JUFOF - Issue 133 - 2001 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), published in January/February 2001, is the first issue of Volume 22 and the 133rd issue overall. It is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., a German organization dedicated to the scientific investigation of UFOs. The magazine features a cover headline focused on 'UFO-Beobachtungen' (UFO Sightings), listing several reported incidents with dates and locations. Other prominent articles include 'Eine Reise zur Venus im Jahre 1656' by Ulrich Magin and 'Angebliche Bundeswehrstelle in Düsseldorf ist reine Fiktion' by Sascha Schomacker.

Content Analysis

The issue is rich in detailed case studies of UFO sightings and their subsequent investigations. The GEP's approach involves collecting witness reports, conducting field investigations, and analyzing background information. The magazine aims to provide rational explanations for reported phenomena, often classifying cases as 'NL/IFO' (Not Classified/Identified Flying Object) or 'NL/NEAR IFO' (Not Classified/Nearly Identified Flying Object).

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to documenting and evaluating specific UFO sightings. These include:

• Erdweg, Germany (August 8, 2000): A witness described a 'typical flying saucer' with a luminous dome and rotating lights, observed near Augsburg. The investigation concluded it was a lit airship, confirmed by radar data and a helicopter pilot.
• Marktredwitz, Germany (October 25, 2000): A bright, blue, dazzling light was reported moving at high speed. The case was classified as a fireball (meteor).
• Bremen, Germany (August 5, 1995 & August 20, 1995): Two sightings by a young witness, Lucyna J. The first involved a bright light possibly a fireball, and the second a light phenomenon that moved erratically, identified as a light-effect device.
• Bennstedt, Germany (January 17, 1995): Multiple reports of reddish lights and a 'helicopter-sized bright thing' were investigated. While one report mentioned a Boeing 757 taking off from Leipzig, other similar sightings were classified as having insufficient data or potentially being model hot-air balloons.
• Halle, Germany (January 17, 1995): A witness reported a 'red-orange colored formation' resembling a flying saucer, possibly a model hot-air balloon.
• Oyten, Germany (July 1993): A hemispherical object with internal flames was observed, later identified as a model hot-air balloon.
• Eichelberg, Germany (February/March 1991): Blue and green light points were seen over a radio tower, exhibiting soft movements. The case was classified as 'NEAR IFO', with possible explanations including aircraft or helicopters.
• Königsbrunn, Germany (1987): A witness reported a luminous object with a rotating red light circle, described as a 'UFO'. The investigation suggested it might have been a light-effect device.
• Frankfurt, Germany (May 12, 1968): A 'star' observed moving in a zig-zag pattern, with fluctuating brightness and speed, was identified as a satellite.
• Bünde, Germany (January 31, 1962): A bright object shot across the sky and then disappeared. The witness had a strong predisposition towards UFOs, and the event was classified as a potential fireball or fireworks.

Other Articles and Features

• "Kontakte mit 'Außerirdischen' im deutschen Sprachraum" by Ulrich Magin: This section promotes a GEP special issue (Sonderheft 18) that is a comprehensive collection of German contactee and humanoid reports, analyzing critical aspects of UFO beliefs and providing a catalog of over 350 individual entries.
• "Eine Reise zur Venus im Jahre 1656" by Ulrich Magin: This article appears to be a historical account related to UFOs or space travel.
• "Angebliche Bundeswehrstelle in Düsseldorf ist reine Fiktion" by Sascha Schomacker: This article debunks a claim about a supposed German military UFO facility.
• "Kurz notiert" (Briefly Noted): This section contains short items, including 'Computer sucht UFOs / Feuerball über Mallorca / UFO über Calvörde'.
• Letters to the Editor ("Liebe LeserInnen!"): The editorial section discusses changes within the GEP, including the departure of Gerald Mosbleck and the addition of new board members Tino Günther and Dennis Kirstein. Mirko Mojsilovic takes over administrative tasks.
• Impressum and Contact Information: Details about the GEP, its publication "Journal für UFO-Forschung", and contact information are provided.
• Definition of UFO: A formal definition of a UFO (in the narrower sense) is presented.
• GEP Members: Information on the benefits of GEP membership is listed.

