JUFOF - Issue 140 - 2002 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 2, 2002, volume 23, dated March/April, published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), focuses on 'UFO-Beobachtungen' (UFO Sightings). The cover highlights several articles, including 'UFO-Beobachtungen' by Roland Horn, 'Ein seltsames UFO' by Ulrich Magin, 'Die Alien-Paradoxien' by Christian Brachthäuser, 'Vom Hexenwahn zum Entführungs-Syndrom' by Wladislaw Raab, and 'Überlegungen zur Herkunft der Metalltropfen aus Schweitenkirchen' by Johann Koch. The issue also features a literature section and celebrates '30 Jahre GEP'.

Editorial and GEP Information

The editorial, titled 'Liebe LeserInnen!' (Dear Readers!), by Hans-Werner Peiniger, reflects on the GEP's 30-year history as a persistent UFO organization in Germany. Peiniger acknowledges the dedication of activists and the many UFO groups and researchers who have come and gone. He discusses the challenges of UFO research, including the disillusionment of some enthusiasts who sought excitement rather than the often tedious reality of investigation. Peiniger emphasizes the GEP's commitment to preventing the field from being dominated by charlatans and to fostering a more accurate understanding of the UFO phenomenon. He invites readers to actively participate in UFO research.

The journal also provides detailed information about the GEP, describing it as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research. It defines a UFO in the narrower sense as an object or light whose appearance and behavior cannot be conventionally explained. The GEP's methods include questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary work with authorities and scientific institutions. Membership benefits include receiving the journal, a newsletter, assistance with case analysis, and access to a lending library.

UFO Sightings and Case Analyses

'Drei große weiße Lichter am Himmel' (Three Large White Lights in the Sky) by Roland Horn

This section details a sighting on November 19, 2001, in Neunkirchen, Germany. Witnesses Jens S., his father Roland S., mother Martina S., and a colleague observed three large white lights hovering in the sky. Initially mistaken for streetlights, they were later recognized as something else. The objects moved towards Merchweiler. The following evening, Jens S. again saw three large lights, one hovering over a radio tower. Using binoculars, they described the object as flat and round with three bright white lights. It remained stationary for about four minutes before moving towards the southeast. The witnesses concluded it was not an airplane due to its shape and movement. They also noted red blinking lights on the sides of the objects. Roland S. estimated the object's size to be 3-4 times that of the moon when viewed through binoculars (10x25 magnification), with one object appearing about 5 cm wide at a distance of 400 meters.

'Militärobjekt ohne Flügel über Hofheim?' (Military Object Without Wings Over Hofheim?) by Michael K.

This case from October 10, 2001, in Hofheim, Germany, describes a witness hearing a humming sound and seeing a bright object with strong headlights and red lights flying low. The witness initially thought it was a military aircraft but noted it had no visible wings. The object was described as loud and moving at approximately 400 km/h, about 100-150 meters away. The witness also mentioned a red blinking light on the side and one at the rear. An inquiry to the German Air Force revealed only civilian air traffic data for the area, with no direct overflight of Hofheim detected. The case is classified as CE I / Near IFO, with identification as a possible aircraft.

'Ein seltsames UFO' (A Strange UFO) by Ulrich Magin

This article compiles several UFO reports with striking similarities. One report from October 1, 1958, near Linz, Austria, describes a large, pencil-shaped UFO, 135 meters long, observed at a distance of six meters by two witnesses. They reported seeing three tall, human-like figures inside. Another report from 1968 in Lakeland, Florida, describes a spherical, transparent UFO with two human-like beings. A significant event on June 22, 1976, involved a massive UFO observed over the Canary Islands, which was later identified as a rocket launch. However, some witnesses described it as landed, with humanoid figures and a gas mantle, leaving landing traces. A report from July 1984 near Nördling describes a landed spherical UFO from which a figure emerged. A similar sighting in June 1989 in Konantsevo, USSR, involved a luminous sphere that split open, revealing a figure.

'Die Alien-Paradoxien' (The Alien Paradoxies) by Christian Brachthäuser

This article critically examines the phenomenon of alien abductions, particularly referencing the work of Budd Hopkins. Brachthäuser questions the consistency and coherence of abduction narratives, highlighting discrepancies between different cases, such as the Villas-Boas case (involving sexual contact with a humanoid) and the Hill case (involving medical examinations and interactions with beings resembling 'German Nazis'). The author points out that the descriptions of aliens vary significantly by region and cultural context, suggesting that these accounts may be influenced by psychological and sociological factors rather than representing genuine extraterrestrial encounters. The article questions the 'alien hypothesis' due to these paradoxes and inconsistencies.

