JUFOF - Issue 136 - 2001 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUFOF (Journal für UFO-Forschung), issue number 4/2001, dated July/August, is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP). It is the 136th issue and the 22nd year of publication. The cover prominently features "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Sightings) with specific dates and locations in the former GDR, alongside articles titled "Das UFO-Phänomen in der DDR" and "UFOs im Alltag". The price is DM 6,00.

Article: Kontakte mit „Außerirdischen“ im deutschen Sprachraum

This section reviews a GEP special publication by Ulrich Magin titled "Kontakte mit ,Außerirdischen' im deutschen Sprachraum." The book is described as a comprehensive collection of German contactee and humanoid reports. It offers a critical analysis of reports, witness accounts, and the social context of UFO beliefs. The catalog includes over 350 entries providing a chronological overview of alleged contacts with beings from space or other dimensions. The GEP special issue covers various aspects of the UFO myth, from abductions to ancient astronaut theories, and is supplemented by an extensive bibliography and several indexes. The publication is 160 pages, illustrated, and has ISBN 3-923862-57-1, priced at DM 28.00 (DM 22.40 for GEP members).

Editorial: Liebe Leser Innen!

Editor Hans-Werner Peiniger reflects on a perceived lull in UFO activity, contrasting it with a recent BILD newspaper series on "life from space." He expresses disappointment with BILD's superficial approach and sensationalist questions, declining to cooperate. Peiniger highlights the issue's focus on the "STASI and UFOs" topic, promising a more in-depth look at how the UFO phenomenon was handled in the GDR. He also mentions that the issue includes reports on older UFO sightings due to a recent scarcity of new ones.

GEP-NEWS

This section provides information for GEP members, detailing that GEP-NEWS contains internal information, background on UFO incidents investigated by GEP, and support for personal research. It is published quarterly and is only available to members. The annual membership fee is DM 60, which includes JUFOF and GEP-NEWS, and is tax-deductible.

GEP Organization Overview

The GEP is described as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization dedicated to researching the UFO phenomenon. They define a UFO as an object inexplicable to witnesses at the time of observation. The GEP uses special questionnaires, conducts field investigations, and analyzes background information, working interdisciplinarily with support from authorities and scientific institutions. The German Ministry of Defense refers UFO-related inquiries to them. The GEP publishes its own journal, "Journal für UFO-Forschung," various specialized publications, and collaborates with related organizations worldwide.

Definition of UFO (in the narrower sense)

A UFO is defined as a reported perception of an object or light in the sky or on land, whose appearance, trajectory, and dynamic behavior does not suggest a logical, conventional explanation. It remains unidentifiable even after thorough examination by technically capable individuals.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section documents several UFO sightings:

• Arnstadt, Germany (1995-11-19): An eyewitness couple reported seeing a silvery, disc-shaped object with a shimmering golden ring moving at high speed towards Stadtilm. The object was estimated to be about 15 meters in diameter. The case is classified as DD/Insufficient Data, and investigations are closed.
• Chemnitz, Germany (1994-06-25): A witness, Christina P., reported seeing a bright object with very bright light beams that remained stationary for about an hour and changed colors from red to blue and yellow. The object was estimated to be 2 km away and 4-5 km high. The classification is NL/Near IFO, with identification as the planet Jupiter. Investigations are closed.
• Chemnitz, Germany (1994-06-24): A witness, Heinz S., reported seeing a round object that changed shape to resemble a saucer. The object was described as moving with incredible speed and silently upwards. The classification is DD/Insufficient Data, and investigations are closed.

The UFO Phenomenon in the DDR

This extensive article by Ralf Härtel explores the interest in and handling of the UFO phenomenon in the former German Democratic Republic (DDR). Härtel notes that direct UFO research was virtually non-existent in the DDR, and no official research institutions were dedicated to the topic. The subject was often criticized as a product of the capitalist system, though it was not entirely suppressed. Information was sought from international sources, and science fiction clubs, such as the "Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CETI)" group, existed. The article details how the DDR media generally dismissed UFO reports as non-existent or misinterpretations, influenced by reports like the Condon Report. However, it also mentions that science fiction literature, including books like "Geheimwaffe Fliegende Untertassen," was available. The article discusses the limited presence of UFO topics in DDR media, citing a few TV broadcasts and articles that touched upon extraterrestrial life and phenomena, often within a scientific or speculative context. It also covers specific cases and observations within the DDR, including atmospheric phenomena and potential misidentifications.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Phenomena in the Media

This sub-section examines the representation of UFOs and extraterrestrial themes in DDR media. It states that the DDR press generally labeled unidentified flying objects as "non-existent." However, the article notes that science fiction literature was available, and some media outlets, such as "Wissenschaft und Fortschritt," "Jugend und Technik," and "Urania," occasionally featured UFO-related content. The "Berliner Wochenpost" also reportedly touched upon "life on other planets" and "flying saucers."