Case Discussions and Evaluations

Many articles include a "Diskussion und Bewertung" (Discussion and Evaluation) section where the authors analyze the witness testimony, compare it with known phenomena, and provide a classification. Common explanations include aircraft, balloons, meteors (fireballs), satellites, and light-effect devices. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical analysis and rational explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the attempt to provide conventional explanations for anomalous aerial phenomena. The GEP's stance is scientific and rational, aiming to distinguish between genuine mysteries and misidentifications or hoaxes. The magazine encourages readers to report sightings and contributes to the broader understanding of the UFO phenomenon through rigorous research and documentation. The editorial tone is informative and analytical, seeking to educate readers about the complexities of UFO investigations.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Issue 133, dated 1/2001) is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena, research, and related topics. It features a substantial list of documented UFO sightings, book reviews, and articles exploring various aspects of the UFO subject.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed catalog of UFO sightings documented and evaluated by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Rudolf Henke. This list spans from 1943 to 2000, providing dates, locations (primarily in Germany, but also internationally), and brief descriptions of the observed phenomena, such as "Flak-Geschosse?" (anti-aircraft shells), "ungenügende Daten" (insufficient data), "Modell-Heißluftballon" (model hot-air balloon), "Hubschrauber" (helicopter), "Flugzeug?" (airplane?), "Lichteffektgerät" (light effect device), "Feuerkugel" (fireball), "Wetterballon" (weather balloon), and "Satellit" (satellite).

Bücher (Books)

The magazine includes a comprehensive list of book reviews and mentions. Notable titles and authors discussed include:

• Mia Adams: "The Excycles. The true Experiences of a Woman who is loved by Extraterrestrials and was romanced by a U.S. Government Intelligence Agent"
• W. Ahrheit-Volle: "Das Geheimnis der Arche Noah"
• Richard Brunswick: "UFO. Richard Brunswicks Photocollection"
• Luc Bürgin: "UFOs über der Schweiz. Das Dossier der Luftwaffe"
• Johannes von Buttlar: "Projekt Aurora. Geheime Technologien des 3. Jahrtausends"
• Carlos Calvet: "Raumfahrzeuge der Zukunft. Technologie."
• Constance Clear: "Seven Incredible True Stories of Alien Abduction"
• Milton William Cooper: "MJ 12"
• Erich von Däniken: "Im Namen von Zeus. Griechen, Rätsel, Argonauten"
• Preston Dennett: "UFOs over Topanga Canyon. Eyewitness Accounts of the California Sightings"
• Eugen H. Drake: "Besucher aus dem Weltraum"
• Lars A. Fischinger: "Begleiter aus dem Universum. Kosmische Eingriffe seit Jahrtausenden"
• Sylvia Funston: "Vampire, UFOs, Monster. Wie das Unerklärliche erforscht wird"
• Werner Freudenstein: "vom ufo entführt. münchener ehepaar mit hund auf seiser alm von ufo gekidnappt (Roman)"
• Timothy Good: "Top Secret. Die UFO-Akten"
• James C. Goodall: "America's Stealth Fighters and Bombers. B-2, F-117, YF-22, and YF-23"
• Andreas Grünschloß: "Wenn die Götter landen... Religiöse Dimensionen des UFO-Glaubens"
• Michael D. Hitt: "Georgia's Aerial Phenomenon 1947-1987"
• Wolfgang Hohlbein: "Das Avalon-Projekt (Roman)"
• Roland M. Horn: "Gelöste und ungelöste Mysterien dieser Welt."
• Journal of UFO Studies. Vol. 7, 2000
• Hans-Ulrich Keller: "KOSMOS-Himmelsjahr 2000" and "KOSMOS-Himmelsjahr 2001"
• Dennis Kirstein: "Jahrbuch 2000. Artikel, Berichte, Interviews."
• Illobrand von Ludwiger: "Unidentifizierte Flugobjekte über Europa."
• Ernst Meckelburg: "Jenseits der Ewigkeit."
• Jay Miller: "Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works. The Official History"
• NON: "Ufos - Die Zeit des jüngsten Gerichts (Roman)"
• Helene von Oldenburg (Hrsg.): "UFO-Strategien"
• Ted Phillips: "Physical Traces Associated with UFO Sightings"
• Clifford Pickover: "The Science of Aliens"
• Mark Rodeghier: "UFO Reports Involving Vehicle Interference"
• Adolf and Inge Schneider: "Energie aus dem All. Das Geheimnis einer neuen Energiequelle"
• Seth Shostak: "Nachbarn im All. Auf der Suche nach Leben im Kosmos"
• Sitchin: (Title not fully visible, likely related to ancient astronauts)