'Vom Hexenwahn zum Entführungs-Syndrom' (From Witchcraft Delusion to Abduction Syndrome) by Wladislaw Raab

Raab draws parallels between historical accounts of witchcraft and modern UFO abduction experiences. He suggests that alleged encounters with demons and supernatural beings in the past might be interpreted as early forms of UFO encounters. The article highlights similarities such as physical marks ('stigma diabolicum' vs. abduction marks), the use of needles in examinations (witchcraft trials vs. abduction procedures), and the description of non-human entities. It also examines specific historical cases, including that of Marx Heen in 1683 and Jacob König, noting how these accounts involve interactions with strange beings, physical alterations, and alleged abductions, mirroring themes found in contemporary UFO abduction literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis and documentation of UFO sightings, the exploration of the alien abduction phenomenon, and the search for historical precedents to these experiences. The journal maintains a critical yet open stance towards UFO research, presenting detailed case studies and encouraging rigorous investigation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or psychological factors. The GEP's long-standing commitment to scientific inquiry and its role in providing a platform for such research are consistently highlighted. The editorial stance leans towards a rational and evidence-based approach, while acknowledging the persistent mysteries surrounding the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), issue 140, dated 2nd/2002, delves into various aspects of ufology and related phenomena. The cover prominently features an article titled "Überlegungen zur Herkunft der Metalltropfen aus Schweitenkirchen" (Considerations on the Origin of Metal Drops from Schweitenkirchen) by Johann Koch.

Überlegungen zur Herkunft der Metalltropfen aus Schweitenkirchen (Considerations on the Origin of Metal Drops from Schweitenkirchen)

Johann Koch discusses the discovery of small, drop-shaped aluminum metal pieces in a forest near Schweitenkirchen in 1977. These pieces, possibly "fallen from the sky," were found fused with pine needles, indicating they reached the ground in a molten state. The article references a previous description in JUFOF 3/1995 and the book "Das Rätsel: Unbekannte Flugobjekte" (The Riddle: Unknown Flying Objects), noting that the origin of these metal parts remains unexplained. Initial assumptions suggested they might be molten aircraft parts or remnants of re-entry bodies (rocket or satellite parts).

Koch recounts the discovery: while resting in the woods near Schweitenkirchen on July 6, 1977, he noticed an area of about 10-15 meters in diameter where trees were bare. Scattered on the ground were small, silver, 0.5 to 1 cm drops that appeared to have melted into the soil and pine needles. He possesses some of these aluminum-like pieces and wonders how they ended up in dense undergrowth, about 50 meters from the road.

A sample of one drop, provided by Herr Peiniger of the GEP, was examined. It was relatively large (12.3 x 9.0 x 4.1 mm, weighing approximately 0.6g). Its underside was flattened with peculiar grooves, possibly imprints from pine needles. A dent on the upper side was presumed to be an impact site, and the side surfaces were relatively smooth but showed "wrinkled" structures.

A chemical analysis, commissioned by the GEP, revealed the metal drops to be 99.5% aluminum. Pure aluminum melts at 659°C and boils at 2,400°C. The temperature of the molten drops must have been between these values when they hit the ground. The article explains that as the drops fell through the air, a thin skin of solidifying aluminum and aluminum oxide formed due to cooling. However, this skin was not firm enough upon impact to preserve the original spherical shape. The drops deformed further, suggesting they fell from a relatively low height with insufficient time to solidify in the air.

The possibility of these drops being from a re-entry body is considered. The article quotes the Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (Braunschweig) from JUFOF 3/1995, stating that while it was assumed they could be parts of a re-entry body that didn't fully burn up, the material itself doesn't offer definitive clues.

Regarding the heat required, the article explains that for re-entry bodies, friction with the atmosphere generates the necessary heat. These bodies descend at speeds of several kilometers per second, heating up significantly at altitudes around 100 km. The resulting molten material is carried by the airflow, solidifying into small droplets, often found as meteoritic dust in deep-sea sediments. Most meteoroids and re-entry bodies burn up in the upper atmosphere.

While aluminum has a lower melting point, the high speeds and forces involved in re-entry make the formation of such large drops unlikely. Furthermore, molten droplets from re-entry typically cool and solidify in the cold upper atmosphere, not reaching the surface in a liquid state. The material would also be dispersed over a much wider area.

Oder von einem Flugzeug? (Or from an Aircraft?)

The proximity to the Manching Air Force Base suggests the possibility of an aircraft origin. The article mentions an expert from the Institute for Material Processing (Ratingen) who stated that aircraft can shed molten parts, possibly rivet heads.

