JUFOF - Issue 139 - 2002 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), number 139, dated January/February 2002, is the 23rd volume and the first issue of the year. Published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., it is a German-language publication with an ISSN of 0723-7766 and a cover price of €3.00. The main cover headline is "UFO - Beobachtungen" (UFO - Observations), with a subtitle indicating it is the "Journal for UFO Research." The issue also highlights the GEP's 30th anniversary.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The editorial team includes Hans-Werner Peiniger and Mirko Mojsilovic. The GEP, founded in 1972, is described as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany focused on UFO research. It defines a UFO as an object or light whose appearance and behavior are not conventionally explainable. The GEP utilizes special questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary collaboration with authorities and scientific institutions. The JUFOF is one of its key publications, alongside various specialized publications and international collaborations. Membership in the GEP includes the JUFOF, a newsletter, access to literature, discounts, and tax benefits. The issue also includes contact information for the GEP, including postal address, phone, fax, email, and website.

Articles and Case Studies

UFO - Observations

This section presents several UFO sighting reports and their analysis:

• Korcula, Croatia (August 1991): A circular, lenticular object with approximately 25 lights was observed by a father and son at an altitude of 150-200 meters. The object moved slowly south for about 10 minutes. The case is classified as "Insufficient Data" due to a lack of further corroboration and the witness's reluctance to discuss it.
• Achim, Germany (Late Summer 1992): A spherical object, initially perceived as a bright light, was seen moving erratically before disappearing instantly. The witnesses described it as a "Kugel" (sphere). The case is classified as "NEAR IFO" (Identified Flying Object) with a possible explanation as a balloon, due to memory gaps and the possibility of atmospheric phenomena.
• Krefeld, Germany (September 1994): A witness observed a bright, blinking light, followed by smaller lights, moving in a consistent formation. The witness initially thought they were airplanes but noted the unusual alignment and movement. The case is classified as "NEAR IFO" with possible explanations including multiple aircraft or a research balloon, but no definitive conclusion was reached.
• Bruchmühle, Germany (October 1998): A witness described a round to elliptical object with a bright center and a luminous ring, appearing and disappearing cyclically. The object was observed for about 30 minutes. The case is classified as "IFO" (Identified Flying Object), with a possible explanation as a light effect device, perhaps from a disco spotlight, though this was not definitively confirmed.
• Göppingen, Germany (October 2001): A marketing agency photographed a "dark spot" on three frames of a 20-shot series. The spot appeared to move between frames. The camera used was a Canon D30. The case is classified as "DD/IFO" with a possible identification as a bird.
• Fuerteventura, Spain (August 2001): A witness reported a "tire-like" luminous formation that rotated on its axis. The case is classified as "IFO" with a likely explanation as a light effect device, based on the description and photographic evidence.
• Berlin, Germany (1971/1972): A witness reported a bright white light passing through their car, accompanied by colorful flickering. The experience was described as an "energy wave." The case is classified as "Insufficient Data" due to the long delay in reporting and lack of corroborating witnesses.

Comparative Analysis of 13 Case Histories from John Mack's Book "Entführt von Außerirdischen" (Part 2)

This section, authored by Rudolf Henke, continues the analysis of abduction cases presented in John Mack's book. It examines the psychological and experiential aspects of individuals who believe they have been abducted by aliens.

• Paul: The analysis suggests Paul's experiences might stem from psychological issues, including a feeling of being an outsider, potential childhood trauma, and a desire for a "mission." His experiences are interpreted as possibly related to wishful thinking and psychological coping mechanisms rather than literal alien encounters.
• Eva: Eva's case is analyzed in terms of potential psychological factors such as a "cold" upbringing, possible neurological disorders (like migraines), a vivid imagination, dissatisfaction with daily life, and potential influences from esoteric literature and media. Her experiences, including feelings of being touched and seeing strange lights, are discussed in relation to possible psychological distress and wishful thinking.
• Dave: Dave's experiences are also examined through a psychological lens, with suggestions of compensation for perceived feminine traits, possible homosexual inclinations, and a "savior complex." His "abduction" experiences are interpreted as potentially stemming from drug use, psychological fantasies, and a desire for validation.

Literature Review

This section lists several books and articles related to UFO phenomena, including "Roswell / Geheime Geschichte," "The Missing Times," "Die Götter waren Astronauten," and "Redshift 4."

