publications and collaborations with other organizations. The issue also provides contact details for the GEP, including a postal address in Lüdenscheid, Germany, a telephone number for UFO sightings, and its website.

Key Articles and Features

UFO Sightings and Documentation

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailed documentation and evaluation of UFO sightings. These include:

• Hellweißes Licht über Lüdenscheid (Bright White Light over Lüdenscheid) (Fall-Nummer: 19980623 A): A witness described a bright white light moving at high speed in a straight line, identified as a likely fire ball.
• Heller Lichtpunkt über Lüdenscheid (Bright Light Point over Lüdenscheid) (Fall-Nummer: 19980517 A): A witness observed a bright, silver light performing a circular movement before ascending rapidly, identified as a weather balloon or foil balloon.
• Pulsierendes Licht über Greimerath (Pulsating Light over Greimerath) (Fall-Nummer: 19980829 A): A witness reported a pulsating white point of light that enlarged before disappearing, identified as a satellite.
• Gelb-rötliches Objekt über Erftstadt (Yellow-Reddish Object over Erftstadt) (Fall-Nummer: 19990724 A): A witness described a light that hovered and then ascended, identified as a model hot-air balloon.
• Sechs Lichter in einer Stunde (Six Lights in an Hour) (Fall-Nummer: 19990714 A): Two witnesses observed multiple point-like lights moving in the sky, identified as satellites.
• Venus/Jupiter, die Erste/Zweite/Dritte (Venus/Jupiter, the First/Second/Third) (Fall-Nummer: 19990223 A, B, C): Three separate reports from different locations describe bright lights in the sky identified as the planets Venus and Jupiter, noting that such sightings often lead to public confusion.
• Drei Lichtringe nahe Basel (Three Light Rings near Basel) (Fall-Nummer: 19990606 A): Witnesses reported seeing three light rings rotating, identified as a light effect device.
• Geräuschvolles Objekt über Volksdorf (Noisy Object over Volksdorf) (Fall-Nummer: 199503--): A witness described a noisy object with lights, possibly a conventional aircraft, but with unusual characteristics.
• „Ziemlich beunruhigend" „Metallische Doppelkuppel" über Kiel? ("Quite Disturbing" "Metallic Double Dome" over Kiel?) (Fall-Nr.: 199512±20): This case involves two witnesses with differing accounts of a metallic, possibly disc-shaped object with lights. The analysis highlights the discrepancies and suggests possibilities ranging from a model hot-air balloon to a CE-I (Close Encounter) or NL (Nocturnal Light) case, noting the unreliability of witness estimations.

Editorial and Definitional Content

• Liebe Leser Innen! (Dear Readers!) by Hans-Werner Peiniger: The editor addresses the common question of whether GEP members believe in UFOs. He clarifies that while many members may believe in alien spacecraft, the GEP's approach is critical and scientific, with only about 8% of cases remaining unexplained, and 2% being particularly interesting but not necessarily extraterrestrial.
• Die GEP... (The GEP...): This section outlines the organization's mission, methods, and its definition of a UFO as an object or light whose appearance and behavior cannot be logically explained, even after thorough investigation.
• Definition des Begriffs "UFO" (im engeren Sinn) (Definition of the Term "UFO" (in the narrower sense)): This section reiterates the GEP's definition of a UFO, emphasizing its unidentifiable nature.
• Das UFO – dieses obskure Objekt des Begehrens. Oder: Ist eine wissenschaftliche UFO-Forschung überhaupt möglich? (The UFO – this Obscure Object of Desire. Or: Is Scientific UFO Research Even Possible?) by Dr. Dieter Sträuli: This article critically examines the GEP's definition of a UFO and the challenges of conducting scientific research in this field. Sträuli questions the negative definition and the reliance on the 'common sense' of investigators, highlighting the inherent contradiction in studying something defined by its unidentifiability.
• Die Definition ist eine rein negative. (The Definition is Purely Negative.): This section, part of a larger discussion on UFO definitions, critiques the GEP's definition for being based on what a UFO is *not*, rather than what it *is*. It points out the difficulty in studying something defined by its unidentifiability and the contradictory stance UFO researchers must take between skepticism and belief.

Other Content

• Impressum (Imprint): Provides details about the magazine's publisher, editors, and publication policies.
• Nachdruck (Reprint): Information on reprinting articles.
• Bezugspreis (Subscription Price): Details on subscription costs and benefits for GEP members.
• Anzeigenpreise (Advertising Prices): Information for advertisers.
• Meldestelle für UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Reporting Office): Contact information for reporting sightings.
• GEP im INTERNET: Website address.
• Book Advertisement: An advertisement for Hans-Werner Peiniger's book "DAS RÄTSEL: UNBEKANNTE FLUGOBJEKTE" (The Riddle: Unknown Flying Objects).
• Aktuelle Meldungen (Current News): Brief announcements, including the dissolution of the "INDEPENDENT ALIEN NETWORK" and Burkard Heim distancing himself from "Ufologists".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the documentation and analysis of UFO sightings, with a strong emphasis on providing rational explanations, often identifying phenomena as conventional objects or atmospheric events. The GEP maintains a stance of critical scientific inquiry, acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation but demanding rigorous evidence. The articles also explore the philosophical and definitional challenges of UFO research, questioning the very nature of what constitutes a UFO and the difficulties in conducting objective studies of subjective experiences. There is a clear effort to distinguish between 'serious' UFO research and what the magazine might perceive as less rigorous or more belief-oriented approaches, such as those involving 'channels' or 'contactees'.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Issue 125, 5/99) offers a critical and analytical perspective on the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing between scientific investigation and popular belief. It features articles that scrutinize alleged UFO incidents, debunk sensational claims, and explore the sociological aspects of UFOlogy.

