JUFOF - Issue 134 - 2001 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of Journal für UFO-Forschung (JUFOF), number 2/2001 (Heft 134), published in March/April 2001 by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), focuses on UFO observations and their analysis. The cover prominently features 'UFO-Beobachtungen' (UFO Observations) with a list of recent sightings and a hand-drawn sketch of a UFO. The magazine is edited by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Mirko Mojsilovic.

Key Articles and Content

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen - Bewertungen

This section presents detailed case studies of UFO sightings, including witness reports, analysis, and conclusions. Several cases are discussed:

• Fall-Nummer: 19950127 B (Lobejün, Germany): A silent object flew overhead. The witness described it as larger than the full moon and noted their dog's unusual agitation. The case was classified as 'insufficient data' due to limited information.
• Fall-Nummer: 20000910 A (Neunkirchen, Germany): A bright light hovered silently for about 30 minutes before moving rapidly westward. The witness, a civil engineer, described it as brighter than Venus. Investigations by the German Weather Service and Roland M. Horn suggested it was not a weather balloon and that westward flight was unlikely. The object's behavior was considered unusual, leading to classification as 'Problematic UFO' or 'NEAR IFO'.
• Fall-Nummer: 19950119 A (Dortmund, Germany): A bright, stationary yellow-orange light was observed. The witness identified it as possibly the planet Saturn, noting its quiet presence in the sky. The analysis suggested Saturn as a plausible explanation given its brightness and position.
• Fall-Nummer: 20001225 A (Ritterhude, Germany): Six people observed a point-like object that moved slowly and was filmed. The footage, when zoomed, suggested a rotating cylindrical body with a tail. However, analysis concluded it was likely aircraft exhaust illuminated by the setting sun, classifying it as 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object).
• Fall-Nummer: 20010111 A (Lüdenscheid, Germany): Multiple point-like lights were observed, described as flickering and unusual. Astronomical reconstruction suggested the Pleiades star cluster as a possible explanation.
• Fall-Nummer: 20010101 A (Berlin-Neukölln, Germany): A bright, round, greenish-white light was seen. The witness was suggested it might be a model hot-air balloon, which they found plausible.
• Fall-Nummer: 1999 Sommer (Halver, Germany): A witness described a 'flying coal stove' moving across the sky. This was identified as a model hot-air balloon.
• Fall-Nummer: 20010302 A (Mutterstadt, Germany): A bright object, described as a 'second moon', was observed next to the actual moon. This was identified as the planet Jupiter.
• Fall-Nummer: 20010227 A (Bad Bergzabern, Germany): A very bright light was seen near the moon. The witness contacted the local planetarium, which referred them to the GEP. The object was identified as the planet Venus.
• Fall-Nummer: 19970929 (Hannover, Germany): A bright light point moved rapidly and silently across the sky. The witness described it as a 'large light point' and sketched it as oval. The analysis considered the possibility of a fast-moving aircraft but noted the witness's limited field of vision and the lack of sound. It was classified as 'Near IFO (possibly aircraft)'.
• Fall-Nummer: 19540903 A (Obersüßbach, Germany): A fast-moving, snow-white object was observed for about a minute. The witness estimated its speed and size. The analysis suggests it could have been a weather balloon or an aircraft, but due to insufficient data, it's classified as a 'V-3-Fall' (insufficient information).

UFOs vor 1947: Teil 2

Rudolf Henke continues his exploration of historical UFO reports, predating modern UFOlogy. He discusses the work of researchers like Charles H. Fort, Carl Gustav Jung, and Jacques F. Vallée, who have investigated ancient accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena. Henke argues that if extraterrestrials are capable of interstellar travel, their visits would not be limited to recent decades. He emphasizes the importance of finding historical reports that align with modern UFO sightings to support the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), while also considering the possibility that UFO phenomena are culturally conditioned.

• Case: Colored Spheres over Nuremberg (April 14, 1561): This historical report, documented in a 16th-century woodcut, describes various colored spheres and tube-like objects engaging in aerial combat. Henke notes that while some researchers propose natural explanations like 'gelatinous meteors', he suggests that similar reports of colored lights and aerial phenomena exist in modern UFOlogy, indicating a potential link or a recurring pattern.

Other Sections

• Impressum: Details the publication's publisher (GEP), editors, and contact information.
• Liebe Leser Innen! (Dear Readers!): An editorial discussing the upcoming introduction of the Euro currency and its impact on pricing, as well as a reflection on the perceived decline in UFO-related media coverage and public interest.
• Zeitungsausschnittdienst (Newspaper Clipping Service): An advertisement for a service providing newspaper articles related to UFOs.
• Definition des Begriffs "UFO" (Definition of the term "UFO"): Provides GEP's definition of a UFO.
• GEP-Mitglieder (GEP Members): Outlines the benefits of GEP membership, including receiving the journal and internal newsletters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO reports. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the GEP's stance, as reflected in the analyses, leans towards identifying conventional explanations whenever possible, such as aircraft, celestial bodies, or atmospheric phenomena. The editorial also expresses a commitment to providing a rational and scientific perspective on UFOs, distinguishing their work from sensationalism or unfounded speculation. The recurring theme of historical UFO reports suggests an interest in understanding the phenomenon's evolution and potential cultural influences. The introduction of the Euro and its pricing implications also feature in the editorial, highlighting the practical aspects of the publication.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 134 from 2/2001, delves into historical UFO sightings, theoretical explanations, and contemporary UFO research.