Short Notes

• "Round Circles in the Grass" (1713 near Bouxwiller, Alsace): A brief mention of a crop circle sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The GEP's editorial stance, as articulated by Hans-Werner Peiniger in the anniversary message, emphasizes a commitment to critical investigation and scientific rigor in ufology. The organization aims to understand the UFO phenomenon without ideological bias, acknowledging the long journey of research and the importance of distinguishing between genuine anomalies and misidentifications or psychological phenomena. The articles consistently apply a critical approach, seeking rational explanations for sightings and analyzing the psychological and social factors that may influence witness reports, particularly in cases of alleged abductions. The magazine promotes a balanced perspective, acknowledging the complexity of the phenomenon while maintaining a skeptical yet open-minded stance.

This issue of "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Issue 139, 1/2002) is a German-language publication from GEP, focusing on UFO phenomena, research, and related topics. It features a comprehensive log of UFO sightings, detailed analyses of alleged alien encounters and abductions, and reviews of several books and software related to the field.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Observations)

The magazine presents a detailed catalog of UFO observations documented and evaluated by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Rudolf Henke. This section lists numerous sightings from historical periods (e.g., 1561, 1665) to more recent dates (up to 2001), specifying the location (primarily in Germany, but also Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, and the USA), the date, and the nature of the observation (e.g., meteorites, planets, aircraft, balloons, light effects, unknown objects).

Articles and Analyses

Several articles delve into specific aspects of the UFO phenomenon:

• Schomacker, Sascha: Discusses alleged Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) activity in Düsseldorf and is interviewed about the UFO theme, covering Turkey, Denmark, Austria, and Finland.
• Thieme, Uli: Presents "Roswell News; Parts 16 and 17."
• Analysis of "Peter" and "Carlos" Cases: The issue includes detailed psychological analyses of individuals who claim to have experienced alien abductions. "Peter's" case is examined in relation to his religious upbringing, feelings of humiliation, and potential sexual manipulation. "Carlos," an older individual with an academic background, is analyzed for his "visions," his artistic interpretations of encounters, and his possible psychological issues, including potential links to manic states or neurological conditions.
• Arthur's Case: Another case study focuses on "Arthur," who claims a dramatic UFO sighting from 25 years prior. The analysis explores his wealthy, conservative Catholic upbringing, his philanthropic activities, and his emotional issues, suggesting his experiences might be linked to psychological factors or a need to process negative emotions.
• Media Complicity: Terry Hansen's work, "The Missing Times," is reviewed, examining the role of the American media in covering up or downplaying the UFO phenomenon, including alleged CIA influence.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• Karl T. Pflock: "Roswell in Perspective" and "Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe": Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this section highlights Pflock's extensive research on the Roswell incident, including original documents and witness testimonies. It notes Pflock's evolution from a UFO believer to an "anti-Roswellian" and criticizes the lack of German translations.
• Hartwig Hausdorf: "Geheime Geschichte" (Secret History): This review discusses Hausdorf's compilation of historical mysteries and anomalies, including the Tasaday tribe, ancient astronomical knowledge in Teotihuacan, and the Aurora UFO crash. The reviewer notes that Hausdorf relies heavily on existing literature without critical background analysis.
• Terry Hansen: "The Missing Times: News Media Complicity in the UFO Cover-up": Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book is presented as an investigation into the political processes and media reporting on UFOs in the US, suggesting a deliberate cover-up.
• Erich von Däniken: "Die Götter waren Astronauten!" (The Gods Were Astronauts!): This review notes that von Däniken presents familiar facts but offers a contemporary perspective and critical tones towards established theology.
• Marcia S. Smith and George D. Havas: "Das UFO-Rätsel" (The UFO Riddle): This documentation, originally from the US Congress, is presented as a comprehensive overview of UFO phenomena, including details and documents.
• Dieter von Reeken: "UFOLOGIE: Theorien und Tatsachen über Fliegende Untertassen" (Ufology: Theories and Facts about Flying Saucers): This book aims to provide a clear overview of ufology, its history, and key aspects like sightings, photos, and alleged contactees.
• Ulrich Magin: "Von Ufos entführt" (Abducted by UFOs): This review describes the book as exploring stories of "UFO abductees" and interpreting them as a modern form of belief in the technical age.

Software Review

• REDSHIFT 4 Professional Edition: This review praises the planetarium software for its utility in reconstructing astronomical situations for UFO observations. It highlights its ease of use, comprehensive star catalogs (Tycho 2, 4M, Hubble Guide Star), and extensive database of celestial objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed documentation of UFO sightings, the psychological and sociological analysis of alleged abductees, the critical examination of media coverage of UFO events, and the review of literature and tools relevant to UFO research. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to engage with the evidence and interpretations. There is a consistent emphasis on providing source citations and historical context for the information presented. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous research and analysis, often questioning the sensationalist aspects of the UFO phenomenon while acknowledging the existence of unexplained events and the importance of continued investigation.