Articles and Features

• "Eine Reise zur Venus im Jahre 1656" by Ulrich Magin: This article delves into the writings of Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher (1602-1680), particularly his book "Iter exstaticum" (1656), which describes a spiritual journey through the solar system. Kircher's work, influenced by mystical and hermetic ideas, is presented as an early example of visionary travel and exploration of the cosmos.

• "Angebliche Bundeswehrstelle in Düsseldorf ist reine Fiktion" by Sascha Schomacker: This piece investigates and debunks claims made by ufologist Michael Hesemann regarding a secret Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) UFO investigation unit. The author traces the origin of the rumor to a questionable interview and analysis by Michael Appel, concluding that the claims are unfounded and represent wishful thinking within the ufology community.

• "Kurz notiert" (Brief Notes): This section contains several short reports:
• "Computer sucht UFOs": Describes a new IBM computer acquired by the US Air Force for analyzing radar and telescope data, with the potential to search for UFOs.
• "Feuerball über Mallorca": Reports on a sighting of a fireball over Mallorca in December 2000, suspected to be space debris.
• "UFO über Calvörde": Details sightings in Calvörde, Germany, including a bright light and a possible aircraft.
• "ISS ist dritthellstes Objekt am Himmel": Notes that the International Space Station (ISS) will be highly visible due to newly mounted solar sails.
• "Bruce Willis sah UFOs": Mentions actor Bruce Willis attributing his success to seeing two UFOs in Sun Valley.
• "Kostenlos mit der NASA auf den Mars": An announcement about a NASA initiative to send names to Mars on a CD-ROM.
• "US-Luftwaffe ist in Besitz einer fliegenden Untertasse als Atomwaffen-Träger!": Reports on a Popular Mechanics article suggesting the US Air Force may possess documents about a "Nuclear Flying Saucer" capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

• "UFO-Fachzeitschrift CENAP REPORT": An announcement promoting the CENAP REPORT magazine, highlighting its continued publication and affordability.

• "GEP-NEWS nur für GEP-Mitglieder": Information about the GEP's internal newsletter for members.

• "GEP-SONDERHEFTE" (GEP Special Issues): A list of available special publications from GEP, covering topics like the Condon Report, UFO bibliographies, and specific case studies.

• "INFO-Paket": Details an information package on UFO phenomena, research, and a glossary.

• "Ulrich Magin: Von Ufos entführt. Unheimliche Begegnungen der vierten Art": A promotional blurb for Ulrich Magin's book, which explores UFO abduction accounts as a modern form of belief.

• "Richard Sauder: Underground. Stützpunkte und Tunnelsysteme": A review of Richard Sauder's book, which investigates secret underground bases and tunnel systems, and their connection to UFO rumors. The reviewer notes Sauder's emphasis on the distinction between rumors and evidence.

• "Georg Kniebe: Auf der Suche nach dem Geist im Kosmos. Ein Streifzug durch die Science-fiction-Welt": A review of Georg Kniebe's book, which examines extraterrestrial themes in science fiction from an anthroposophical perspective.

