JUFOF - Issue 150 - 2003 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 150, dated November/December 2003, is the 24th year of publication for this German-language magazine dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. Published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., it maintains a scientific and critical approach to the subject.

Cover Story: Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens

The main cover article, "Der Mensch als Teil des UFO-Phänomens" (The Human as Part of the UFO Phenomenon) by Craig Roberts, explores the psychological dimensions of UFO and abduction research. Roberts examines two theories: one focusing on the witness's personality, particularly 'fantasy proneness' and psychopathology, and another that links geology and psychology through brain stimulation. The article emphasizes the importance of psychological mechanisms in understanding these events and aims to reduce the scientific community's hesitation in investigating such phenomena. The magazine is presented as a 40-page, A5-sized publication costing €6.00 (or €4.80 for GEP members).

Editorial and Publisher Information

The "Journal für UFO-Forschung" is published bi-monthly and is the official organ of the GEP e.V., a non-profit scientific association founded in 1972. The editorial team includes Hans-Werner Peiniger and Mirko Mojsilovic. The magazine prides itself on its long publication history, with this issue marking the 150th installment over 24 years, a feat achieved through voluntary work. The editorial by Dieter von Reeken congratulates the team on this milestone and reflects on the journal's evolution from a small hectographed publication to a comprehensive resource.

The GEP defines a UFO (in the narrower sense) as an object or light whose appearance and behavior suggest no conventional explanation, even after thorough examination. The organization investigates UFO reports through questionnaires, field research, and background analysis, collaborating with authorities and scientific institutions. GEP members receive the journal, a newsletter, and access to a library of UFO-related literature.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section presents documented and evaluated UFO sightings:

• Blomberg, Germany (November 9, 2003): A couple observed a faint, white, elliptical light circling in the sky, appearing to be above the clouds. The light's shape and speed changed, and it seemed to move away and then closer. The witness created a computer graphic to illustrate the object's movement. The analysis by Hans-Werner Peiniger suggests it was likely the reflection from a light effect device, with atmospheric conditions making the ground-based light beams invisible.

• Dortmund-Oespel, Germany (September/October 1975): A witness reported a triangular object, described as shiny like polished chrome, hovering silently. It was followed by the witness's car for about 40 minutes. The object emitted a humming sound, and several aircraft approached it before maintaining distance. The object was estimated to be larger than an airplane and was surrounded by a rainbow effect. The witness described it as having a 'permanent' hovering position and later ascending vertically. The analysis, based on a questionnaire, suggests the object's size and behavior, along with the lack of clear data, lead to a classification of 'insufficient data'. Potential explanations include misidentification of a planet or atmospheric phenomena, though the reported sound and rapid ascent are unusual.

• Göttingen, Germany (May 2003): A photograph taken by a witness, Stephan, revealed a 'elongated shape' on his computer screen that he did not see at the time of capture. He believes it was not a bird or aircraft. The investigation is marked as 'insufficient data' due to a lack of response from the witness. The article speculates it could be an insect, a bird, or even a thrown frisbee, given the blurriness.

• Lörrach, Germany (September 19, 2003): Susanne D. (born 1985) reported seeing a stationary object in the sky that 'burned out' and disappeared after 2-3 minutes. It was described as larger than a star, with alternating red, green, and yellow light. Two airplanes later flew in the same direction. The analysis suggests it was likely an aircraft, possibly with landing lights on, which appeared stationary until it changed course. The green light and unusual duration are noted as atypical.

Historical Case: Der deutsche UFO-Absturz in Rothenfier

Sascha Schomacker discusses a reported German UFO crash in Rothenfier (now Czermnica, Poland) in 1937. The article references a British "UFO-Magazin" report from 1998, which claimed a colorful ball crashed in a field near Eva Braun's family. The area was reportedly cordoned off by SS troops. The article speculates about Nazi UFO technology, including Vril and Haunebu craft, and their potential connection to the Roswell UFO. It also mentions the possibility of the event being related to the Nazi atomic program in Hechingen. The author suggests that the case might be a misinterpretation of a fireball or a product of exaggerated speculation by UFO enthusiasts.

