JUFOF - Issue 141 - 2002 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Issue 141, May/June 2002, Volume 23) is published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e. V. (GEP) and focuses on UFO sightings and their analysis. The cover headline is 'UFO - Beobachtungen' (UFO - Observations), and it features articles by Hans-Werner Peiniger, Rudolf Henke, Mirko Mojsilovic, and Sascha Schomacker, among others. The magazine is in German and priced at €3.00.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Observations)

This section details several reported UFO sightings and provides an analysis of each case:

• "Es hatte zahlreiche Blinklichter" (It had numerous blinking lights) - Case Number: 20001204 A, December 4, 2000, Berlin-Charlottenburg. A witness reported seeing a bright object with blinking lights that hovered like a star before moving west. The analysis suggests it was likely a conventional aircraft misinterpreted by the witness, possibly due to the bright landing lights and perspective.
• "extrem heller weißer Stern" (extremely bright white star) - Case Number: 20010621 A, June 21, 2001, Hannover. A witness described a very bright object that appeared like a star, then shrank and moved horizontally. The analysis suggests it could have been a planet, possibly Jupiter, with atmospheric conditions creating unusual visual effects.
• "Stern von Bethlehem" (Star of Bethlehem) - Case Number: 19990105 A, January 5, 1999, Hennweiler. Two witnesses observed a bright object in the sky. The analysis discusses astronomical possibilities, including the planet Jupiter, and suggests that atmospheric conditions and the witness's perception might have contributed to the interpretation.
• "...absolut realistisch..." (...absolutely realistic...) - Case Number: 199812Anf++, early December 1998 to January 14, 1999, Köln. A composer reported observing a bright beam of light and later a red sphere and a star-like object. The analysis suggests possible explanations such as a 'Skytracker' light, a model hot-air balloon, or a bright star/planet, while also questioning the witness's psychological state.
• "Plötzlich war alles hell" (Suddenly everything was bright) - Case Number: 20020117, January 17, 2002, Nordwalde. A driver and his passenger witnessed a sudden, intense light that illuminated the surroundings. The analysis considers possibilities like a bolide, an aircraft with landing lights, or a helicopter, but leans towards a bolide or a near-IFO classification due to the lack of definitive evidence.
• Wolke mit Schatten (Cloud with Shadow) - Case Number: 200105, early May 2001, Oberraden. A photograph taken by a witness showed a cloud-like object with a shadow. The investigation concluded it was not a shadow and suggested possible explanations such as a development error in the photograph, a small object in front of the camera, or a lens reflection.

Nachtrag zum Fall Schweitenkirchen (Addendum to the Schweitenkirchen Case)

This section, by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Johann Koch, revisits the Schweitenkirchen case, presenting photos of signal ammunition and battlefield illumination devices. These items are suggested as possible explanations for fragments found in the case, consisting of aluminum and producing light when burning.

Nachtrag zum Fall Fehrenbach (Addendum to the Fehrenbach Case)

Hans-Werner Peiniger reports on the Fehrenbach case, where two students photographed what appeared to be a flying saucer. It is revealed that the object was a small toy model that was thrown and photographed, or hung on a string. The witness Sascha Wudy explains how they staged the event to create a sensation.

GEP-Statistik (GEP Statistics)

This section likely presents statistical data related to UFO sightings reported to the GEP.

Feuerball über Süddeutschland (Fireball over Southern Germany)

Mirko Mojsilovic contributes a report on a fireball sighting over Southern Germany.

Robert Lazar und das Element 115 (Robert Lazar and Element 115)

Sascha Schomacker writes about Robert Lazar and the alleged Element 115, a topic often associated with Area 51 and advanced propulsion systems.

Literatur (Literature)

This section provides a list of literature related to UFOs, including topics like 'Flying Saucers over Peenemünde', 'The Flying Saucer Myth', 'Crop Circles', and 'Mysterious Grey Zone'.

Editorial and Organizational Information

• Impressum (Imprint): Details the publisher (GEP e.V.), editors (Hans-Werner Peiniger, Mirko Mojsilovic), and publication details. It states that the journal is published every two months and that authors' fees are generally not paid.
• Die GEP... (The GEP...): Explains the GEP's mission as a non-profit scientific organization dedicated to researching the UFO phenomenon. It defines a UFO as an object or light whose appearance and behavior cannot be conventionally explained.
• GEP-Mitglieder... (GEP Members...): Outlines the benefits of GEP membership, including receiving the journal, newsletters, access to literature, discounts, and tax deductibility of contributions.
• Definition des Begriffs "UFO" (Definition of the term "UFO"): Provides a more detailed definition of a UFO.
• Meldestelle für UFO-Beobachtungen (Reporting Office for UFO Observations): Provides a contact number for reporting sightings: (02351) 23377.
• GEP im INTERNET: Provides the GEP's website address: http://www.ufo-forschung.de.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed analysis of individual UFO sighting reports, the critical evaluation of evidence, and the distinction between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. The GEP maintains a scientific and research-oriented stance, aiming to provide rational explanations where possible, while acknowledging the complexity and persistent mystery surrounding some cases. The editorial emphasizes the importance of media presence for UFO researchers and expresses optimism about continued interest in the UFO phenomenon despite claims of its decline. The issue also highlights the importance of focusing on the 'person of the reporter' when analyzing cases, suggesting the concept of 'projection targets' rather than just 'UFO stimuli'.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), issue 141, dated 3/2002, focuses on UFO statistics, a significant meteor event, and reviews of UFO-related literature and research. The cover prominently features 'GEP Statistik' with data as of May 2002, detailing the classification of UFO cases.