• "Werner Anderhub und Hans Peter Roth: Das Geheimnis der Kornkreise": A review of a book detailing the phenomenon of crop circles, their history, and potential explanations, including UFO connections.

• "Bruce Maccabee: UFO-FBI Connection. The Secret History of the Government's Cover-Up": A review of Bruce Maccabee's book, which analyzes declassified FBI documents related to UFO investigations.

• "Video: Schiffe aus Licht. Der Fall Carlos Diaz": A review of a two-part video production documenting the case of Carlos Diaz, featuring alleged UFO sightings and encounters in Mexico.

• "Thomas Tulien (Hrsg.): Proceedings of the Sign Historical Group UFO History Workshop": A review of a publication summarizing a workshop on the history of UFO research.

• "Fred Hoyle und Chandra Wickramasinghe: Leben aus dem All": A review of a book proposing that life originated from extraterrestrial sources, such as microorganisms carried by comets.

• "GEP-CD-ROM 1 (HTML-Version 1, Dezember 2000)": Information about a CD-ROM containing GEP publications in HTML format, including bibliographies and indexes.

• "VdS-Fortbildungsseminar: UFOs - Fakten und Fiktionen": Announcement of a seminar in Heilbronn focusing on UFO sightings, astronomical phenomena, and the psychology of perception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to UFO research. While it documents numerous sightings and discusses various theories, it often emphasizes the need for solid proof and distinguishes between speculation and factual evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and debunks unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the article debunking the supposed Bundeswehr UFO unit. Themes of government secrecy, historical UFO cases, and the scientific analysis of phenomena are prevalent. The journal also engages with the broader cultural context of UFOs, including their portrayal in science fiction and the psychological aspects of belief.

Specific Content Details

• List of UFO Sightings: The extensive list of sightings provides a valuable historical database, with entries like the "Flak-Geschosse?" in Schweinfurt (1943) and numerous reports of "ungenügende Daten" (insufficient data), highlighting the challenges in classifying many observations.
• Athanasius Kircher: The article on Kircher's "Iter exstaticum" positions early visionary accounts within the context of cosmic exploration, linking them to later UFO narratives.
• Bundeswehr UFO Unit Debunked: The detailed refutation of the alleged Bundeswehr unit underscores the journal's commitment to factual accuracy and its role in correcting misinformation within the UFO community.
• Book Reviews: The breadth of book reviews indicates a wide-ranging interest in the UFO phenomenon, encompassing abduction accounts, historical research, scientific theories, and even fictional works.
• GEP and VdS: The mentions of GEP (Gesellschaft für Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) and VdS (Vereinigung der Sternfreunde) highlight the active community of UFO researchers and amateur astronomers in Germany.
• Time Travel Discussion: The article discussing "Passiv-Zeitreisen" (passive time travel) explores theoretical paradoxes and possibilities, touching upon the philosophical implications of altering or observing the past.
• Carlos Diaz Case: The review of the "Schiffe aus Licht" video suggests ongoing investigation into controversial cases, with a focus on witness testimonies and photographic evidence.
• Crop Circles: The review of the crop circle book indicates continued interest in this specific type of phenomenon and its potential connection to UFOs.
• UFO-FBI Connection: The review of Bruce Maccabee's book emphasizes the importance of declassified documents in understanding government involvement in UFO research.
• "Von Ufos entführt" Promotion: The prominent placement of this book on the cover and its description suggest it is a key feature of this issue, focusing on abduction narratives.
• Underground Bases: The review of Sauder's book highlights the persistent theme of secret underground facilities and their alleged connection to UFOs and extraterrestrials.

Overall, this issue of "Journal für UFO-Forschung" serves as a comprehensive resource for those interested in UFO phenomena, offering a mix of documented sightings, critical analysis, historical perspectives, and reviews of relevant literature and media. The journal's dedication to factual reporting and debunking misinformation is a recurring editorial stance.