JUFOF - Issue 135 - 2001 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (JUFOF), number 135, dated May/June 2001, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., focuses on UFO observations, alleged landings, and the analysis of evidence. The cover highlights several key articles, including "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Observations), "UFO-Landungen im heiligen Land?" (UFO Landings in the Holy Land?), and "Die erste UFO-Sichtung der Welt im Tulli-Papyrus" (The First UFO Sighting in the World in the Tulli Papyrus).

Editorial and Letters

The "Liebe LeserInnen!" (Dear Readers!) section features an editorial by Mirko Mojsilovic titled "Das Ende der UFOs?" (The End of UFOs?). Mojsilovic reflects on the perceived decline in UFO interest and media coverage since the peak in the 1990s. He notes fewer sightings being reported, less media attention, and a decrease in public events related to UFOs. He contrasts this with the past, when UFOs were a frequent topic in media and public discourse. Despite the current lull, Mojsilovic expresses his belief that the UFO phenomenon is far from over, suggesting that the current quiet period should be used to process existing cases and literature. He calls for continued research and collaboration among ufologists.

UFO Observations and Documentation

The issue presents several documented UFO sightings and their evaluations:

• Cigar-shaped object photographed (Fall-Nummer: 20010325 A, CH - ?): A witness using a digital camera captured a small black dot in a landscape photo, which upon enlargement revealed a cigar shape with a trail. The photographer was uncooperative, leading to the case being classified as "Identifizierung: Vogel / Insekt o.ä." (Identification: Bird / Insect or similar) and investigations being closed. The analysis suggests it could be an insect, a manipulated image, or a bird. The object's shape was not definitively cigar-like, and the trail was attributed to camera effects.
• Stratospheric balloon over Hameln (Fall-Nummer: 19731002 A, Hameln): A witness and neighbors observed a silver, triangular object hovering before ascending rapidly and changing color to orange and dark red. The GEP classifies this as a stratospheric balloon, citing similar cases and the object's behavior, which is consistent with a balloon reflecting sunlight and changing color as the sun sets.
• Spherical object with uncontrolled movements (Fall-Nummer: 1992, Achim): A witness described a spherical object moving erratically and disappearing instantly. The case is classified as NEAR IFO, with the explanation suggesting a balloon reflecting sunlight due to local wind movements, possibly bursting.
• "That was my greatest experience" (Fall-Nummer: 1970, Crailsheim): A witness recalled seeing a UFO with colorful stripes and a red light, but prioritized watching television over investigating further. The case is classified as "Ungenügende Daten" (Insufficient Data) due to the lack of specific details and the passage of time.
• "Two stacked saucers" (Fall-Nummer: 1985/1986, Flensburg): A witness described an object resembling two stacked saucers with lights, performing flight maneuvers including a figure-eight pattern. The case is classified as NL / NEAR IFO due to insufficient data. The witness reported the object to the police, who suggested it might be an experimental aircraft.

UFO Landings in the Holy Land?

This extensive article by Roland M. Horn discusses a wave of UFO sightings in Israel between 1987 and 1993. It focuses on alleged landing traces and crop circles:

• Shikmona Beach Incident (September 28, 1987): A witness reported seeing a disc-shaped object emitting a red light. Investigations at the site revealed a burned imprint in the sand, approximately fifteen meters in diameter, and an alleged image of a pilot's face. The analysis suggests the imprint might be from a foundry operation or a silicon-rich slag.
• Kadima Landings (1993): Several incidents are reported in the Kadima region. In one case, a witness described a tall, silver-clad being in her bedroom. The next morning, a 4.5-meter crop circle was found in her backyard containing silicon and cadmium. Other reports in Kadima involved oily red substances and fragments of a gray, luminous material identified as pure silicon. The material's properties, including its low melting point and unusual texture, are discussed, with some researchers suggesting it might be an artificial substance or a deliberate hoax.
• Analysis of Materials: Laboratory reports from Pinelandia & Bayville Labs and the Manchester Material Science Centre are presented. These analyses confirm the presence of pure silicon and iron oxide in samples from alleged landing sites. The unusual properties of these materials lead to speculation about their origin, with possibilities ranging from extraterrestrial technology to industrial byproducts or even hoaxes.

The "End of the UFO Epoch"?

Rudolf Henke critically examines a DPA news report quoting an "amateur researcher" claiming the "end of the UFO epoch" due to declining public interest and media coverage. Henke argues that the definition of "UFO epoch" is unclear and that the public's interest may have shifted rather than disappeared. He questions the methodology of surveys and the interpretation of media influence on belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence. Henke suggests that while specific UFO phenomena might wane, the underlying belief in extraterrestrial visitors persists. He also touches upon the enduring nature of conspiracy theories and the cyclical nature of interest in various ufological topics, such as contactees and abductions.

GEP and its Activities

The magazine also provides information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.), its mission, and its membership benefits. The GEP is described as a non-profit scientific association dedicated to UFO research. Members receive the "JUFOF" journal, internal newsletters, and access to literature. The definition of a UFO is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the evidence for UFO phenomena, ranging from photographic sightings to physical traces like silicon and crop circles. There's a strong emphasis on documentation, analysis, and critical evaluation of cases. The magazine also addresses the broader context of UFO research, including the role of media, public perception, and the scientific community's response. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, albeit cautious, investigation into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation while remaining open to the possibility of genuine anomalous events. The recurring theme is the persistent nature of the UFO mystery despite fluctuations in public and media attention.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 135, dated 3/2001, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, media analysis, and ancient mysteries. It features articles on the Tulli Papyrus, the Roswell incident's cultural impact, and reviews of several books related to parascientific topics.

