JUFOF - Issue 145 - 2003 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (JUFOF), number 1/2003 (Heft 145, Year 24), published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. (GEP), focuses on various aspects of UFO research. The cover prominently features an article on "Longwave Reception in UFO Research" by Harald Lutz and a report on a "One-Day-Meeting of the AAS" by Mirko Mojsilovic. The issue is priced at €3.00 and covers the Jan/Feb period.

Key Articles and Content

"Kontakte mit 'Außerirdischen' im deutschen Sprachraum" by Ulrich Magin

This section introduces a GEP special publication (Sonderheft 18) titled "Contacts with 'Extraterrestrials' in the German-Speaking Area." It is described as a comprehensive collection of German contact and humanoid reports, offering a critical analysis of the reports, witnesses, and the social context of UFO beliefs. The catalog contains over 350 entries providing a chronological overview of alleged contacts with beings from space or other dimensions. The publication covers aspects of the UFO myth, from abductions to pre-astronautics claims, and includes an extensive bibliography and indexes. The book is 160 pages, illustrated, and costs €14.00 (€11.20 for GEP members).

Editorial: "Liebe Leser Innen" by Mirko Mojsilovic

Mirko Mojsilovic, co-editor of JUFOF, reflects on the intersection of UFO research with other fringe science fields like parapsychology and pre-astronautics. He notes that while proponents of pre-astronautics often incorporate UFOlogy into their theories, their understanding of UFO phenomena can be superficial. Mojsilovic highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and suggests that UFO research should engage with pre-astronautics, particularly concerning historical sighting reports. He also observes that the UFO research community in German-speaking countries is aging, while organizations like AAS attract a younger audience, suggesting a need for UFO research to connect with a younger demographic.

UFO Sightings: Documentations - Evaluations

Case 20020913 A (Crete, Greece): A witness named Simon R. photographed a round object in the sky while on vacation. Upon closer examination of the digital photo, the object appeared to be in front of a cloud. Further analysis of the image revealed a W-like shape, leading to the conclusion that it was likely a bird flying past the lens, too small to be noticed by the photographer at the time. The investigation was closed.

Case "Unerklärbare Ereignisse" (Unexplained Events) in Rathenow, Germany: This case involves two witnesses, Stefan Sp. and Kathleen S., who reported seeing a round light, about 30-40 cm in diameter, moving across the room from one person's thigh to the other. The light appeared to come from an unknown source, possibly through a window, at an angle that would have been obstructed by their heads if it came from outside. The witnesses described the light as having a constant, straight trajectory and noted that their shadows were visible on the opposite wall. The event lasted about 5 seconds. The case is classified as having insufficient data due to the lack of a physical object being seen, only a light phenomenon.

"Längstwellenempfang in der UFO-Forschung" (Longwave Reception in UFO Research) by Harald Lutz

This extensive article explores the use of Very Low Frequency (VLF) signals in UFO research. Lutz explains that analyzing VLF signals could help understand the physical nature of UFO phenomena and clarify misidentifications. He notes that most phenomena attributed to UFOs do not emit radio waves or use standard transmission methods. The article details how VLF signals, particularly those from naval communication systems (like TACAMO), can be detected. It discusses the characteristics of VLF signals, including "Spikes" and Doppler-broadened signals, some of which, according to astrophysicist Massimo Teodorani, are of an unknown type. Lutz provides a practical guide on setting up a VLF reception system using a PC, sound card, and specialized software like "SpecPlus." He explains the necessary hardware and software configurations, including antenna setup, sampling rates, and display settings for analyzing spectrograms. The article also touches upon potential interference sources, such as electric motors and PCs, and how to distinguish them from genuine VLF signals of interest.

"Störungen" (Interference)

This section discusses various sources of interference encountered during VLF reception, including power supply units, computer monitors, electric motors, and the PC itself. It highlights the horizontal deflection frequency of televisions (15.625 kHz) as a common interference signal and notes that electrical switching in high-voltage networks can cause burst pulses between 17 kHz and 18 kHz. The article also mentions that signals from the PC itself can be identified by disconnecting the antenna.

Further Literature and GEP Information

References are provided for further reading on longwave and VLF reception. The issue also includes information about the GEP, its mission, membership benefits, and contact details. It defines a UFO in both a broad and narrow sense. A section titled "Würde die Gesellschaft von außerirdischen Aktivitäten etwas merken?" (Would Society Notice Extraterrestrial Activities?) discusses the implications of potential extraterrestrial visits, drawing parallels to how humans interact with microorganisms. The author suggests that extraterrestrials might study or experiment with humans, similar to how humans study bacteria, and that such interactions would likely have noticeable effects.