Unidentifizierte Himmelsphänomene im wissenschaftlichen Kontext

Christian Sommerer provides a guide based on Professor Edward U. Condon's study, "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" (1969). Sommerer critiques the common, often selective, interpretation of the Condon Report within the UFO community. He argues that the report, in its entirety, is critical of ufological claims and does not support the idea of extraterrestrial visitation. Instead, Sommerer highlights that the report contains valuable material for understanding the socio-psychological hypotheses behind UFO reports. The article outlines key sections of the Condon Report, including:

1. Vorbemerkungen (Preliminary Remarks): Discusses the Condon Report's critical stance and its potential for supporting socio-psychological explanations.
2. Wissenschaftliche Erklärungen für außergewöhnliche Himmelsphänomene: Eine Klassifizierung (Scientific Explanations for Extraordinary Celestial Phenomena: A Classification): This section, based on Section 5 of the Condon Report, details ten sub-points that help classify and explain reported phenomena. Six of these are considered particularly relevant for research:
* Wahrnehmungsprobleme (Perception Problems): Covers how the process of observing and interpreting events can lead to errors.
* Wahrnehmungs- und Berichtverhalten bei der Sichtung unerklärlicher Himmelsphänomene (Perception and Reporting Behavior in the Sighting of Unexplained Celestial Phenomena): Examines how witnesses perceive and report events.
* Psychologische Aspekte bei UFO-Berichten (Psychological Aspects of UFO Reports): Discusses the influence of individual psychology on reports.
* Optische Täuschungen (Optical Illusions): Explains how visual illusions can be mistaken for UFOs.
* Radar und UFOs (Radar and UFOs): Addresses the role and limitations of radar in UFO detection.
* Ballone (Balloons): Details how balloons can be misidentified as UFOs.

Sommerer emphasizes that many reported phenomena can be explained by natural causes, and only a small percentage (0-2%) remain truly unexplained. He stresses the importance of scientific rigor and avoiding mystification.

Discussion and Summary of Individual Points

This section elaborates on the Condon Report's findings, particularly focusing on:

• Prozess der Wahrnehmung (nach Wertheimer) (Process of Perception according to Wertheimer): Details the stages of perception, including stimulus reception, transmission, and interpretation, highlighting how distortions can occur at each step due to factors like atmospheric conditions, the observer's state, and cognitive biases. It explains how subjective factors influence the perception of shape, size, distance, and movement.

• Psychologische Aspekte bei UFO-Berichten (nach Rhine) (Psychological Aspects of UFO Reports according to Rhine): Discusses the unreliability of witness reports due to factors like misinterpretation of stimuli, psychological disorders, suggestibility, and the 'crowd effect'. It also touches upon obvious fabrications and the use of techniques like polygraphs and hypnosis in investigations, while cautioning against their limitations.

• Optische Täuschungen (nach Viezee) (Optical Illusions according to Viezee): Describes characteristics of optical illusions, such as their dependence on atmospheric conditions, horizontal orientation, and potential for distortion. It notes that accurate meteorological and astronomical data are crucial for identifying optical illusions, but are often missing in UFO reports. Factors like warm weather and clear horizons can contribute to their formation.

• UFOs und Radar (nach Blackmer): Argues that while radar is considered an objective method, it is not always more reliable than visual observation. Radar systems themselves can produce errors and anomalies. The effectiveness of radar depends heavily on the operator's training and understanding of potential interference sources.

• Ballone - Typen, Flugverhalten, Sichtbarkeit (nach Lally) (Balloons - Types, Flight Behavior, Visibility according to Lally): Details different types of balloons (Neoprene, high-pressure, polyethylene) and their characteristics. It explains how balloons, especially when illuminated or viewed under specific atmospheric conditions, can be mistaken for UFOs. The article highlights the high frequency of balloon launches, particularly in the USA, and provides examples of misidentifications.

Conclusion

The "Schlusswort" (Conclusion) by William K. Hartmann encourages a more objective and scientific approach to the Condon Report and UFO research in general. He emphasizes that the human element significantly influences UFO reports and that a scientific approach requires considering numerous factors that complicate the investigation. He points to the reliability issues of witness testimonies and the need for careful analysis, citing examples from 1964 and 1965.

Bibliographical References and Notes

The issue includes a bibliography referencing authors like Blackmer, Allen, Collis, Presnell, Hartmann, Lally, Rhine, Viezee, and Wertheimer, all contributing to the Condon Report study. It also mentions the GEP's special edition of the Condon Report, containing translated sections I (Conclusions and Recommendations) and II (Summary of the Investigation).

Kurz notiert (Briefly Noted)

This section provides short updates on various topics:

• Neues zu UAPs (News on UAPs): Mentions reports of 'wichtels and trolls' (likely referring to unexplained lights or phenomena) in the Finnish wilderness, described by Dietmar Bittrich.

• Earthquake Lights: An article from "Der Spiegel" discusses the potential use of earthquake lights for predicting earthquakes, referencing eyewitness accounts from Quebec in 1988 that described UFO-like phenomena. NASA is reportedly planning satellite-based monitoring.

• Ball Lightning: New research by John Gilman from the University of California proposes a theory for ball lightning based on highly excited atoms ('Rydberg atoms') creating a cohesive structure. However, physicist Arthur Carlson expresses skepticism, suggesting such structures would be too fragile to survive.

