JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: Number 3, 2000 (Year 21, Heft 129)
Publisher: Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V.
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 6,00

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (JUFOF) presents a collection of articles and case studies related to UFO phenomena, with a strong focus on German-language reports and historical investigations. The magazine, published by the GEP, aims to provide critical analysis and detailed documentation of UFO sightings and related topics.

Featured Articles and Content

New Publication Announcement

The issue highlights a new publication by Ulrich Magin titled "Kontakte mit 'Ausserirdischen' im Deutschen Sprachraum" (Contacts with 'Extraterrestrials' in the German-Speaking Area). This comprehensive work is described as a collection of German contact and humanoid reports, offering a critical analysis of testimonies, witnesses, and the social context of UFO beliefs. The catalog includes over 350 entries, providing a chronological overview of alleged contacts with beings from other dimensions. The GEP special edition covers aspects of the UFO myth, from abductions to claims of pre-astronautics, and includes an extensive bibliography and indexes. It is 160 pages, paperback, illustrated, with ISBN 3-923862-57-1, priced at DM 28,00 (DM 22,40 for GEP members).

Editorial and Reader Letters

The editorial, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, begins with a positive note about the JUFOF's performance in a comparison test of UFO magazines, where it achieved first place with the highest score for seriousness. Peiniger emphasizes the magazine's focus on UFO sightings in the German-speaking region and promises to continue delivering relevant information. He also mentions the ongoing Roswell News series and a report on the German UFO Network (D.U.N.).

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section features several documented sightings:

• Unusual Smoke Ring over Sottrum (December 29, 1998): Hans-Werner Peiniger documents a case where witnesses observed a closed black ring in the sky, approximately 300 meters high and 100 meters in diameter, from which smoke trails emerged. The object moved slowly and dissolved. Investigations ruled out fireworks as a cause, with experts suggesting it could be a vortex ring from burning fuels or a malfunction in combustion systems. The phenomenon is compared to smoke rings observed from volcanoes.

• UFO 25 Years Ago over Kirchhundem (circa 1975): Jürgen B. reported seeing a bright, hovering light that was silent and motionless. He photographed it with his camera. Photo analysis by the GEP suggests the images are of a "wobbled" long-exposure photograph of the moon, rather than a UFO.

• "Erlkönig-Jäger" Photographed UFO (January 22, 1999): A photographer, known for capturing prototype vehicles, photographed a multi-pointed object in Stuttgart. The object was described as flying faster than a balloon but slower than a normal aircraft. Analysis of the photographs, which showed a star-shaped form, suggests it was likely a helium-filled foil balloon, due to its appearance, flight path, and reflection of sunlight.

Adamski's Venus-Untertasse (Venus Saucer)

Hans-Werner Peiniger examines the famous photographs of a "Venus-Untertasse" taken by George Adamski in 1952. While acknowledging Adamski's status as a contactee, Peiniger explores the possibility that Adamski's craft was based on models constructed by Thomas Townsend Brown. He presents evidence of Brown's experimental models from the 1920s, which bear a striking resemblance to Adamski's alleged spacecraft, suggesting that Adamski may have used Brown's published photos as a template for his own models or constructions.

Flugmanöver der Bundeswehr führte zu UFO-Alarm (Bundeswehr Maneuver Led to UFO Alarm)

Sascha Schomacker reports on a UFO scare in the Altmittweida region of Saxony on January 12th, where numerous reports of a large, bright flying object being pursued by "Bundeswehr fighter jets" flooded authorities. It was later revealed that the sightings were caused by a routine aerial refueling maneuver between a Bundeswehr tanker aircraft (KC-135) and fighter jets. The unusual appearance of the maneuver, especially in an area with less frequent air traffic, led to misinterpretations by the public.

„Deutsche

This issue of "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 129, dated 3/2000, is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena. It features a cover story titled "Von Ufos entführt" (Abducted by UFOs) by Ulrich Magin, exploring uncanny encounters of the fourth kind.