GEP Statistics

The issue presents a statistical overview of UFO cases compiled by the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.). The data, as of May 2002, categorizes cases into IFO (430), NEAR IFO (89), PROBLEMATIC UFO (31), GOOD UFO (7), BEST UFO (0), and Ungenügende Daten (Insufficient Data) (68). The article notes that the 'GOOD UFO' classification has been rarely used since the 1990s, suggesting that experience in case processing has influenced classification over time. It also highlights Werner Walter's observation that UFO cases are highly individual and difficult to compare, making it hard to derive a singular phenomenon that triggers specific witnesses.

Meteor Event Over Southern Germany

A major feature details a spectacular meteor event that occurred on a Saturday evening in April 2002 over Southern Germany. Numerous eyewitnesses reported a blindingly bright light sphere, accompanied by explosion-like sounds and deep rumbling. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin-Adlershof confirmed the sighting as an exceptionally bright meteor, whose trajectory was reconstructed using data from the European Fireball Network. This network, in operation since the late 1950s, comprises 25 cameras across several European countries. The station in Streitheim near Augsburg captured the meteor's path, showing it intersecting star paths at a large angle. The meteor's entry speed was approximately 20.9 kilometers per second (about 75,000 km/h), and its visible trail began at an altitude of about 86 kilometers, ending about 16 kilometers above the ground. The DLR suggested that residual mass, possibly stone or iron, might have reached the ground as meteorites. The meteor was noted for its extreme luminosity, indicating a significant mass, estimated at around 500 kilograms.

The media response to the event is also discussed. Initial reports on Sunday were often confused, showing images of auroras, space station crashes, or meteor showers, none of which related to the actual event. Disinformation peaked with reports of found meteorite fragments, which were quickly debunked. The article criticizes the sensationalist reporting of some tabloids while acknowledging the more factual coverage in serious newspapers. The event was described as a 'UFO Alarm' in Bavaria, with thousands of people calling the police.

Research on Element 115 and UFO Technology

Sascha Schomacker's article discusses the retraction of research findings by physicist Viktor Ninov, who claimed to have discovered superheavy elements, including Element 118. German physicists at the GSI in Darmstadt were unable to replicate Ninov's results, suggesting his interpretation of radioactivity was flawed. This research retraction is linked to UFO research, specifically the claims made by Robert Lazar. Lazar alleged that extraterrestrials rely on 'Element 115', a surprisingly stable element with high energy potential, which can be used to warp space-time for interstellar travel. The GSI findings cast doubt on Lazar's claims, indicating that Element 115 is not as stable as purported.

Book Reviews and Literature

The issue features several book reviews:

• "UFOs and the National Security State" by Richard M. Dolan: This comprehensive analysis of the UFO phenomenon in the USA from 1941 to 1973 is praised for its factual and well-researched approach. Dolan examines UFO sightings during WWII, 'Foo-Fighters', 'Ghost Rockets', and major UFO waves, linking them to intelligence activities. He emphasizes the physical reality of UFOs and suggests they are either terrestrial or extraterrestrial in origin, but leans towards the latter, though he admits a lack of concrete proof for alien visitation.

• "Geheimnisvolle Grauzone" (Mysterious Grey Zone) by Christian Brachthäuser: This critical analysis of the abduction phenomenon explores whether it is an illusion or reality. Brachthäuser examines famous abduction cases, discusses different types of aliens, and explores the connection between abduction accounts and ancient folklore. He also touches upon the psychological aspects and the color 'grey' associated with aliens, noting its connection to boredom and nature spirits. The book is recommended for its comprehensive approach and detailed sources.

• "Der Flugscheiben-Mythos" (The Flying Saucer Myth) by Leonhard Eckardt & Heiner Gehring: This book investigates the technical and historical aspects of flying saucer myths, particularly those associated with Nazi Germany. The authors explore claims of advanced German aircraft technology, including the 'Haunebu' flying saucers, but find a lack of credible evidence for such advanced capabilities or extraterrestrial connections. They suggest that claims of 'double space flight' since 1945 might be related to terraforming efforts for Mars, with UFO sightings potentially used to cover up secret flight tests.

• "UFOs and the National Security State" by Richard M. Dolan (re-review): A further mention of Dolan's book highlights its detailed analysis of the UFO phenomenon and its connection to national security. The review notes Dolan's conclusion that UFOs are not terrestrial secret projects and favors the extraterrestrial hypothesis, despite the lack of definitive proof.

• "Kosmos Planetarium Bessel 4.0" software: Reviewed by Antonius Schrode, this planetarium software is deemed a useful tool for reconstructing astronomical situations related to UFO sightings, though it is considered basic compared to other amateur astronomy programs. It offers features like a coordinate crosshair and long-term animation but lacks planet data and a direct uninstall routine.

• "G DATA Power Route 5 Europa" software: This route planner is reviewed as a professional tool for European route planning, offering detailed maps of 42 European countries, including topographical information and points of interest.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on used UFO literature, offering rare items. A GEP CD-ROM 2 (PDF version) is advertised, containing various UFO research materials. A new publication, "UFO: Anatomie eines Phänomens" by Dennis Kirstein, is announced as a significant work on the UFO phenomenon. Information on GEP special issues and an INFO-Paket is also provided, along with details on subscribing to the journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on UFO research, statistical analysis of sightings, and critical examination of claims. There is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and evidence-based analysis, as seen in the critiques of Ninov's research and the skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims about 'Element 115' and Nazi flying saucers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed research and providing a platform for diverse perspectives within the UFO community, while maintaining a critical distance from sensationalism and unsubstantiated theories. The journal also actively promotes UFO literature and research resources to its readership.