• Global Warning: A brief mention of a 'global warning' related to Socorro.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a scientific, critical, and evidence-based approach to UFO research. It emphasizes the importance of psychological factors, misidentification, and natural phenomena in explaining reported sightings. The GEP's stance is to investigate UFOs as unexplained phenomena without jumping to extraterrestrial conclusions, advocating for rigorous scientific methodology. The publication aims to educate readers and researchers, providing detailed analyses of cases and relevant scientific literature, such as the Condon Report, to foster a more grounded understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, number 150, dated June 2003, is a German-language publication focusing on critical analysis of UFO phenomena. It features articles debunking common UFO narratives, reporting on research conferences, and reviewing relevant literature.

Kanaren-UFOs waren US-Raketen

This article by Ulrich Magin addresses the sensational UFO sightings reported in the Canary Islands, where large luminous objects were seen emerging from the sea and flying over the islands. While skeptics have long known that these cases are linked to US submarine-launched Poseidon C-3 rocket launches, the sensational nature of the events has led them to persist in sensationalist books. The article cites original US military documents confirming that these reports corresponded to Poseidon C-3 rocket launches from various US submarines. Specific dates of these sightings are provided, including November 22, 1974; June 22 and November 19, 1976; March 24, 1977; and March 5, 1979. The authors V.J. Ballester Olmos and R. Campo Pérez are credited for their research on this topic.

Neue Theorie für Socorro

This section discusses the perplexing Socorro case, questioning previous explanations such as a hoax (proposed by Phil Klass) or a test of a lunar landing module. It critiques attempts by 'Pro-ETH' factions to calculate the UFO's weight from ground imprints, suggesting simpler explanations. A new theory, initially considered and then dismissed by Patrick Huyghe, proposes that the object could have been a manned hot air balloon. The witness Zamora's description of the object—oval, with fire underneath and loud noises during takeoff—aligns with that of a manned hot air balloon. The article notes that the symbol on the UFO resembled the logo of an early hot air balloon manufacturer. However, Huyghe's main counter-argument is that the company whose symbol was seen began operations only a few years after the Socorro incident.

Globale Warnung!

This short piece reports on a warning letter received by the GEP from Canada, purportedly from 'Santa Claus,' warning of an invasion of alien spacecraft from the Sirius B and Vega star systems. The letter claims that 4000 spacecraft will materialize on March 2, 2004, with the intent to kill all humans. The author dismisses the letter as not being from the actual Santa Claus and awaits the predicted event with skepticism.

Tagung der kritischen UFO-Forscher Cröffelbach 2003

This report by Mirko Mojsilovic details the annual conference of critical UFO researchers held in Cröffelbach, Germany, on October 4-5, 2003. The event, organized by Roland Gehardt, took place at the Hotel Goldener Ochsen and attracted 48 participants. The conference focused on critical analysis rather than sensationalism.

Vorträge (Presentations)

• Ferhat Talayhan: UFOs unter dem Halbmond (UFOs under the Crescent Moon) Talayhan explored the UFO scene in Turkey and the Islamic perspective on extraterrestrial life, concluding that Islam is open to the possibility of intelligent alien life. He also discussed the 'Djinn' phenomenon, which shares similarities with UFO abduction experiences, suggesting a potential connection. The presentation also covered key figures and funding within the Turkish UFO scene.

• Uli Thieme: Neue Erkenntnisse zum Fall Roswell (New Findings on the Roswell Case) Thieme, a recognized expert on the Roswell incident, presented the events of 1947 based on known documents and contemporary accounts. He also touched upon recent developments in the field, suggesting a potential new edition of his work.

• Christian Morgenthaler: UFOs über Frankreich (UFOs over France) Morgenthaler, along with colleagues from the new group SPICA, discussed the UFO situation in France. He previously was part of the organization SOS OVNI, which has since been dissolved. The presentation detailed the rise and fall of SOS OVNI, which experienced a boom in the mid-90s but eventually ceased operations due to declining interest and financial losses.

• Norbert Eßer: Das digitale Foto (The Digital Photo) Eßer, a professional in advertising with extensive experience in digital photography, explained the technical aspects of digital photography, including how digital photos are created and processed within cameras. He emphasized that while digital cameras produce aesthetically pleasing images, they may not always be accurate, and their suggestive nature makes them unreliable as definitive proof.

• Harald Hoos and Florian Brunner: Kornkreise - Rätsel in mythischer Landschaft (Crop Circles - Riddles in a Mythical Landscape) This presentation featured a 90-minute slide show on crop circles, covering key facts about the phenomenon. While acknowledging that most participants and authors believed crop circles to be hoaxes, the images were presented as aesthetically pleasing.

