JUFOF - Issue 137 - 2001 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of the 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG' (JUFOF), Number 5, 2001, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e. V., focuses on UFO observations and research. The cover prominently features "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Observations) and lists several articles, including "Ein Grauer vor seiner Zeit" by Ulrich Magin, "UFOs vor 1947 Teil 3" by Rudolf Henke, and "Roswell News Teil 17" by Uli Thieme. The issue is dated September/October 2001 and is priced at €3.00.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The 'Impressum' section details the GEP as the publisher, founded in 1972, with Hans-Werner Peiniger and Mirko Mojsilovic responsible for the editorial content. It clarifies that contributions and statements in the journal do not necessarily reflect the GEP's official stance. The journal is published bimonthly on a non-commercial basis, and authors are generally not paid. The GEP defines a UFO as an object or light observed that was unexplainable to the witness at the time. Their investigative methods include questionnaires, field research, and analysis of background information, with support from authorities and scientific institutions. The GEP also publishes internal newsletters and collaborates with international organizations.

GEP members receive the journal as part of their membership, along with the 'GEP-NEWS' newsletter, and can borrow books and literature. They also receive a 20% discount on GEP special issues and can deduct their contributions for tax purposes. The membership fee is DM 60,- per year.

The journal also provides contact information for the GEP, including a post office box in Lüdenscheid, Germany, and a website (http://www.ufo-forschung.de).

"Liebe LeserInnen! UFOs und Wissenschaft"

This editorial by Mirko Mojsilovic addresses the recurring question of whether UFO research can be considered scientific. He references the struggles of prominent figures like James McDonald, Jacques Vallee, and J. A. Hynek in the late 1960s to gain scientific acceptance for ufology. Mojsilovic quotes Hynek's resignation in 1981, comparing ufology to alchemy and warning that without a scientific path, it risks remaining 'empty babble.' He criticizes the German UFO scene for its fragmented nature, characterized by prejudice, beliefs, and wishful thinking, and a lack of productive competition and interdisciplinary discussion. Mojsilovic calls for a more collaborative approach, where data is shared and critiqued, and methodological improvements are pursued. He laments that many groups hoard their case files, leading to accusations of incompetence and ideological stances rather than objective analysis.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Observations)

This section presents documented UFO sightings and their evaluations:

• Helles Objekt über Steinbach (Bright Object over Steinbach) (Fall-Nummer: 20010710 A, July 19, 2001): A bright light, described as brighter than Venus and like a glowing disc, was observed hovering over Steinbach. Investigations revealed it was likely a model hot-air balloon, but the witness's description highlighted how such objects can be perceived as anomalous.

• „Ähnlich wie bei einer militärischen Formation" (Similar to a Military Formation) (Fall-Nummer: 199208--, August 1992, Vienna): A witness observed a bright, star-like object that split into several pieces forming a formation before fading. The evaluation suggests this could be a cluster of foil balloons, with the explanation noting that the dynamic behavior and appearance did not exhibit significant anomalies, classifying it as NEAR IFO.

• „Ein grelles Licht, wie ein Blitzlicht" (A Bright Light, Like a Flash) (Fall-Nummer: 19940222 A, February 22, 1994, Chemnitz): A witness described seeing changing colored lights (red, blue, green) and a sudden bright flash that disappeared quickly. While initially identified as a possible aircraft, the witness considered it a phenomenon. The case is classified as NEAR IFO due to insufficient data.

• Sternförmige Lichter in Dreiecksformation (Star-shaped Lights in Triangular Formation) (Fall-Nummer: 20010918 A, September 18, 2001, Oberstraubling): Three lights were observed moving in a triangular formation. The witness questioned if this could be satellites. The article references a previous JUFOF article by Werner Walter discussing 'Flying Triangles' and satellite formations, suggesting this sighting might be explained by a trio of satellites, possibly from US intelligence programs.

• Fünf Wesen legten sich auf den Boden und verglühten (Five Beings Lay Down on the Ground and Incinerated) (Fall-Nummer: 1987, 1987, Lenzkirch): A witness reported seeing a landing spherical object from which six beings emerged. Five lay down and 'incinerated,' while the sixth disappeared. The beings wore silver overalls and had large heads and thin arms. The witness was uncooperative, leading to the case being classified as 'insufficient data' (CE III).

• Zwei Objekte über Dresden (Two Objects over Dresden) (Fall-Nummer: 19910118 A, January 18, 1991, Dresden): Two bright, circular objects were observed moving in formation. The witness described them as half the size of a full moon and appearing like a model hot-air balloon. The article suggests they were likely two model hot-air balloons launched sequentially, and the case is classified as NEAR IFO.