Historical Sightings and Theories

The issue begins by examining the 1561 Nuremberg event, comparing witness descriptions and a woodcut to modern UFO sketches. The author notes the similarity in descriptions of 'flying tubes' and 'glowing spheres,' but suggests that modern interpretations, influenced by figures like Adamski, have shifted from 'fiery balls' to 'cigar-shaped spaceships.' The article critically analyzes the tendency to interpret these phenomena as extraterrestrial, referencing the "Dänikenitis" phenomenon. It then compares the Nuremberg event to a UFO sighting from England on December 31, 1978, which is identified as the re-entry of a Soviet satellite booster (Cosmos 1068). This comparison serves to illustrate how natural or man-made phenomena can be misinterpreted.

The article then scrutinizes the 'meteorite explanation' for the Nuremberg event. While acknowledging that meteorites typically last only seconds, the author argues that the Nuremberg report describes a phenomenon lasting an hour. However, this is countered by suggesting that the report refers to a 'a large number of objects,' implying a meteor shower rather than a single object, and that not all phenomena necessarily occurred simultaneously for the entire hour. The absence of sound is also noted, suggesting the event occurred at a high altitude (around 60 km).

A second historical case, the 'disputing spheres of Basel' from August 7, 1566, is presented as a potential 'dublette' (duplicate) of the Nuremberg event. The woodcut from Basel shows spheres spreading out from a center, resembling a meteor shower's radiant. The description of the objects moving with 'great speed and velocity' is also seen as indicative of a meteor event. The author concludes that the Basel event is also best explained as a meteor shower.

International UFO Policies

Sascha Schomacker reports on UFO-related policies in Turkey, Denmark, Austria, and Finland. In Finland, UFO reports are handled by authorities, but interceptions only occur if radar signals are present; most sightings have natural explanations. Denmark's air force does not conduct special UFO investigations, though three unknown phenomena were documented in the last 15 years. Austria's Ministry of Defense acknowledges that some sightings remain unexplained but states that no systematic UFO investigation has been deemed necessary. Turkey's air force has reportedly had no UFO experiences.

Roswell Incident and 'Hangar 18'

The "Roswell News" section, authored by Uli Thieme, addresses the persistent myth of 'Hangar 18' at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Thieme interviews Helen Kavanaugh, spokesperson for the base, who unequivocally denies that any alien bodies or extraterrestrial materials were ever brought to the base. She states that all UFO-related studies were passed to the National Archives and that 'Hangar 18' is a myth, likely stemming from a refrigerated building used for engine testing. Thieme reinforces this by stating that his own research has confirmed the non-existence of such a hangar. The section also debunks claims made by Colonel Philip Corso regarding the origin of computer chip technology from Roswell debris, attributing the invention to Bell Laboratories and Motorola, and crediting Jack Kirby and Robert Noyce with patents for semiconductor chips.

Thieme announces the end of his "Roswell News" series due to time constraints, reflecting on his decade-long involvement and his transition from believer to skeptic. He expresses satisfaction with his research and documentation of the Roswell case.

Book and Media Reviews

The issue features several book reviews:

• "Zusammenhänge" by Jo Conrad: Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book is described as a continuation of Conrad's 'bizarre worldview,' linking cosmic interests, religion, media, politics, and medicine. Peiniger criticizes Conrad's lack of concrete evidence and his tendency to see conspiracy theories, including alien manipulation, behind many phenomena. He also notes Conrad's defense against accusations of antisemitism.
• "Geheimsache Mond" by Ingo Swan: Reviewed by Ralf Härtel, this book documents Swan's alleged experiences and research into UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence on the Moon. The review highlights Swan's claims of secret government organizations and his analysis of lunar phenomena.
• "UFOs and Abductions: Challenging the Borders of Knowledge" edited by David M. Jacobs: Reviewed by an unnamed author, this collection of essays by various researchers explores UFO phenomena, abductions, and government secrecy. The review notes that the book aims to legitimize UFO research within academia but criticizes its focus on speculative theories over rigorous investigation.
• "Das Geheimnis der Kornkreise" by Werner Anderhub and Hans Peter Roth: Reviewed by an unnamed author, this book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of crop circles, though it is noted that the later sections become overly zealous and unobjective.

Reviews of two video productions are also included:

• "Schiffe aus Licht" (Ships of Light) - The Carlos Diaz Case, Part 2: This video analyzes the evidence and photos related to Carlos Diaz's alleged contacts and sightings. Experts like Jim Dilettoso and Dr. Robert Nathan are cited, with analyses suggesting the objects were not models or double exposures, but possibly concentrated plasma fields. The reviewer remains undecided due to the photos' questionable appearance but acknowledges the thoroughness of the research.
• "GEP-CD-ROM 1": This CD-ROM contains various GEP special issues in HTML format, including bibliographies and registers, designed for offline access.

Other Sections

• "Kurz notiert" (Briefly Noted): An obituary for physicist Burkhard Heim, who is described as a brilliant but unrecognized thinker.
• "Phantastische Zeiten" (Fantastic Times): An announcement for a weekend congress on Pre-Astronautics featuring various researchers.
• "Leserbriefe" (Letters to the Editor): Rudolf Henke critiques an article by Hans-Werner Peiniger, arguing for a more in-depth psychological analysis of UFO witnesses rather than solely focusing on objective evidence.
• "Software": A review of "GID Route Premium," a route planning software.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of historical UFO sightings, the application of scientific and natural explanations (like meteor showers and satellite re-entries) to UFO phenomena, and the debunking of persistent myths (such as 'Hangar 18'). The journal maintains a skeptical yet open-minded stance, encouraging rigorous investigation and questioning sensationalist claims. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between verifiable facts and speculative theories, with a particular focus on the psychological aspects of witness testimony and the need for objective analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena that warrant further study.