• Werner Walter's Video Evening The evening concluded with Werner Walter's video presentation, including footage from a DEGUFO conference, a UFO discussion from public access television, and a video on Michael Hesemann's 'Dialog mit dem Universum'.

Jochen Ickinger: Der UFO-Detektiv - X-Faktor UFO-Zeuge (The UFO Detective - X-Factor UFO Witness)

Ickinger's presentation focused on the theoretical aspects of witness interviews in UFO research. He stressed that the quality of witness testimony is heavily dependent on the interviewer's qualifications and skills. The presentation outlined techniques for conducting interviews, emphasizing objective listening and avoiding any influence on the witness.

Sebastian Krull: Die neuen Medien - UFOs und Aliens im Internet (New Media - UFOs and Aliens on the Internet)

Krull analyzed the structure and presentation of UFO-related websites, critiquing poor navigation, broken links, and cluttered designs. He also shared his personal experiences with online discussions, including an offer to purchase an alleged alien skull.

Hansjürgen Köhler: Giganten am Himmel (Giants in the Sky)

Köhler, a co-founder of CENAP with 30 years of UFO research experience, presented his theory that large, battleship-sized aerial phenomena are balloons. His presentation included slides that were intentionally underexposed to emphasize the elusive nature of these objects.

Edgar Wunder: A Shortened Presentation

Due to time constraints, Edgar Wunder gave a condensed version of his presentation from a previous DEGUFO conference, leading to an interesting discussion among the remaining participants.

Das Happening: Massenstart der MHB's (The Happening: Mass Launch of MHBs)

A practical demonstration involved the launch of seven Model Hot Air Balloons (MHBs). Despite chaotic preparations, the balloons were launched successfully, forming various configurations like triangles, rhombuses, and lines, providing an impressive visual experience for the attendees.

Book Reviews

• Enrique Mercado Orue: 28 Stunden an Bord eines Raumschiffes (28 Hours Aboard a Spaceship) This book recounts Orue's alleged encounters with extraterrestrials between 1965 and 1978, including nine personal contacts and two invitations aboard a spaceship. The review notes that Orue's narrative aligns with typical 'contactee' stories, reflecting the knowledge and intellectual level of the contactee.

• J. Andreas Epp: Die Realität der Flugscheiben (The Reality of Flying Saucers) This revised edition of a 1995 publication focuses on Andreas Epp, who claimed to be an inventor of secret German flying saucer technology. The book details his developments and patents, emphasizing conventional propulsion technologies rather than Vril energy or Schumann levitators. The review notes Epp's assertion that the UFO phenomenon does not exist and that sightings are attributable to former German designs or foreign advancements. The reviewer finds the book's documentation interesting but wishes for more detailed explanations of the flying saucer constructions.

• Thomas Ritter: Spuren ins Dunkel (Traces into the Dark) Ritter's book explores alleged traces of extraterrestrial intelligence on Earth, drawing from history, mythology, and pseudoscientific claims. The review categorizes the book as pseudoscientific, citing examples like the Children's Crusade and alleged flying saucers over Iraq. Ritter's theories about Atlantis, the Dogon's knowledge of Sirius, and the Cheops Pyramid are critically examined and largely dismissed as speculative and based on debunked claims.

Software Review: G DATA PowerRoute 6 professional

This review covers G DATA's PowerRoute 6 professional, a route planning software for Germany and Europe. It highlights its detailed maps, extensive features including online traffic information, and user-friendly interface. The software is recommended as a useful tool for researchers, providing location information and route planning capabilities.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

• Dennis Kirstein, Stuttgart Kirstein responds to an article about a UFO crash at Timmendorfer Strand, questioning the author's approach to verifying or refuting alleged secret documents. He suggests that official denials should not be taken as proof of non-occurrence and criticizes the author's potential bias.

• Sascha Schomacker Schomacker defends his article, stating that he merely reported the lack of evidence for the Timmendorfer Strand incident, leaving the interpretation to the reader. He refutes Kirstein's accusation of bias and emphasizes his thorough research.

• Dietmar S., Bedburdyck This letter clarifies details about a sighting on April 9, 2003. The author explains his circumstances at the time (a tax office appointment), his poor estimation of numbers and distances, and that this was his third UFO sighting. He also questions the nature of the object, which resembled a balloon but behaved unusually and disappeared.

GEP-Sonderhefte and INFO-Paket

This section lists various special publications and information packages available from the GEP, including research papers on specific UFO cases, bibliographies, and general information on UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical debunking of sensational UFO claims, the importance of rigorous research and evidence-based analysis, and the exploration of historical and contemporary UFO cases. The editorial stance is clearly critical and skeptical, favoring rational explanations and scientific scrutiny over unsubstantiated theories. The journal actively promotes a discerning approach to UFO information, as evidenced by its focus on critical conferences and detailed reviews of books and research.