• „Stahlblaue Lichtsignale" (Steel-blue Light Signals) (Fall-Nummer: 19540831 A, August 31, 1954, Andelsbuch): A reddish, intensely shining object emitting steel-blue light signals was observed. The witness, a retired school principal, described it as having a double Venus size and moving slowly. The evaluation suggests it could be the planet Mars, given its appearance and the time of observation, despite the witness's familiarity with UFO literature.

• „Scheibe mit 5- bis 8-facher Geschwindigkeit eines Düsenflugzeuges" (Disc with 5 to 8 Times the Speed of a Jet Aircraft) (Fall-Nummer: 19540820 A, August 20, 1954, Grünsfeld): Three witnesses observed a disc-shaped object that appeared to change shape and move at extremely high speed. The evaluation suggests this could be a flock of birds, particularly pigeons, due to their ability to move in formations and create optical illusions. The witness's interpretation of the event as an alien craft is noted.

• Rasch fliegendes „schneeweißes" Objekt (Fast Flying "Snow-white" Object) (Fall-Nummer: 19540903 A, September 3, 1954, Obersüßbach): A fast-moving, snow-white object was observed. The witness estimated its speed and size, but the evaluation notes the unreliability of such estimations. Possible explanations include an illuminated weather balloon or an aircraft, with the case classified as V-3 (insufficient information).

• „...glaubte, zu spinnen" (...Thought I Was Going Crazy) (Fall-Nummer: 19901105 C, November 5, 1990, Roda): Thousands of witnesses observed colorful lights in formation, which the witness initially thought was a space station or aircraft. The event is identified as the re-entry of the Russian spacecraft Horizont 21, a widely observed phenomenon. The article discusses how witness perceptions can be influenced by UFO literature and the tendency to interpret known events as alien craft.

• Zeichen auf der Stirn (Marks on the Forehead) (Fall-Nummer: 199609--, September 1996 onwards, Greifswald): A young witness reported multiple UFO sightings and claimed to have photographed them. The witness presented a complex narrative involving alleged connections to high-ranking politicians and a desire for a career in America. The evaluation suggests potential psychological issues, including possible juvenile schizophrenia, and the case is classified as V2 (insufficient data).

Weiterführende Überlegungen: Vögel als UFO-Stimuli (Further Considerations: Birds as UFO Stimuli)

This section, by Rudolf Henke, explores how flocks of birds can be mistaken for UFOs, especially during daylight. It references historical accounts, including one from Donald E. Keyhoe about a sighting in Manhattan Beach in 1952 where seven 'round objects' emerged from a 'strange ship.' Henke argues that the human tendency to associate UFOs with disc shapes, combined with the dynamic and sometimes puzzling behavior of bird flocks, can lead to misinterpretations. He cites examples from the 1950s and 1960s where daylight sightings were common and suggests that witnesses might have been less familiar with aircraft and natural phenomena than modern observers. The article concludes by emphasizing that the 'bird explanation' should not be dismissed, as it can account for many sightings, particularly those involving formations and unusual movements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings, it heavily emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, evidence-based analysis, and the elimination of mundane explanations. Misidentification, particularly of aircraft, balloons, and natural phenomena like birds, is a recurring theme. The journal also highlights the challenges within the UFO research community itself, advocating for greater scientific rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and open communication to move the field forward. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding extraterrestrial visitation, favoring conventional explanations where possible, but leaves room for genuine anomalies.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 137 from May 2001, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical sightings, and the research surrounding them. The magazine features articles by Rudolf Henke, Ulrich Magin, Peter Kauert, and Uli Thieme, exploring a range of topics from astronomical explanations for alleged sightings to the controversial 'Roswell Alien Autopsy' film and the public's declining belief in UFOs.

Article 1: UFOs before 1947 (Part 3) - The "UFO" of the Witch Hunter (Friday, November 30, 1668)

Rudolf Henke discusses a historical report from November 1668, which he identifies as a sighting of the planet Venus occulting the moon. He contrasts this with the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials that occurred shortly after in 1692, noting that Reverend Cotton Mather, a prominent figure in the witch hunts, also reported unusual celestial phenomena. Henke debunks the idea that Mather's 'star' sighting was an unidentified object, explaining it as a known astronomical event.