Table of Contents (Inhaltsverzeichnis) for 2002

The issue includes a table of contents for the previous year's publications (2002), listing articles by various authors on topics such as alien paradoxes, UFO abductions, Area 51, specific UFO cases (e.g., "Hammer-Kugelblitz" from Plaidt, metal drops from Schweitenkirchen), and practical field research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around rigorous scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the technical aspects of signal detection (specifically VLF), and the analysis of witness reports. The GEP's stance is that of a scientific organization dedicated to studying unexplained aerial phenomena through interdisciplinary methods. The editorial emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness towards new research areas, such as the intersection of UFOlogy with pre-astronautics, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach. There is also a clear emphasis on providing practical guidance for researchers, as seen in the detailed article on VLF signal reception.

Title: Journal für UFO-Forschung
Issue: 145 (1/2003)
Publisher: GEP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research) presents a diverse collection of articles, book reviews, and reports related to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It spans historical accounts, contemporary sightings, and critical analyses within the field.

UFO Sightings and Documented Cases

The magazine features a comprehensive list of UFO sightings documented and evaluated by Hans-Werner Peiniger, Rudolf Henke, and Roland M. Horn. These entries, dating from 1958 to 2002, include locations, dates (often with missing days or months), and brief descriptions of the phenomena observed, such as 'Luftspiegelung (Gloriole)' (atmospheric reflection or halo), 'Feuerwerkskörper/Bolide?' (fireworks/bolide?), 'Scheinwerfer' (searchlight), 'Flugzeuge' (airplanes), and 'Meteorerscheinung' (meteor phenomenon).

Specific dated sightings include:

• 1958-10-01: A-Linz, Austria - Luftspiegelung (Gloriole)?
• 1962-01-31: D-Bünde, Germany - Feuerwerkskörper/Bolide?
• 1963-10-21: RA-Trancas, Argentina - Scheinwerfer
• 1968-??-??: USA-Lakeland (Florida), USA - Luftspiegelung (Gloriole)?
• 1971-??-??: D-Berlin, Germany - ungenügende Daten
• 1976-06-22: E-Fuerteventura, Spain - Luftspiegelung (Gloriole?)
• 1978-08-23: CH-Wallis, Switzerland - Luftspiegelung (Gloriole?)
• 1984-??-??: D-Nördling, Germany - Luftspiegelung (Gloriole?)
• 1974-??-??: D-Heidelberg, Germany - Planeten/Sterne/Flugzeuge?
• 1989-06-??: RUS-Konantsevo, Russia - Luftspiegelung (Gloriole)?
• 1991-08-??: HR-Korcula (Kroatien), Croatia - ungenügende Daten
• 1992-??-??: D-Achim, Germany - Ballon?
• 1994-??-??: PL-Bydgoszcz (Bromberg), Poland - ungenügende Daten
• 1994-09-13: D-Krefeld, Germany - Flugzeuge?
• 1995-07-27: NL-Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands - Meteorerscheinung.
• 1998-07-26: BR-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Modell-Heißluftballon.
• 1998-10-18: D-Bruchmühle, Germany - Lichteffektgerät.
• 1998-12-??: D-Köln oder Umgebung, Germany - Lichteffektgerät/Modellheißluftball?
• 1999-01-05: D-Hennweiler, Germany - Planet Jupiter?
• 1999-08-11: D-Augsburg, Germany - Planet Venus?
• 2000-01-10: D-Stuttgart, Germany - Flugzeug/Reflexion?
• 2001-05-??: D-Oberraden, Germany - Reflexion.
• 2001-06-21: D-Hannover, Germany - Flugzeug/Modellheißluftballon?
• 2001-08-26: E-Fuerteventura, Spain - Lichteffektgerät.
• 2001-08-27: E-Calobra (Mallorca), Spain - Linsenspiegelung.
• 2001-10-10: D-Göppingen, Germany - Vogel.
• 2001-10-10: D-Hofheim, Germany - Flugzeug?
• 2001-11-19: D-Neunkirchen, Germany - Flugzeug.
• 2001-11-19: D-Göttelborn, Germany - Flugzeug.
• 2001-11-19: D-Friedrichsthal/Maybach, Germany - Flugzeug.
• 2001-12-04: D-Berlin-Charlottenburg, Germany - Flugzeug.
• 2002-01-17: D-Nordwalde (bei Münster), Germany - Bolide/Flugzeug?
• 2002-03-29: D-Bad Münstereifel-Effelsbg., Germany - Fotofehler.

Additionally, dated sightings from 2002 include reports from D-Süddeutschland, D-Rüthen-Kallenhardt, D-Burg-Gemünden, D-Kreuzau, D-Eltville, and D-Mudersbach, describing phenomena like meteors, helicopters, and model hot air balloons.

