JUFOF - Issue 159 - 2005 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of JUFOF (Journal für UFO-Forschung), issue 159, dated May/June 2005, is the 26th volume and is published by GEP e.V. in Germany. The cover headline is "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Sightings), and it features articles on early UFOs and research in Cuba, alongside various reported sightings. The price is €3.50.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The "Impressum" (Imprint) section details the publisher as Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., founded in 1972. The editorial responsibility lies with Hans-Werner Peiniger and Mirko Mojsilovic. The magazine is published bi-monthly on a non-commercial basis, and author honoraria are generally not paid. Reprints are only permitted with written consent from GEP and a copy of the publication. The annual subscription price is €21.00 plus shipping costs (€7.00 domestic, €11.00 international). GEP members receive the magazine as part of their membership.

The GEP is described as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization dedicated to researching the UFO phenomenon. They define a UFO as an object or light that was unexplainable to the witness at the time of observation. Their research methods include questionnaires, field investigations, and analysis of background information, with support from authorities and scientific institutions. The GEP also publishes various specialized publications and collaborates with international organizations.

GEP members receive the JUFOF, the GEP-insider newsletter, assistance with case analysis, literature borrowing, discounts on special issues, and tax benefits for contributions. Membership costs €35 per year.

A definition of UFO (in the narrower sense) is provided: a reported perception of an object or light that defies conventional explanation and remains unidentifiable after thorough examination.

Contact information for GEP is provided, including address, phone number (available day and night), fax, email, and website. A hotline for reporting UFO sightings is also listed: (02351) 23377.

Reader's Letter

The "Liebe LeserInnen!" (Dear Readers!) section announces the upcoming release of a DVD titled "Die Welt der Ufos" (The World of UFOs), which will contain all JUFOF issues from 1980 to 2000, digitized into PDF format. Jürgen Kühn is thanked for his work in scanning and converting the issues. The final format and price of the DVD are not yet determined.

The section also promotes the upcoming international UFO Congress in Chalons en Champagne, France, from October 14-16, 2005, featuring numerous international speakers and free admission. It also reminds readers of the German UFO researchers' conference, which is also free to attend.

Table of Contents

The "Inhalt" (Contents) lists the following articles and sections:

• UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings) by Hans-Werner Peiniger, with specific dates and locations (Berlin, Klein Petershagen, Schönabrunn, Austria).
• Formen des Rätselhaften: Früh-UFOs und andere Merkwürdigkeiten (Forms of the Enigmatic: Early UFOs and Other Curiosities) by Jerome Clark.
• UFO-Forschung in Kuba (UFO Research in Cuba) by Danny Ammon.
• KURZ NOTIERT (Briefly Noted), including reviews of "Cuadernos de Ufologia Nr. 30", "Flying Saucer in Popular Culture", an update on the Blue-Book archive, and reports on unusual aerial phenomena and a "Flying Saucer House".
• Literatur + Software, with reviews of books like "Flugzeuge der Pharaonen" and "Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 2005", as well as software like RedShift 5.1 and PowerPDF.
• Leserbrief (Reader's Letter).

UFO Sightings: Documentations and Evaluations

This section details several reported UFO sightings and their evaluations by the GEP:

• Ovales „Dings“ nördlich Schönabrunn, Österreich (Oval "Thing" North of Schönabrunn, Austria): A black, oval object was observed on July 24, 2004, moving at approximately 60 km/h at an altitude of 200-300m. The witness estimated its size at 1-2m. The object's wobbly movement led to its classification as an IFO (Identified Flying Object) or V3 (unidentified, but likely conventional).

• Helles Objekt verursachte „Gänsehaut“ und „Tränen in den Augen“ (Bright Object Caused "Goosebumps" and "Tears in the Eyes"): On July 17, 2003, in Berlin, a witness reported seeing a bright, circular object that moved very fast and disappeared. The experience was emotionally impactful. The object was classified as NL/IFO/V2, possibly a fire ball/meteor.

• Helle Lichterscheinung auf Foto entdeckt (Bright Light Phenomenon Discovered on Photo): A photograph taken on October 10, 2004, in Klein Petershagen, revealed two light phenomena. One was identified as a lens reflection, while the other, a brighter object, was also considered likely to be a camera artifact due to its size relative to the sun.

• UFO mit Foto-Handy fotografiert? (UFO Photographed with Photo-Handy?): A photo taken on February 27, 2005, in Berlin (Spandau) showed a UFO-shaped object. This was determined to be a "blooming" effect, a common artifact in digital cameras and camera phones when photographing bright light sources like the sun.

