JUFOF - Issue 132 - 2000 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JUFOF Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), number 132, from November/December 2000, is published by the "Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V." (GEP). The journal focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related research, with a strong emphasis on cases from Germany.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The "Impressum" section details the GEP as the publisher and editor, founded in 1972. Hans-Werner Peiniger is listed as responsible for the editorial content, with Mirko Mojsilovic also contributing. The journal is published bi-monthly on a non-commercial basis. The GEP defines a UFO as an object or light that was unexplainable to the witness at the time of observation. They investigate reports through questionnaires, field studies, and analysis, and are supported by governmental institutions. GEP members receive the journal as part of their membership.

The editorial "Liebe Leser Innen!" by Hans-Werner Peiniger reflects on changes in the German UFO scene in 2000, including disagreements within other organizations and the cancellation of planned publications. It also notes the departure of Gerald Mosbleck from the GEP board and welcomes new board members Dennis Kirstein and Tino A. Günter, expressing hope for fresh perspectives. The editorial also apologizes for errors in the previous issue, including a missing newsletter and an uncredited translator.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section presents a series of documented UFO sightings with detailed case numbers, dates, times, locations, witness names, classifications (NL/IFO, NL/NEAR IFO, CE I), and the GEP's evaluation.

• Hachelbich (2000-10-20): Three bright lights observed forming a triangle, moving and then separating. Classified as NEAR IFO, likely aircraft or helicopters.
• Werdohl (2000-10-11): A bright object moving rapidly with a luminous trail. Classified as IFO, likely a meteor.
• Cottbus (1994-09-09): A formation of 10-15 objects described as 'flying saucers'. The GEP investigation suggested it was likely a light effect device.
• Karlsruhe (1999-10-17): An object behaving like a shooting star, stopping briefly, then disappearing. Classified as IFO, likely a fire-ball.
• Bochow (2000-07-23): A high-altitude, fast-moving object observed. Classified as IFO, likely a satellite.
• Balingen (1999-09-02): A point-like object moving slowly. Classified as NEAR IFO, likely a weather balloon.
• Hamburg (Volksdorf) (1995-03): An object with three light points, described as gliding low over treetops with a distinct noise. Classified as CE I (Insufficient Data).
• Philippsthal (1994-03-31): Multiple white cone-shaped lights observed moving erratically, described as 'snow-crystalline'. Classified as IFO, likely a light effect device.
• Titisee-Neustadt (1996-12-17): An orange luminous point observed moving horizontally. Classified as NEAR IFO, likely a helicopter or aircraft.
• Kiel/Hamburg (1996-09-14/15): A rectangular object with a metallic surface observed descending rapidly and then flying horizontally. Classified as DD (Insufficient Data).
• Düsseldorf (1993-02-01): A bright light observed, causing a humming sound in the witness's ear. Initially suspected to be a helicopter, but the size and behavior led to further investigation. Classified as NEAR IFO, likely a helicopter.

Special Reports and Conference Coverage

• Cröffelbach III UFO-Arbeitstagung (UFO Work Conference): This section covers the annual GEP conference held from October 27-29, 2000. Key presentations included:
• Markus Pössel (Physicist): Discussed the possibility of faster-than-light travel and time travel from the perspective of modern physics, including theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. He concluded that while theoretically possible in some contexts, practical implementation is unlikely in the foreseeable future.
• Rudolf Henke: Presented research on the Kenneth Arnold case, highlighting inconsistencies and suggesting possible explanations such as a flock of birds or hallucinatory phenomena. He raised doubts about the reliability of historical accounts based on media reports.
• Dr. Helmut Lammer: Discussed alleged military involvement in UFO abduction phenomena, suggesting that military personnel might be involved in experiments and that the 'alien hysteria' could be used to cover up these activities. He noted similarities between abduction reports and potential military experiments, particularly in North American cases.
• Werner Walter and Hans-Werner Peiniger: Presented a selection of UFO videos, including a controversial oval UFO filmed from a helicopter over New York, which was later suspected to be a "trick production."
• Mirko Mojsilovic: Shared observations about space debris and the construction of small rockets by cosmonauts from waste materials.
• Ulf Harendarski: Presented research on abduction narratives, arguing that they are orally produced literature, often influenced by hypnosis and symbolism, rather than factual accounts. He suggested that the 'Shaver Mystery' could be seen as a parallel phenomenon to UFO experiences, providing a framework for interpreting unusual experiences.

• The "Shaver Mystery" by Ulrich Magin: This article delves into the history of Richard S. Shaver's stories published in "Amazing Stories" magazine in the 1940s, which described a race of subterranean beings called 'Deros'. Magin draws parallels between the 'Dero-world' and modern UFO abduction narratives, suggesting that while the specific 'Dero' explanation might be fictional, the underlying human experience of abduction and encounters might be real, with different cultural interpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO reports, aiming to identify conventional explanations (IFO) whenever possible. However, it also acknowledges cases that remain unexplained (CE I) or are classified as NEAR IFO due to insufficient data. The GEP emphasizes its role as a scientific research body, seeking to understand the phenomenon through rigorous investigation. There is a recurring theme of questioning the reliability of witness accounts and media reporting, while also exploring the psychological and sociological aspects of belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters. The journal also highlights the importance of historical research and the potential for misinterpretation of conventional aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, seeking evidence-based conclusions while acknowledging the enduring mystery of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, number 132, dated 6/2000, is dedicated to exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon. The issue features articles on the psychological aspects of UFO research, the presence of UFO themes in everyday life, and reviews of several books and publications related to ufology.