Key Articles and Content

"Von Ufos entführt" by Ulrich Magin

This section discusses the phenomenon of alien abductions, presenting it as a belief system in the technical age. Magin's book, originally published in 1991, is re-examined, with the author explaining abduction stories as experiences of "UFO abductees" and exploring the truth, delusion, or wonder behind them.

Inventors and Early UFO Technology

The issue highlights early claims of flying saucer technology. Heinz-Adalbert Ahuis, a bank clerk, wrote in 1949 about his interest in flying models and his development of a 'flying saucer' concept in 1944. He claimed to have submitted his designs to a German inventor's office and expressed a desire to continue his research in the USA. The article also mentions Dr. Traugott Kelterborn, a dentist, who in July 1947 reported widespread sightings of 'flying saucers' across the USA, causing significant public concern.

The Roswell Incident and Controversial Figures

The "Roswell News" section, part 13, by Uli Thieme, critically examines the accounts of Frank J. Kaufmann and Bill McDonald, particularly in relation to Michael Hesemann's claims. The article questions Kaufmann's military background and his alleged role as a witness, suggesting his statements and pseudonyms were fabricated. It also disputes Hesemann's portrayal of McDonald as a "construction draftsman for TESTOR," asserting McDonald's background was primarily as an illustrator and private investigator.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• "Jenseits der Ewigkeit: Wie man die Zeit manipuliert" (Beyond Eternity: How to Manipulate Time) by Ernst Meckelburg: Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book explores time manipulation and the possibility of UFOs and paranormal phenomena being manifestations from other dimensions. The reviewer finds Meckelburg's evidence weak and speculative.
• "Phantastische Wissenschaft" (Fantastic Science) by Markus Pössel: This critical examination of claims by Erich von Däniken and Johannes von Buttlar is reviewed by Pössel himself. Pössel analyzes Däniken's theories on ancient Egypt and human evolution, finding some arguments lacking. He also scrutinizes von Buttlar's credentials and scientific claims, concluding that both authors exhibit significant knowledge gaps and present information carelessly.
• "UFOs over Topanga Canyon" by Preston Dennett: Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book documents UFO sightings in California. Peiniger notes that while Dennett investigated numerous reports, much of the data is not particularly conclusive, and the presentation of case examples is criticized for being anecdotal rather than factual.
• "The Excyles" by Mia Adams: This book, described as "strong stuff," details Adams' experiences with alleged extraterrestrials and a US government intelligence agent. The reviewer suggests the experiences might be more spiritual than factual UFO encounters.

Software and Media Reviews

• "KOSMOS Atlas des Sonnensystems" (KOSMOS Atlas of the Solar System): A CD-ROM reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, praised for its detailed 3D models of planets and moons, offering an engaging astronomical learning experience.
• G DATA Power Routing 3003: A route planning software reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, noted for its comprehensive maps and routing capabilities, useful for field investigations.
• G DATA PowerInfo Auskunft & Route 2000: Another G DATA product reviewed, this is an updated telephone directory and information software.
• "Ungeklärte Phänomene" (Unexplained Phenomena): A CD-ROM reviewed, described as an interesting multimedia product covering various fringe science topics with extensive illustrations and videos.

Other Content

• Deutsches UFO-Netzwerk (D.U.N.): An explanation of this network, founded by Walter L. Kelch and Wladislaw Raab, aimed at connecting UFO researchers and facilitating information exchange.
• UFO-Arbeitstagung Cröffelbach III: An announcement for an upcoming UFO research conference in Cröffelbach, Germany, listing speakers and details.
• GEP Sonderhefte and Info-Paket: Listings of special publications and information packages available from GEP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, fact-checking, and scrutinizing the claims of individuals and organizations within the UFO community. There is a clear effort to debunk sensationalism and misinformation, particularly concerning well-known cases like Roswell. The reviews of books and media products often highlight their strengths and weaknesses from a research perspective, with a preference for well-documented and critically analyzed content. The journal also serves as a platform for promoting UFO research activities and resources within Germany.