• Rote Feuerbälle am Himmel über Berlin (Red Fireballs in the Sky over Berlin): On December 25, 2004, multiple witnesses in Berlin observed three red "fireballs" in the sky. A photograph captured a red-orange streak from one object. These were identified as model hot air balloons, with the photographic effect attributed to a long exposure of a moving object.

Each case includes details like date, time, location, witness(es), classification (e.g., DD for documented, IFO for identified, V2/V3 for unidentified), identification, investigation status, and contact information.

Forms of the Enigmatic: Early UFOs and Other Curiosities

This article by Jerome Clark, editor of the International UFO Reporter (IUR), discusses his research into historical UFO reports from before 1900. He notes that many elements of modern UFO sightings, such as strange lights, "airships," peculiar beings, and even "Men in Black," were already being reported in the press during that era. Clark emphasizes the vast amount of "Fortean" material that remains undiscovered and the challenges faced by researchers. He explains that his work is a preparation for a more thorough analysis of the available data, and he anticipates that future research will expand upon and revise these early observations. He highlights that many early accounts are simply stories from old newspapers that have not been thoroughly investigated. Some reports describe phenomena that are credible and appear to be natural, such as ball lightning and spectacular auroras.

UFO Research in Cuba

This section is mentioned in the table of contents but no content is provided in the scanned pages.

Briefly Noted (KURZ NOTIERT)

This section includes short summaries or reviews of various UFO-related materials:

• Cuadernos de Ufologia Nr. 30: A publication.
• Flying Saucer in Popular Culture: A topic discussed.
• Update beim Blue-Book-Archiv: An update on the Blue Book archive.
• Abdeckfolie sorgte erneut für UFO-Alarm (Cover foil caused UFO alarm again): A brief report.
• Außerirdische nahmen Telefonanlage und Computer in Besitz (Aliens took over telephone system and computer): A report.
• Flying Saucer-Haus: A topic discussed.

Literature + Software

This section reviews several publications and software:

• Fiebag, Eenboom, Beltin: Flugzeuge der Pharaonen (Airplanes of the Pharaohs): A book review.
• Reuss: Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 2005 (Yearbook of Aviation and Spaceflight 2005): A book review.
• Journal of UFO Studies, Vol. 8: A journal review.
• RedShift 5.1 - CD-ROM: Software review.
• PowerPDF – CD-ROM: Software review.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of JUFOF are UFO sightings, the investigation and classification of these phenomena (often concluding them as IFOs or camera artifacts), and the historical context of UFO reports. The GEP's stance is scientific and analytical, aiming to provide rational explanations for sightings while acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases. The magazine also promotes UFO research through its publications, conferences, and the development of resources like the "Die Welt der Ufos" DVD. The editorial tone is informative and research-oriented, encouraging reader participation and the submission of reports.

This issue of 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG', dated 3/2005 (Issue 159), delves into historical accounts of anomalous aerial phenomena, particularly focusing on what it terms 'Früh-UFO (Proto-UFO)' or early UFO sightings and airship phenomena from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The magazine aims to present meticulously reported cases, distinguishing them from sensationalized or fantastical accounts.

Categorization of Reports

The articles begin by categorizing historical reports into several groups: those that are clearly misidentified natural phenomena (like meteorites), those that appear to be honest but fantastic accounts, those of unknown origin, and finally, those that are considered well-documented or at least reasonably substantiated.

The issue emphasizes that while modern UFOs are a distinct topic, historical accounts of anomalous lights and aerial phenomena are taken seriously due to the generally accurate observations of nature by people in the 19th century, who experienced a night sky not obscured by urban electric light.

Anomalous Lights in Historical Context

Several historical reports of 'anomalous lights' are presented, often described as distinct from natural atmospheric occurrences due to their appearance, behavior, duration, or other factors. These reports are examined for their potential to be precursors to modern UFO sightings.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1854

A report from the Adams Sentinel describes a bright, fiery glowing light in the zenith, appearing like glowing coals, three feet long and one foot wide, of a purplish hue. It remained stationary for twenty minutes to half an hour before fading.

Newark, Ohio, June 30, 1895

A phenomenon is described where a strange cloud or substance emerged from a larger cloud, moving diagonally towards the earth. It landed near a barn, setting it ablaze, and then disappeared.