Conference Reports

Bericht vom One-Day-Meeting der AAS (Report from the AAS One-Day Meeting): This report details a meeting held on October 4, 2002, in Mannheim, Germany, attended by approximately 400 people. The event featured various speakers and book tables. The report highlights the presence of the DEGUFO (a UFO organization) and summarizes several presentations.

• Peter Fiebag: Critiqued a ZDF (German public television) broadcast about pyramids, focusing on the 'Gantenbrink-Schacht' and the opening of a tomb. Fiebag also discussed alleged UFO sightings in modern Egypt, interpreting them as 'Marienerscheinungen' (Marian apparitions) and linking them to UFO phenomena, particularly his 'mimicry theory'.

• Christian Brachthäuser: Presented on the 'Donnervogel' (Thunderbird) mythology in Native American cultures, exploring its connection to aerial phenomena and potential technological interpretations.

• Horst Dunkel: Discussed 'Flying Snakes' and ancient technology, focusing on Cambodian prehistory and Angkor Wat, including its construction methods and materials.

• Dr. Herrmann Burgard: Presented on 'Flying Apparatuses of the Dingir', analyzing Sumerian and Babylonian writings and the Gilgamesh epic to suggest the existence of ancient flying machines.

• Christiane Ladurner: Explored the myths of the Inuit and other North American indigenous peoples, drawing parallels between their abduction narratives and modern UFO abduction accounts.

• Peter Kaschel: Offered a critique and self-critique of the AAS, suggesting a need for more self-criticism and a willingness to abandon outdated theories.

• Wolfgang Siebenhaar: Discussed the settlement of the Americas, focusing on South America and incorporating themes of Atlantis and Nan Madol.

• Nicolaus Benzin/Dieter Vogel: Presented on the 'Gene Patent of the Elohim', discussing their research into ancient texts and the possibility of human cloning based on these findings.

• Hartwig Hausdorf: Discussed pyramids in China, referencing a pilot's aerial photographs from World War II that allegedly showed pyramid-like structures.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several books related to UFOs and related topics:

• "An Age of Wonders: Prodigies, politics and providence in England 1657-1727" by William E. Burns: Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book examines historical accounts of 'prodigies' (wonders) in England during the 17th century, analyzing how they were used for political and religious purposes and questioning the interpretation of these events as UFO sightings.

• "UFOs - Besucher aus dem Weltall" (UFOs - Visitors from Outer Space) by Michael Hesemann: Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this is a photo-documentation of alleged UFOs. The reviewer notes that while the book contains many images, some are likely fakes or misidentifications, but acknowledges its value as a compilation of UFO photography.

• "Looking for Orthon: The Story of George Adamski, the first flying saucer contactee, and how he changed the World" by Colin Bennet: Reviewed by Christian Brachthäuser, this book is described as an excellent study of George Adamski, the famous UFO contactee. The review highlights Bennet's analysis of Adamski's life, his claims of contact with extraterrestrials from Venus, and the sociological impact of his work.

• "Von Ufos entführt: Unheimliche Begegnungen der vierten Art" (Abducted by UFOs: Uncanny Encounters of the Fourth Kind) by Ulrich Magin: This book is presented as an accessible explanation of UFO abduction phenomena, discussing the truth, delusion, or faith involved and recounting stories of 'UFO abductees'.

• "Operation Sigiburg: Mysteriöse Lichterscheinungen vor 1.200 Jahren über Dortmund-Hohensyburg" by Hans-Werner Sachmann: Reviewed by Ulrich Magin, this work explores a historical event from 776 AD involving mysterious aerial phenomena during the siege of Sigiburg. Sachmann argues for an extraterrestrial intervention, a claim the reviewer finds speculative and lacking critical context.

• "Leuchtende Kugeln und Metallzwerge" (Shining Spheres and Metal Dwarves) by Thomas Ritter: This article discusses legends from South Tyrol and Trento about shining spheres and small, metal-clad beings, linking them to potential extraterrestrial encounters and ancient mining activities.

Other Sections

• GEP-Insider: A section for members of the GEP (presumably a UFO research organization), providing updates, statistics, and articles on various UFO-related topics.
• UFO-Literatur: A section listing used and rare UFO literature available for purchase.
• Galaxien & Satelliten Kalender 2003: A calendar featuring astronomical images.
• Central Reporting Office for UFO Observations: Contact information for reporting UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the documentation and analysis of UFO sightings, the exploration of ancient astronaut theories, and critical reviews of books and research within the UFO field. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, with a balance between presenting reported phenomena and offering critical perspectives on interpretation and evidence. There is a clear interest in historical accounts and their potential connection to modern UFO reports, as well as an engagement with the sociological and psychological aspects of belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial contact.