JUFOF - Issue 130 - 2000 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUFOF Journal für UFO-Forschung, number 4/2000 (Heft 130, 21st year), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V., focuses on UFO sightings, documentation, and analysis. The cover prominently features the book 'Kontakte mit "Außerirdischen" im deutschen Sprachraum' by Ulrich Magin, which is described as a comprehensive collection of German contact and humanoid reports, offering a critical analysis of testimonies and the social context of UFO beliefs.

Key Articles and Features

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen - Bewertungen

This section, authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, presents detailed case studies of UFO sightings, including:

• Fall-Nummer: 19970413 A (Helmstadt-Holzkirchhausen, 13.04.1997): Three bright lights observed moving in a 'caterpillar-like' fashion. The investigation suggests a possible aircraft, classifying it as NEAR IFO (Not Identified, Really Explained).
• Fall-Nummer: 20000617 A (Rheinberg, 17.06.2000): A round, orange, glowing ring observed moving from south to north. Identified as a possible model hot-air balloon or meteor.
• Fall-Nummer: 20000508 A (Kusel, 08.05.2000): A bright, fast-moving object identified as a possible fireball.
• Fall-Nummer: 20000613 A (Herford, 13.06.2000): A white, slightly curved 'streak' observed, identified as a cloud or contrail.
• Fall-Nummer: 19980623 A (Lüdenscheid, 23.06.1998): A bright white light with a tail, identified as a possible fireball.
• Fall-Nummer: 20000519 A (Friedrichshafen, 19.05.2000): A cloudy, milky light with 12-16 rotating lights, identified as a light effect device.
• Fall-Nummer: 19980322 A (Lüdenscheid, 22.03.1998): A milky light observed moving in an elliptical path, identified as a light effect device.
• Fall-Nummer: 19960729 A (Heilbronn, 29.07.1996): A disk-shaped object observed moving under a large black cloud, identified as a possible aircraft or cloud.
• Fall-Nummer: 19990605 A (Ca'Savio, Italy, 05.06.1999): An orange, intensely luminous point observed moving rapidly, identified as a possible party-model hot-air balloon.
• Fall-Nummer: 19920828 A (Gladbeck, 28.08.1992): A dark, triangular object observed moving upwards, identified as a possible aircraft.

The section also includes a discussion on the astronomical data, conventional air traffic, and radar recordings for some cases, often concluding with a NEAR IFO classification.

Roswell News - Teil 14

Uli Thieme's article discusses new MJ-12 document forgeries. It highlights the involvement of Robert Wood and his son Ryan, who published 'new MJ-12 documents' allegedly received from Ufologist Tim Cooper. The article traces the history of MJ-12 documents back to William Moore and Jamie Shandera in 1983, noting that early skepticism pointed to Moore's involvement in their creation. The current forgeries are attributed to Tim Cooper, evidenced by a specific typographical error (a slightly raised '8') on his typewriter, which also appears on the documents. The article also debunks the extraterrestrial origin of certain technologies, such as night vision and infrared technology, tracing them back to observations of rattlesnakes and projects like 'Local Project 612' which led to the AIM-9 'Sidewinder' missile.

Buchbesprechung: Roswell 1947 "I was there"

This review discusses Robert J. Shirkey's book about the Roswell incident. The reviewer criticizes the book for its inflated size and high price, noting that Shirkey's firsthand account is very brief. The review points out contradictions in Shirkey's statements over the years, particularly regarding the description of debris and the involvement of Major Jesse Marcel. The reviewer also highlights Shirkey's reliance on other individuals like Frank Kaufmann and Glenn Dennis, who are described as unreliable or prone to exaggeration, suggesting that Shirkey's work perpetuates the Roswell legend without providing new, credible evidence.

Verwüstung im Gerstenfeld - Kornkreisformationen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?

Ralf Härtel reports on crop circle formations in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. The article mentions a formation near Klein Kedingshagen and another near Brandshagen. While local media and farmers speculate about UFOs or unusual weather phenomena, the article also presents a more mundane explanation from the German Hunting Association: that the circles were created by rutting deer. However, the author expresses skepticism about this explanation, noting the geometric complexity and the possibility of man-made hoaxes, especially given the timing of the appearances during the Belgian UFO wave.

Kurz Notiert

This section contains brief news items:

• UFO entpuppte sich als Folie: A UFO alarm in Kuchenheim was caused by a large plastic film that had detached and was mistaken for a flying object.
• Solar-UFO löste Rettungseinsatz aus: A solar Zeppelin that landed in the Emscher river near Oberhausen triggered a rescue operation, with a citizen mistaking it for someone in distress.
• Neue UFO-E-Mail-Liste: An announcement for a new German-language, scientific UFO email list called '[email protected]', intended for discussions on UFO topics from a scientific perspective.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings (NEAR IFOs), it prioritizes rational explanations, often attributing sightings to conventional aircraft, atmospheric phenomena, or misidentifications. The editorial stance, as expressed in the 'Liebe Leserinnen!' section by Gerald Mosbleck, reflects a shift in the UFO community towards more commercial interests and a departure from the idealistic pursuits of earlier researchers. The journal emphasizes scientific rigor and interdisciplinary research, as exemplified by the GEP's methodology and its collaboration with scientific institutions. There is a clear distinction made between scientific investigation and more esoteric or conspiratorial approaches to UFOlogy.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Issue 130, 4/2000) focuses on a wide range of UFO-related topics, from scientific studies and historical accounts to cultural manifestations and conspiracy theories. The magazine features articles, book reviews, and product information, reflecting the ongoing interest in the UFO phenomenon.