High temperatures, sufficient to melt aluminum, are generally found in and around jet engines. However, jet engine components are made of specialized high-melting-point alloys. The article speculates that parts of a casing might have detached and entered the hot exhaust stream. These exhaust gases, potentially hundreds of degrees Celsius and moving at hundreds of meters per second, could melt material. In the cold upper atmosphere (around -60°C), these droplets would quickly solidify into spherical shapes and fall over a wide area.

However, the article concludes that the aluminum drops must have originated in a different manner.

Die Herkunft der Tropfen... (The Origin of the Drops...)

To summarize, the "source" of these aluminum drops must meet several conditions:

1. It must consist of aluminum or contain metallic aluminum.
2. It must have been heated to at least 659°C (melting point).
3. It must be in the air but not flying too high, allowing the drops to reach the ground in molten form before solidifying.
4. It must move very slowly in the air or hover, concentrating the "drop rain" in a small area.

Eine mögliche Erklärung: (A Possible Explanation:)

The Bundeswehr uses at least two types of ammunition that could produce such aluminum drops when fired:

1. Signal ammunition (e.g., 26.5 mm caliber flares fired from a signal pistol) for illuminating the terrain at night.
2. Illumination rounds (e.g., 84 mm flares fired from a signal gun) for battlefield illumination.

These types of ammunition partly consist of aluminum and generate the necessary temperature to melt aluminum during combustion. A parachute and the hot combustion gases slow the ammunition's fall, causing it to descend very slowly. In ideal conditions (no wind), the ammunition might hover. The combustion is not instantaneous but lasts for some time, during which aluminum parts can melt and form larger drops that fall from a height of a few hundred meters.

Literaturhinweise (Literature References)

The issue includes a list of literature references, including books on comets and asteroids, meteor showers, the sea's memory, jet engines, and UFO phenomena. Notably, "Das Rätsel: Unbekannte Flugobjekte" by Hans-Werner Peiniger is listed, along with JUFOF issue 3/1995.

Literatur (Literature)

Eltjo Haselhoff: Faszinierende Kornkreise (Fascinating Crop Circles)

This section reviews Eltjo Haselhoff's book, which synthesizes over ten years of research into crop circles. Haselhoff, a Professor of Laser Physics and President of the Dutch Center for Crop Circle Studies, examines whether crop circles are hoaxes or genuine mysteries. He notes the immense dimensions of the patterns, the presence of dead flies stuck to grain stalks within formations, and peculiar gelatinous or powdery residues on plants and soil, indicating exposure to very high temperatures. The book also discusses high magnetic field concentrations within crop circles and biophysical anomalies affecting seedling growth. Haselhoff explores the role of light balls in crop circle formation and shares personal experiences, without drawing definitive conclusions. He analyzes public reactions, distinguishing between the gullible, the critical, and the dismissive, and discusses how hoaxers can create crop circles. He also criticizes the media for distorting information and making the phenomenon seem ridiculous.

The book further discusses scientific methods used to analyze crop circle patterns, including mathematical analysis, biophysical studies, and measurements of physical anomalies. It references theories on geometric relationships in crop circles and the discovery of crop circle lines. Haselhoff also touches upon the esoteric perspectives surrounding crop circles, acknowledging that many participants view it as a spiritual phenomenon. He concludes that claims that crop circles are solely the work of hoaxers are not sufficiently explained, the phenomenon is often unfairly ridiculed and underestimated, and its true nature is not widely known.

Andreas von Rétyi: Streng Geheim – Area 51 und die „Schwarze Welt" (Strictly Secret – Area 51 and the "Black World")

Andreas von Rétyi's book is presented as a follow-up to his previous work on Area 51. He reports that security measures at Area 51 have been drastically increased, with guards appearing more nervous and aggressive. Roadways have been widened, and additional surveillance cameras installed. Rétyi speculates about the "Papoose Lake Station 4" facility, suggesting it might be involved in anti-gravity experiments that could overcome the main obstacle to space travel. He also discusses secret underground facilities operated by the US government, believing their construction is feasible and citing existing examples. Rétyi asserts that no manned aircraft technology can explain the activities observed in the skies over Nevada, suggesting that whatever is tested at Groom Lake is far ahead of current Air Force capabilities. He posits that many objects interpreted as UFOs might be "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles" (UAVs) or drones. He raises the question of whether there is an endpoint to flight routes for secret technology leaving the "Black World" and entering other territories, proposing the idea of an undersea base. The review notes that the book provides less direct information about Area 51 and Papoose Lake Station 4, and more background information on secrecy and cover-ups, along with insights into underground activities.