Article 2: When Astronomers See "UFOs": The Observation of Edmond Halley (Friday, March 6, 1716)

This article, also by Rudolf Henke, examines a report attributed to astronomer Edmond Halley in 1716. The report describes an object illuminating the sky for over two hours, bright enough to read text by. Henke argues that this phenomenon was likely the full moon, possibly observed in conjunction with the planets Venus and Mars. He uses astronomical software to reconstruct the sky at the time and concludes that the moon's brightness and visibility fit the description, suggesting that even learned individuals can misinterpret familiar celestial bodies.

Article 3: The "Floating Hat" from Stralsund (April 8, 1665) - An "Old Hat"!

Rudolf Henke analyzes a 1665 report from Stralsund, Germany, where six fishermen described a colored object with a flat, round shape like a plate and large like a man's hat. Henke critically examines the interpretation of this report by ufologists like I. v. Ludwiger, arguing that the description does not necessarily align with modern UFO concepts of 'flying saucers' or 'hats'. He suggests that the fishermen's description might have been influenced by their perception of size and shape, and that the phenomenon could be explained by natural events, such as a flock of starlings, which can appear as dark, moving formations.

Article 4: The Cause: Sturni vulgari?

This section, continuing Rudolf Henke's analysis of the Stralsund incident, explores the possibility that the fishermen's experience was a misinterpretation of natural phenomena, specifically a flock of starlings ('Sturni vulgari'). Henke details how the movements and appearance of starlings could explain the 'warships' and 'smoke' described in the report. He also touches upon the psychological aspect of shared illusions, where a group's perception can be influenced by one individual's interpretation.

Article 5: The Stralsund "Floating Plate" Still Shines Today?

Henke continues his investigation into the Stralsund sighting, considering astronomical stimuli that might have been visible at the time. He focuses on the planet Venus, which was prominent in the western sky around sunset on April 8, 1665. He concludes that Venus is the most likely explanation for the "floating plate" described by the fishermen, especially since the report does not mention Venus, implying it was a familiar object.

Article 6: The "Alien Autopsy" Film Connection

Uli Thieme provides a detailed account of the 'Roswell Alien Autopsy' film, tracing its origins and promotion. He highlights the roles of ufologists like Don Ecker, Philip Mantle, and Reg Presley, and filmmaker Ray Santilli. Thieme suggests that the film, presented as a sensational discovery, was likely a hoax orchestrated by a combination of pro-ufologists and shrewd businessmen. He points out inconsistencies in Santilli's accounts and suggests that the film was not genuine footage from 1947 but rather a fabrication.

Article 7: A "Gray" Ahead of His Time?

Ulrich Magin explores the concept of 'Grays' in UFO lore, noting that while modern abduction reports often feature them, they were not explicitly described in pre-1960s accounts. He argues that similar beings appeared in early American science fiction comics, such as the 'Mekons' from the 'Dan Dare' comic series, predating the widespread 'Gray' archetype in UFO literature.

Article 8: Nachtrag zu meinem Artikel: Das "Ende der UFO-Epoche"

Rudolf Henke provides an update on public belief in UFOs, citing recent surveys from Emind and Allensbach. He notes a decline in belief in UFOs and alien visitations, particularly among younger demographics, but emphasizes that this trend does not necessarily signify the "end of the UFO era." He calls for a longer-term perspective when analyzing such data, referencing historical declines in belief that later rebounded.

Leserbrief (Letters to the Editor)

Uli Thieme responds to a previous debate between Rudolf Henke and H.-J. Köhler, criticizing their 'petty squabbles' and urging them to resolve their differences privately. Thieme also defends his own reporting on the 'Roswell Alien Autopsy' film, stating that both Santilli and pro-ufologists promoted it, and that his 'Roswell News' section aims to provide a more complete picture.

GEP-Sonderhefte and Info-Paket

This section lists various publications and information packets available from GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), including reports on the Condon study, UFO bibliographies, and books on alien life and UFO research.

Ulrich Magin: Von Ufos entführt (Book Review)

A brief review of Ulrich Magin's book "Von Ufos entführt: Unheimliche Begegnungen der vierten Art" (Abducted by UFOs: Uncanny Encounters of the Fourth Kind), published by C.H. Beck-Verlag. The book is described as an exploration of alien abduction accounts and their place in modern belief systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of historical UFO sightings, the use of astronomical knowledge to debunk or explain phenomena, the investigation of alleged UFO-related hoaxes (particularly the Roswell film), and the analysis of public opinion and belief trends regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims, favoring rational explanations and rigorous research, while acknowledging the enduring public fascination with the UFO phenomenon.