Articles and Features

NASA Design Study Shows Flying Saucer

The magazine reports on a NASA design study for a flying saucer equipped with a microwave drive. This conceptual spacecraft is designed to perform up to 10,000 starts and have a diameter of approximately 20 meters. Further details are available on a dedicated webpage.

Berliner Judge Plans UFO Landing Strip

A report from the BILD newspaper highlights a plan by Berliner judge Frank Bauer to build a UFO landing strip in the village of Wodrow, near Neustrelitz. In collaboration with director Rosa von Praunheim and artist Sylvester Antony, Bauer intends to convert a lake in the castle park into a landing site for extraterrestrials, complete with solar-powered position lights. However, the project is suggested to be more of an artistic action than a serious endeavor.

UFOs in Everyday Life (Part 17)

Hans-Werner Peiniger continues his series on the presence of 'extraterrestrial motifs' in everyday life. He notes their ubiquity in advertisements, brochures, and even on television. Examples include a Canon camcorder advertisement promoting UFO hunting, a 'Little Alien Recorder' keychain that distorts voices, and the 'Fiber-UFO' decorative lights popular in the 1970s.

Commercial Use of UFO Motifs

The issue details how UFO themes are used commercially. The DIY store 'Lieder' in Halver used a large advertisement with alien imagery, aiming to attract new customers, including extraterrestrials, under the slogan 'New Millennium - New Customers? We are ready.'.

PC Aliens and Alien-Themed Products

Several products featuring alien themes are highlighted. 'PC-Aliens' are described as figures designed to sit on computer monitors or shelves. 'Alien-Shirts' with alien motifs are available, and even dart accessories feature alien-themed flights. An inflatable UFO is also noted as being available in stores.

Saturn's Alien Campaign

The electronics and computer retail chain SATURN is mentioned for its recent advertising campaign using extraterrestrial motifs, including flying saucers hanging from ceilings and life-sized cardboard aliens in stores.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• "Die Gilde der kosmischen Former: Neue Beweise für die außerirdischen Ursprünge des Menschen" by Dieter Vogl: This book examines biblical texts from a pre-astronautic perspective, suggesting that humans were created by extraterrestrials who cross-bred their own genetic material with that of ape-like hominids.
• "MJ 12" by Milton William Cooper: A book for conspiracy theorists, it claims Cooper had access to secret documents about the Kennedy assassination and a secret world government, alleging numerous UFO crashes and alien encounters.
• "Die Stargate Verschwörung: Geheime Spurensuche in Ägypten" by Andreas von Rétyi: This work explores the alleged interest of US military and intelligence agencies in ancient Egyptian mysteries, suggesting connections to advanced technology and potential space-time operations like the Philadelphia Experiment.
• "The Science of Aliens" by Clifford Pickover: This book scientifically explores the potential characteristics and origins of extraterrestrial visitors, considering various biological and evolutionary possibilities.
• "The Scareship Mystery" by Nigel Watson: A historical account of airship sightings in the English-speaking world between 1909 and 1918, presenting them as a precursor to modern UFO sightings.
• "DAS UFO-RÄTSEL" by Marcia S. Smith and George D. Havas: A documentation from the Congressional Research Service, updated and translated into German, providing a comprehensive overview of the UFO phenomenon.
• "UFOLOGIE: Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen" by Dieter von Reeken: This book aims to provide a clear overview of the UFO topic, discussing its history, key aspects of sightings, and alleged contactees.

Video and Software Reviews

• "UFOs: Das Film Archiv Teil 5: 1998-1999": A video compilation featuring numerous alleged UFO footage from various countries, with commentary on its quality and relevance.
• G DATA Power Routing 3D: A review of navigation software that offers 3D vector maps of Germany, providing detailed topographical information.

Games and Hobbies

• "Die drei ??? Geheimsache UFO": A board game based on the popular mystery series, featuring elements like flying saucers, grey aliens, crop circles, and Men in Black.
• Bastel-Tip: Der Kleine A * M Jakobsstab: Instructions for building a simple angle-measuring device, suitable for beginners interested in UFO research.

Events and Publications

• UFO-Arbeitstagung Cröffelbach III: Announcement of an upcoming UFO conference and GEP members' meeting from October 27-29, 2000, at the Hotel "Goldener Ochsen" in Cröffelbach. The theme is "Origins and Current Tendencies of the UFO Phenomenon."
• GEP-Sonderhefte and INFO-Paket: Information on available publications from GEP, including special reports and information packages on UFO research.
• Journal of UFO Studies Vol. 7, 2000: A review of this academic publication featuring articles on geophysical parameters, UFO sightings, and abduction experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the UFO phenomenon, its potential origins (including extraterrestrial and pre-astronautic theories), its presence in popular culture and advertising, and the ongoing research and investigation into sightings and alleged encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and research findings while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some topics. The magazine seems to encourage a scientific and historical approach to UFO research, as evidenced by the book reviews and the focus on documented evidence and theories. There is a clear distinction made between scientific investigation and more esoteric or metaphysical interpretations, as stated in the introductory remarks of one article.