Articles and Features

The Ramstein UFO Incident: Without Confirmation

Sascha Schomacker investigates the claim made by former US Lieutenant Colonel Philip J. Corso that a UFO was shot down by the US Army near Ramstein in May 1974. Schomacker's research reveals a lack of official confirmation from German and American military and police authorities. Despite thorough investigation, no evidence of such an event was found. The article notes that Corso has previously been accused of making false statements, leading Schomacker to conclude that this case belongs in the realm of ufological fiction.

Space Debris and "UFO Crashes"

Peter Kauert discusses the prevalence of alleged "UFO crashes," suggesting that many sightings are misidentified conventional objects. He points out that if all reported UFO crashes were real, humanity would possess a substantial extraterrestrial fleet. The article also briefly mentions a sighting of luminous objects near Bruchhagen on New Year's Eve 1978, followed by the discovery of a metallic object.

Permanent Magnet Field Meter and UFO Detector

Ralf Kuhn presents a DIY project for a magnetic field meter designed to detect magnetic anomalies often reported in conjunction with UFO sightings. The device uses LEDs to indicate field strength and can also function as a UFO detector with an acoustic alarm. The article details the circuit diagram and components, offering a practical tool for researchers.

Roswell News: Part 9

Uli Thieme critically reviews Robert J. Shirkey's book "Roswell 1947: I was there," questioning Shirkey's credibility as a firsthand witness. Thieme highlights significant contradictions in Shirkey's accounts regarding the number of soldiers present and the description of the wreckage. He also points out Shirkey's close association with Glenn Dennis, a figure involved in the International UFO Museum, suggesting a motive for fabricating stories.

Further Debunking of Philip Corso's Fantasies

This section continues to scrutinize claims made by Philip Corso, specifically regarding the Northrop YB-49 "Flying Wing." The author argues that Corso's assertion of a direct link between the Roswell craft and the YB-49 is chronologically flawed, as the development of the YB-49 predates Corso's alleged involvement with Roswell-related information.

Are We Marrying Aliens?

This short piece highlights an unusual offering from the IUFOMRC in Roswell, New Mexico: the opportunity to get married in an "Alien Wedding" ceremony on New Year's Eve 2000, satirizing the commercialization of the UFO phenomenon.

Literature and Software Reviews

Several book and software reviews are featured:

• Ulrich Walter: "Zivilisationen im All" (Civilizations in Space): A review of Walter's book, which explores the question of extraterrestrial intelligence and the possibility of contact. Walter concludes that while extraterrestrial intelligences likely exist, direct contact may be impossible.
• W. Ahrheit-Volle: "Das Geheimnis der apokalyptischen Zahl" (The Secret of the Apocalyptic Number): A review of a book that interprets biblical texts, suggesting alterations and proposing that the year 2033 may see an apocalyptic event.
• Jerome Clark: "The UFO Encyclopedia" (Volumes 1 & 2): A positive review of Clark's comprehensive encyclopedia, noting its detailed coverage of UFO cases, theories, and organizations.
• Robert Sheaffer: "UFO Sightings: The Evidence": A review of Sheaffer's book, which critically examines UFO evidence, distinguishing between scientific investigation and belief. The book is praised for its objective approach.
• Power Route 3 Spezial: A review of a routing software program, highlighting its comprehensive features for navigation and research purposes.
• 11880: The Directory for Germany: A review of a CD-ROM directory service that includes a route planner and extensive data on German residents and businesses.
• D-Info 99: A review of a CD-ROM information service providing address and telecommunication data, along with a route planner.
• PowerInfo & Route: A review of another telecommunication and routing software, noting its extensive database and features.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

This section includes several letters:

• Hans-Jürgen Herlemann praises the magazine's case descriptions and book reviews but criticizes personal attacks and slander among UFO researchers.
• Werner Walter defends his stance on Michael Hesemann, accusing him of sensationalism and commercializing the UFO topic, and questioning his journalistic integrity.
• Ursula E. disputes the explanation of a UFO sighting as a party balloon, insisting on the object's unusual characteristics.
• Michael Hesemann responds to Sascha Schomacker's critique, defending his research methods and accusing Schomacker of lacking understanding of serious UFO research.

Upcoming Events

• Working Conference of German UFO Researchers in Cröffelbach on October 30-31, 1999.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the distinction between scientific methodology and popular belief, and the debunking of sensationalist claims. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based research, often questioning the credibility of anecdotal evidence and commercialized UFO narratives. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine investigation and what the magazine terms "ufological fairy tales" or "mythology."