Article: Media Influence and UFO Belief

The lead article by an unnamed author (likely Rudolf Henke, based on context) critically examines the assertion that media interest in UFOs has significantly declined. The author argues against this, suggesting that while media coverage may fluctuate, the underlying public belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life remains relatively constant. This is compared to the enduring popularity of astrology despite scientific debunking. The author posits that media coverage experiences an "oversaturation effect," leading to temporary dips in interest, but the core themes will likely resurface. The article also critiques the tendency of media to sensationalize rather than provide factual reporting, and notes that other paranormal topics have also seen reduced media attention.

The Tulli Papyrus: An Ancient UFO Sighting?

Ulrich Magin presents a new translation and analysis of the Tulli Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian text often cited as the world's first UFO sighting. Magin, after initially concluding the text was authentic but not related to UFOs (interpreting 'fire circles' as phenomena like sun dogs), later collaborated with a young Egyptologist for a more thorough translation. This new translation suggests the text describes events during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmosis III. The article highlights that the papyrus describes 'fire circles' that appeared in the sky, emitted a foul odor, and had a significant size (approximately 52.30 meters long and 15.70 meters wide). While the Egyptologist confirms the text's linguistic authenticity and its alignment with Thutmosis III's era, she notes that it might be a later copy. Magin concludes that while the Tulli Papyrus is likely a genuine historical document, it does not provide evidence for extraterrestrial visitation, and its description differs significantly from modern UFO sightings.

Roswell 4 Kid's: The Roswell Incident in Children's Media

Roland Gehardt discusses the enduring legacy of the Roswell incident, over 50 years after the alleged crash. He notes that despite ongoing debates, the story continues to be a subject of interest. The article highlights the adaptation of the Roswell narrative into children's media, specifically mentioning a comic book series by Bill Morrison titled "Roswell - Der Grünling auf Erden" (Roswell - The Little Green Man on Earth). The comic, presented in three issues, tells the story of an alien named Roswell who lands on Earth and is pursued by authorities. Gehardt also mentions two TV series: "Roswell Conspiracies" (a cartoon) and "Roswell" (a live-action series), both targeting younger audiences and incorporating elements of the classic Roswell narrative, such as crashed UFOs and alien beings hiding among humans.

Book Reviews and Publications

The journal features several book reviews and announcements:

• "Vernetzte Intelligenz: Die Natur geht online" by Grazyna Fosar and Franz Bludorf: This book explores concepts of hypercommunication, group genetics, and gravity, suggesting that DNA acts as a receiver/transmitter for hypercommunication and that consciousness is evolving towards a networked intelligence.
• "Die Humanoidendatei (HUMDAT)" by Wladislaw Raab: This project aims to collect and analyze data on alien contact reports. Raab's work suggests that while there are few commonalities among reported alien encounters, the data can be used to support various UFO hypotheses. He also discusses the possibility that the lack of open contact might be due to a 'cosmic code of non-interference' or simply that extraterrestrial intelligence does not exist.
• "Intelligenzen im Kosmos: Auf den Spuren außeridischer Zivilisationen" by Roland Roth: This book examines the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations, touching upon SETI, the nature of alien intelligence (aggressive or peaceful), and UFO phenomena. Roth uses examples, including potentially faked artifacts, to argue for the presence of alien visitors.
• "Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 2001" edited by Tilman T. Reuss: This comprehensive directory provides important addresses and information for UFO researchers, covering aviation authorities, military bodies, scientific institutions, and more.
• "Jesus und die Physik der Gefühle und Emotionen" by W. Ahrheit-Volle: This book reinterprets biblical texts, suggesting they contain relevant information for modern understanding, particularly concerning emotions and the Ten Commandments.
• "Vorstoß zu den Göttern der Vorzeit" edited by Roland Roth: This anthology explores paleo-SETI themes, including extraterrestrial interventions in ancient history, alien gods, and phenomena like teleportation and ancient flying machines.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

Ulrich Magin responds to a previous article by Rudolf Henke, clarifying the concepts of 'motifs' in folklore and fairy tales. Magin argues that while motifs can be found in both ancient sagas and modern UFO reports, this does not inherently validate the objective truth of the UFO accounts. He also criticizes the treatment of old pamphlets as modern news reports and emphasizes the need for contextual understanding of historical texts.

New Journal: "Zeitschrift für Anomalistik"

The issue announces the launch of "Zeitschrift für Anomalistik" (Journal for Anomalistics), a new scientific journal dedicated to exploring scientific anomalies, extraordinary human experiences, and parasciences. It aims to foster a controversial discourse and publishes empirical research, theoretical discussions, and book reviews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the analysis of UFO phenomena through historical texts (Tulli Papyrus), the cultural impact and media representation of UFO events (Roswell), and the critical examination of UFO beliefs and evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging skepticism while remaining open to investigating anomalous claims. The journal provides a platform for both researchers and enthusiasts, offering a mix of in-depth analysis, book reviews, and reader contributions. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine historical or scientific inquiry and sensationalism or unsubstantiated speculation.