Known and Less Known UFO Cases

This section presents several UFO cases from the DDR:

• Dresden, Germany (1994-10-30): Cornelia Faulstich reported seeing a cluster of white light discs swirling and moving erratically in the sky, which later reappeared as light circles. The classification is NL/IFO, identified as a light effect device.
• Arnstadt, Germany (1995-11-19): An eyewitness couple reported seeing a silvery, disc-shaped object with a shimmering golden ring moving at high speed towards Stadtilm. The object was estimated to be about 15 meters in diameter. The case is classified as DD/Insufficient Data.
• Chemnitz, Germany (1994-06-25): Christina P. reported seeing a bright object with very bright light beams that remained stationary for about an hour and changed colors. It was identified as the planet Jupiter.
• Chemnitz, Germany (1994-06-24): Heinz S. reported seeing a round object that changed shape to resemble a saucer.
• Gleimershausen, Germany (1952-07): Oskar Linke, former mayor, reported seeing a disc-shaped object with a square structure and a dome, from which two human-like beings emerged. This case was recorded by the CIA as "unrated information."
• Stendal, Germany (1962 or 1965): Norbert Haase reported an encounter with a bright, bluish-white object that caused him to lose consciousness. The case allegedly involved the STASI and subsequent hypnosis sessions.
• Mecklenburg Lake District, Germany (1976): A group of farmers reported observing strange objects moving at high speed, estimated at over 1000 km/h. The objects were described as pale pink, elongated bodies with diffuse outer forms, flying in formation and emitting flashes.
• Nessa and Großpostwitz, Germany (1983-12-02): Multiple amateur astronomers observed two bright points that moved northwards, gaining altitude. Seven "star-like" objects were visible, moving eastwards and disappearing into the horizon. They were described as having a "tail" and were completely silent.

I have seen a UFO - definitely

This article features personal accounts of UFO sightings in Saxony, Germany. Ruth Kürschner (65) describes seeing a "flying saucer" in her garden. Jan Böhme (21) recounts seeing a bright light and a six-sided metallic object. Maria Grund (42) reports seeing a blinking disc. The article also mentions a UFO photograph taken in Greifswald by Bernd Heinze.

Have you also seen one?

This section provides a contact number (0621/70 13 70) for the Central Research Office for Extraordinary Sky Phenomena in Mannheim for people who have witnessed UFOs.

The UFO pursued us from Dresden to Erfurt

This article continues the story of Cornelia Faulstich, who reported seeing a cluster of white light spots on her drive from Dresden to Erfurt. The lights swirled, disappeared, and reappeared as light circles, following her car. The report mentions that an ARD documentary "UFOs - And they do exist" on October 24th caused a "UFO boom," with the Central Research Office in Mannheim receiving daily calls from eyewitnesses. The documentary reportedly featured a UFO case validated by scientists from Deutsche Aerospace in Munich.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, particularly within the historical context of the German Democratic Republic (DDR). The journal explores how the phenomenon was perceived, reported, and (mis)understood in a society with limited access to information and under ideological constraints. There's a strong emphasis on documenting specific cases, analyzing witness testimonies, and attempting to provide explanations, whether conventional or acknowledging the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, albeit cautious, investigation into UFO phenomena, distinguishing itself from sensationalist media portrayals. The GEP's role as a scientific research organization is consistently highlighted, promoting a methodical approach to understanding these unexplained events.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), issue 136, dated April 2001, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, with a significant focus on the situation within the former German Democratic Republic (DDR).

The Norbert Haase Case and Military Connections

The issue begins by examining the case of Norbert Haase, who claimed to have experienced a UFO abduction. The article explores his life after his alleged experience, including his imprisonment and subsequent deportation to West Germany. It notes his entry into a sect called "Universelles Leben" and the difficulty in obtaining further details from him or his former doctor. A key point raised by ufologist Uli Thieme is that the "Norbert Haase" abduction case might be viewed from a different perspective. Thieme recalls a military journal entry from April 1964 detailing the shooting down of an American reconnaissance bomber (Douglas RB 66) near Stendal by Soviet fighters, and another incident involving a T 39 "Sabreliner" over Thuringia. Thieme speculates that Haase might have witnessed these events, and that his subsequent interrogation by the STASI could have influenced his later claims of a UFO abduction, potentially by third parties or through information manipulation.

Discoveries in the STASI Archives

The article then shifts to the surprising findings from the STASI archives. It details the transformation of the DDR's security apparatus into the Ministry for State Security (Stasi) in 1950. The Stasi systematically collected information on millions of people, including DDR citizens and individuals in West Germany and other countries. The journal recounts an instance where a prize-winning photo book on UFOs, sent by registered mail to a DDR citizen, was intercepted by the Stasi. The GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) attempted to obtain STASI files related to UFO incidents in 1994 without success. The question is raised whether the current archives might contain records of unexplained phenomena, given the Stasi's broad interest in UFO-related incidents.