Hypnosis and Witness Testimony

The article "Vom Hypnotiseur direkt bewusst gemacht..." discusses the potential for hypnosis to influence UFO witness testimony. It highlights how a hypnotist, particularly one with prior beliefs in UFOs, can suggestively guide a subject's responses, leading them to recount experiences that align with the hypnotist's theories. The author emphasizes that such accounts should be viewed as narratives rather than factual reconstructions of events. The text also touches upon a linguistic analysis technique used to capture subtle nuances in speech during hypnosis, revealing unique characteristics compared to normal conversation.

Structure of the German-Speaking UFO Scene

Edgar Wunder's presentation, titled "Die Struktur der deutschsprachigen UFO-Szene in der Wahrnehmung von UFO-Existenz-Bejahern und -Skeptikern," is summarized. His research, based on a questionnaire distributed to UFO researchers, indicates that UFO critics and proponents perceive the UFO scene differently. However, common ground exists, with the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) often being placed in a 'middle ground,' acting as a bridge between skeptics and believers. A suggestion was made to conduct a similar project with an updated questionnaire in a larger scope.

GEP Member Meeting and New Board

Following the conference, the GEP held its member meeting. A new board was elected, consisting of Hans-Werner Peiniger, Mirko Mojsilovic, Dennis Kirstein, and Tino A. Günter. The meeting also addressed changes to the statutes and a slight increase in membership fees.

UFOs in Everyday Life

In the section "UFOs im Alltag - Teil 18," Hans-Werner Peiniger showcases how "extraterrestrial motifs" are integrated into everyday life. He points to products like bubble gum (Kaugummi) sold in stores, featuring alien and planet designs, and other themed confectionery. Peiniger notes that while the event attracted around 20 participants, it would have been beneficial to have more prominent figures from the UFO scene present. He praises the collegial atmosphere and the productive nature of such working meetings, suggesting that the location, Cröffelbach, could become a recognized name in the UFO scene.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews:

• "Raumfahrzeuge der Zukunft - Außerirdische Technologie" by Dr. Carlos Calvet: This book is described as a scientific approach to ufology, exploring the possibility of building spacecraft with capabilities similar to reported UFOs. It delves into theoretical concepts like faster-than-light travel, time travel, and advanced propulsion systems.
• "Wenn die Götter landen... Religiöse Dimensionen des UFO-Glaubens" by Andreas Grünschloß: This work examines the religious aspects of UFO beliefs, analyzing fringe groups and contactees. It suggests that UFO beliefs can serve as a response to modern anxieties and a search for meaning in a disenchanted world.
• "Flugscheiben aus der Sowjetunion" by Andreas J. Epp: This publication presents material related to Soviet flying saucer designs, including a 1957 intelligence report and Epp's own account to the CIA.
• "Vampire - UFOs - Monster" by Sylvia Funston: Aimed at children, this book explores unexplained phenomena and psychological aspects of fear, including UFOs and aliens, while encouraging critical thinking.
• "Energie aus dem All" by Adolf and Inge Schneider: This book provides an overview of new energy technologies, focusing on the concept of cosmic energy and various inventors and their findings, including unconventional propulsion systems.
• "Das UFO-Rätsel" by Marcia S. Smith and George D. Havas: This documentation, originally from the US Congressional Research Service, offers a comprehensive overview of UFO phenomena, including details on sightings, photos, and alleged contactees.
• "UFOLOGIE: Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen" by Dieter von Reeken: This book aims to provide a clear overview of UFO history, theories, and prominent cases, supported by source citations.
• "NON: UFOs - Die Zeit des jüngsten Gerichts" by Ulrich Magin: A novel exploring UFO beliefs as harbingers of an impending end time, contrasting the pursuit of material wealth with true humanity.
• "UFO-Strategien" edited by Helene von Oldenburg: This collection of essays examines how UFO phenomena are represented and interpreted in art and media, exploring the connection between UFOs and artistic strategies.

Short Notes and Reports

• Däniken's UFO Park: Plans for an adventure park in Interlaken, Switzerland, based on Erich von Däniken's theories about ancient alien visits.
• UFO Alarm by Zeppelin Model: A false alarm at Tempelhof airport caused by a model Zeppelin that had escaped its owner.
• UFO was a Helicopter: A reported UFO landing near a British RAF training ground was identified as a military helicopter.
• UFOs over the Black Forest: Reports of sightings in the Black Forest area, with various explanations ranging from lasers to atmospheric phenomena.
• Soviet Flying Saucers: A discussion on the possibility of Soviet flying saucer technology based on available information.

Reader's Letter

Helmut Poppenborg's letter discusses UFO propulsion systems, favoring synthetic gravitation over antigravitation. He references experiments in Moscow and Helsinki and critiques the Biefeld-Brown effect and the concept of 'free energy.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO research. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between subjective experiences and objective facts, particularly in the context of hypnosis. The recurring theme of UFOs as a modern belief system, intertwined with religious or eschatological ideas, is evident in several reviews. The journal also showcases how UFO themes permeate popular culture and media, suggesting a growing public interest despite the perceived decline in mainstream UFO reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous research, critical analysis, and open discussion within the UFO community, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of many UFO-related topics.