Joachim Koch & Hans-Jürgen Kyborg: Vernetzte Welten – In Kontakt mit der kosmischen Matrix (Interconnected Worlds – In Contact with the Cosmic Matrix)

This review discusses the authors' second book on crop circles, following their 1996 publication "Die Antwort des Orion" (The Answer of Orion). In their previous work, they claimed to have deciphered crop pictograms and received answers from an extraterrestrial intelligence, identifying their home star as HD 42807 in the Orion constellation. The new book begins with a review of reactions to their first book and describes an experience where their small aircraft, flying over two pictograms, experienced compass deviation and a tingling sensation, which they interpreted as a "physical encounter" with the intelligence.

The review notes the authors' shift from physical crop circles to investigating energy patterns using dowsing rods. They found energy grids around their homes and vehicles, leading them to believe they were in "permanent contact." They also detected energy structures resembling "towers" and found that these patterns sometimes disappeared, which they interpreted as the task being completed and the "gate" to the intelligence closing. The authors' approach has become increasingly esoteric, involving meditation and interpreting energy patterns as communication signals. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the authors' interpretations and the lack of verifiable evidence, suggesting their theories are highly speculative and likely to appeal only to those with a pre-existing esoteric worldview. While acknowledging the book's travelogues and background information on the English crop circle scene, the reviewer finds no clear connection to the "Alien Problem" and questions the book's claim of a "class" in its subtitle.

SOFTWARE

D - Sat 4 Deutschland in Nahaufnahme (D - Sat 4 Germany in Close-up)

This section reviews "D-Sat 4," a satellite imagery software for Germany. It is described as a useful tool for UFO research, offering features like checking the population density of a sighting area, proximity to industry, busy roads, and airfields, and assessing topographical features for visibility of objects like planets on the horizon. The software provides full-coverage, color satellite images of Germany with a resolution of 10 meters per pixel, and detailed aerial views of over 170 cities and 10 North Sea islands (up to 45 cm per pixel). It includes comfortable search functions, the ability to display and hide street names and points of interest, and export options. The software offers seamless navigation, real-time zooming, and precise measurements of distances and areas. A notable feature is the integrated flight simulator, allowing users to fly over Germany in a 3D, steerable low-altitude flight, providing an informative perspective, especially with the aerial views.

The installation is described as problem-free, and navigation is easy. The software is recommended for its ability to provide new perspectives and information relevant to investigative work. The reviewer hopes for higher resolution aerial views of the entire country in the future.

G DATA Power Route 5 Der Profi-Routenplaner (G DATA Power Route 5 The Professional Route Planner)

This review covers "G DATA Power Route 5," a route planning software. The reviewer highlights its utility for planning optimal routes and providing information about the local environment of a sighting location. The software includes all locations and streets in Germany, as well as city-precise maps of Austria, Switzerland, Northern Italy, and Eastern France. Key features include current, precision maps from car navigation systems, topographical information, GPS interface, export of maps and directions to Palm organizers, and the ability to print map sections. The routing software offers door-to-door routing, overview and navigation maps, alternative routes, route optimization, and online traffic information. It also includes a personal address database with street-precise geocoding. Directions are detailed with X-MiniMaps, turn-by-turn instructions, route segments, estimated times, and printing options. The software also integrates a Varta hotel guide, information on gas stations, leisure tips, bargain addresses, and details on airports and airlines. The user manual is described as comprehensive, and installation is straightforward. The reviewer concludes that it is a professional tool for route planning and very helpful for investigative work.

Book Reviews

Tilman T. Reuss (Hrsg.): Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 2002 (Yearbook of Aviation and Spaceflight 2002)

This annual publication is presented as a comprehensive source of information for UFO researchers, containing important addresses of authorities, organizations, military units, scientific institutes, and aviation-related businesses. The yearbook is logically structured into 14 chapters and includes indexes and registers for quick access to data. It covers topics such as the official organization of aviation, international bodies, the aviation and spaceflight industry, and German aviation and space research. The reviewer notes that the REUSS (presumably the publication or its database) has proven useful in their daily work.

The review mentions that previously available as a printed book and multimedia CD-ROM, the REUSS is now offered online via www.reuss.de with different access levels: "go REUSS" (free), "more REUSS" (free with registration), and "my REUSS" (paid).