UFO Sightings and STASI Reports from the DDR

Two specific STASI reports are presented. The first, from November 27, 1983, details a sighting by border troops of a 5x5 meter object without lights or engine noise, flying at an altitude of 25 meters near Eiskeller. The object was observed flying towards West Berlin. The report notes that the observation was later retracted, which the author finds illogical given multiple witnesses. The second report, from February 5, 1985, describes five members of the People's Police (DVP) in Halle observing unexplained aerial phenomena between 23:40 and 00:00. The objects were described as cigar-shaped or rectangular, silent, with a fiery tail, moving from south to north. One witness reported the object "noiselessly exploded" over a GSSD site. Despite investigations, no concrete explanations were found, and searches for debris were unsuccessful. Research at the Martin-Luther-University and other institutions yielded no relevant information. However, a spokesperson for the Federal Air Traffic Control in Frankfurt stated that on the night of February 3-4, 1985, several meteorites likely flew over Germany from south to north and burned up in the atmosphere, with some reports mentioning a "meteor swarm."

Challenges in Accessing and Verifying UFO Data

The author notes the scarcity of only two reports found despite the Ministry's operation since 1950, but acknowledges the possibility of more STASI-UFO material being uncovered in the future. The article touches upon the seizure of STASI files by the CIA after German reunification, citing the "Rosewood" operation as an example. Inquiries to US intelligence agencies and the KGB archive yielded no results. The German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) stated that STASI files are exclusively managed by the BStU (Federal Commissioner for the Records of the State Security Service of the former German Democratic Republic).

UFO Reports in Military and Civilian Spheres

The journal highlights that UFOs have been a subject of intense military and scientific interest since the 1940s. However, official DDR policy did not seem to yield any publicly acknowledged UFO reports of significant interest. The Ministry of Defense in Bonn stated that no findings regarding UFOs were available from the radio technology troops of the National People's Army. A lieutenant colonel with extensive service in the NVA and Bundeswehr confirmed the absence of official records on unidentified aerial phenomena. The Military History Museum in Dresden also reported no relevant information. The German Bundeswehr Association suggested that any unclear aerial phenomena might be found in air traffic surveillance records of the NVA or naval reconnaissance, now stored in federal archives. The article discusses the retention periods for NVA documents, ranging from 2 to 25 years, or permanently.

Scientific and Official Stances on UFOs

The journal presents the view of Dr. Sigmund Jähn, the first German in space, who expressed a negative opinion on the veracity of stories about alien visitations, citing the absolute speed of light as a physical limitation. He stated that UFOs, in the sense of alien spacecraft, do not exist for him. The article also notes that pilots from INTERFLUG, the DDR's airline, reported no UFO sightings during their operational years. The Federal Institute for Aviation Security confirmed that INTERFLUG's aviation library, now housed at the Saxon State Library, contains extensive aviation literature but no specific records of unusual aerial phenomena.

Discussion on the "End of the UFO Era"

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a debate between Hansjürgen Köhler and Rudolf Henke regarding the "end of the UFO era." Köhler argues that UFO sightings, particularly of "flying saucers," have significantly decreased and are now primarily reported by "UFO believers." He criticizes the Ufology community for promoting sensationalism and misinterpreting phenomena. Henke, in response, defends the continued relevance of UFO research, questioning Köhler's statistical claims and his definition of "flying saucers." Henke also refutes Köhler's assertion that the Santilli alien autopsy film was promoted by the "UFO scene" to sustain its credibility, stating it originated from non-ufological circles and gained popularity through media coverage.

"UFOs in Everyday Life" and Book Reviews

The issue includes a section titled "UFOs im Alltag" (UFOs in Everyday Life), featuring examples of "flying saucers" in toy manufacturing, such as wind-up models and a "Mickey Mouse" themed saucer. It also reviews several books:

• "Im Schatten der UFOs" (In the Shadow of UFOs) by Christian Brachthäuser, which argues that UFO phenomena are not a modern invention but have historical roots in myths and legends across cultures.
• "Von Ufos entführt" (Abducted by UFOs) by Ulrich Magin, which explores the meaning of mysterious phenomena and their connection to modern abduction narratives, drawing parallels to ancient myths.
• "Die Suche geht weiter" (The Search Continues) by Hans-Werner Sachmann, which examines pre-astronautic theories and suggests that ancient texts might contain evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Conclusion and Acknowledgements

The author concludes that the initial assumption of a lack of "typical" UFO research in the DDR was largely confirmed, despite various unidentifiable phenomena being observed. The article acknowledges the extensive help and support from numerous individuals, institutions, and archives in compiling the information presented.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, document analysis, and distinguishing between factual reports and speculative interpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and evidence-based investigation of UFO cases, while acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of UFO beliefs and narratives. The debate between Köhler and Henke highlights the internal discussions and differing methodologies within the ufology community. The inclusion of "UFOs in Everyday Life" suggests an interest in how UFOs permeate popular culture and historical consciousness.