W. Ahrheit-Volle: Vom Vierbeiner zum Homo erectus – Der Tier-Mensch-Übergang (From Four-Legged to Homo Erectus – The Animal-Human Transition)

This book is the sixth in a series where the author interprets biblical texts, arguing that the original biblical text has been altered and falsified. The author claims the true biblical text contains "sensational, highly current statements" unrelated to religion. The book explores "the dated evolutionary history of the universe, the Earth, and humans in the Old Testament." The reviewer finds the author's reinterpretation and interpretation of biblical texts difficult to understand, requiring significant attention and possibly the study of previous volumes. The unconventional writing style and structure make it challenging to follow, and the reviewer believes the interpretations are not always comprehensible. However, for those interested in biblical content and its interpretation from a pre-astronautic perspective, the book is recommended.

Manfred Thomas: Terra im Umbruch – Ein Sachbuch der besonderen Klasse für Alien-Fans (Earth in Upheaval – A Non-Fiction Book of Special Class for Alien Fans)

The reviewer finds that despite the subtitle promising a comprehensive look at the "Alien Problem," the book disappoints. Instead of focusing on aliens, the author delves into philosophical discussions about the connections between earthly circumstances and cosmic relationships. The reviewer struggles to grasp the author's arguments, which seem to jump between topics like human origins, cosmic existence, intelligence, shamanism, and auras. The author's points are presented without sufficient explanation or evidence. The core idea seems to be that humanity is undergoing a value shift and expanding its consciousness towards cosmic dimensions, which is crucial for survival. The book also attempts to link earthly problems to the influence of cosmic dimensions. The reviewer notes the author's emphasis on the interconnectedness of humans and the cosmos, and how humans disrupt natural cosmic cycles, leading to an existential crisis. The reviewer found it difficult to follow the author's reasoning and could not identify a significant connection to the alien phenomenon, questioning the book's claim of "class."

Other Sections

Bezugsquellen (Sources)

This section lists contact information for Kopp Verlag, Verlag G. Linder, and TIGRA Verlag, likely for purchasing the books reviewed.

Nur GEP-Mitglieder... (Only GEP Members...)

This note informs GEP members that their contributions can be deducted from taxes.

Die GEP verlost zwei Exemplare (GEP raffles two copies)

A raffle is announced for two copies of Manfred Thomas's book "Terra im Umbruch." To enter, participants must send a postcard or email with the subject "Terra" to the GEP. The deadline is May 10, 2002.

Ulrich Magin: Von Ufos entführt – Unheimliche Begegnungen der vierten Art (Abducted by UFOs – Uncanny Encounters of the Fourth Kind)

This is a brief mention of Ulrich Magin's book, described as a paperback edition from 1991, available for €2.50. It discusses stories of people being abducted by aliens for medical examinations and explores the themes of truth, delusion, or faith in the context of the "technical age."

Marcia S. Smith und George D. Havas: DAS UFO-RÄTSEL (The UFO Riddle)

This section describes "DAS UFO-RÄTSEL" (The UFO Riddle) as a documentation originally compiled in 1976 by the Congressional Research Service and published by the Library of Congress. The German translation is based on a 1983 revised version by George D. Havas. The Congressional Research Service is presented as a scientific advisory body for the US Congress, comparable to German parliamentary advisory services. The text includes a concise overview and detailed information, with appended documents and compilations. It is available as a GEP special issue for €8.00 (€6.40).

GEP-SONDERHEFTE (GEP Special Issues)

A list of available GEP special issues is provided, including topics like the Condon Report, flying saucers, bibliographies on extraterrestrial life, the "UFO Riddle," the JAL-1628 incident, Ufology, Hermann Oberth, and human involvement in the UFO phenomenon. Prices are listed in Euros, with discounted prices for GEP members.

INFO-Paket (Info Package)

An "Info Package" is offered, containing several GEP special issues on topics such as "Explanation possibilities for UFO phenomena," "Small A-B-C of UFO Research," "UFO Observations," and "Current Literature Overview."

JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG

Information about the journal's subscription is provided: €18.00 per year plus postage. Subscribers receive issues starting from the next number, or retroactively from issue 1 of the current year. GEP members have the subscription included in their membership fee.

SONSTIGES, NEUERSCHEINUNGEN (Miscellaneous, New Releases)

This section briefly mentions Ulrich Magin's book "Von Ufos entführt" again, noting its paperback format and price. It also lists the GEP questionnaire (free for members) and the GEP statutes and membership application.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs), their potential origins, and the scientific and speculative research surrounding them. The journal maintains a stance of critical inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence while encouraging further investigation. There's a clear interest in distinguishing between hoaxes and genuine phenomena, particularly in the context of crop circles and UFO sightings. The editorial approach seems to favor detailed analysis, referencing scientific studies, and providing comprehensive literature and software reviews to aid researchers. The journal also touches upon the societal and psychological aspects of belief in UFOs and related phenomena, as well as the role of government secrecy and media portrayal.