Georgia, September 30, 1880

The Marion Daily Star reported a meteor of extraordinary luminosity seen at low altitude. It was composed of three perfectly developed balls of equal size, leaving a luminous tail and moving in a horizontal line.

Connecticut, January 25, 1855

An account from the New York Daily Times describes a bright red fireball, about eight degrees below Ursa Minor, moving horizontally east for about fifteen seconds before disappearing without explosion or flash.

The Airship Phenomenon

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the 'airship' wave that occurred around the turn of the 20th century. These were often described as cigar-shaped or balloon-like craft, sometimes with powerful lights.

New Orleans, April 21, 1897

A report from the New Orleans Picayune details the sighting of a mysterious airship, described as cigar-shaped with a conical or cigar-like lower part, moving with a powerful searchlight.

California Airship Wave (November 1896 onwards)

The airship wave began in Central California in November 1896 and spread eastward. Reports mentioned some airships having crews that spoke German, and some witnesses thought they heard the crews singing in chorus.

Davisville, California, December 7, 1893

A conductor reported seeing two bright lights on the right side of the tracks, traveling parallel to his train at a higher speed. One light was as large as a train's headlight.

Arbuckle, California - The 'Nonesuch' Airship

The issue details the story of inventor H. Lytle and his 'air-cycle' or 'air-wheel' invention, the 'Nonesuch'. Lytle had shared his plans with E. W. Brown, and together they built the machine. The airship was described as an aluminum tube, twelve feet long, with a steel frame, seats, handlebars, and pedals that moved a propeller and wings. It utilized a special gas for lift, used at an altitude of 25 miles. Lytle reported seeing his stolen invention, the 'Nonesuch', flying southwest of Arbuckle. The craft was described as having a cigar-like shape and a powerful lift. Later, Brown and Lytle reportedly flew the 'Nonesuch' for extended periods, achieving high speeds. However, upon returning, they found two tramps had taken their airship, which then disappeared.

Stephenville, Texas (April 17, 1897)

Farmer C. L. Mcllhany reported an encounter with the crew of a landed airship, who identified themselves as S. E. Tilman and A. E. Dolbear, claiming to be experimenting with an airship financed by anonymous New York investors.

Natchitoches, Louisiana, April 20, 1897

A report describes a massive airship, described as balloon-shaped with a conical or cigar-like lower part, appearing as a faint spark that grew brighter. It moved with a unique, bird-like motion and was illuminated by a light that diminished as it approached the city.

Woodland, California, November 24, 1893

A report in the Woodland Daily Democrat, while denying the existence of mysterious airships, conceded that the upper atmosphere contained 'mysterious lights' based on credible witness accounts.

Other Historical Accounts

Tennessee - Walter Stephenson's Account

Walter Stephenson reported seeing a large, dragon-like object in the sky that transformed into a giant balloon. Music emanated from the balloon as it landed near a spring. Several individuals emerged, clad in a substance that shone in the sun. They performed a ritual before re-entering the craft and departing.

Phoenix, Arizona, August 18, 1893

This account, while not explicitly an UFO sighting, is presented as a CE3 (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) due to its unusual nature. A witness saw a coffin-shaped object with a cross, and figures within, including a man with a sword and a woman in regal attire, followed by a military leader. Blood was observed flowing from the coffin.

Monroe, Michigan (Before December 1907)

A witness reported seeing two female figures in white standing in a church doorway. They were described as distinct, luminous, and uncanny, with visible limbs but no heads, resembling mannequins. The witness felt an unnatural sense of time distortion during the encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the importance of detailed, credible witness testimony, distinguishing between sensationalism and genuine reports of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into historical anomalies, particularly those that predate modern UFO terminology. The recurring theme is the exploration of 'mysterious lights' and 'airships' as potential precursors or related phenomena to modern UFOs, emphasizing that these historical accounts, despite their age, offer valuable insights into unexplained aerial observations.

The magazine also touches upon the difficulty of categorizing 'CE3' reports (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) and notes that reports of 'beings' are often more common than direct UFO sightings, though many are dismissed as traditional ghost stories. The issue concludes by suggesting that the 'airship' phenomenon continued into the early 20th century and beyond.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 159 from 3/2005, delves into a variety of topics related to unexplained phenomena, historical sightings, and the cultural impact of UFOs. The magazine features articles on historical ghost and poltergeist cases, early UFO phenomena, and the influence of media and political contexts on the perception and reporting of these events.

Historical Cases and Phenomena

The issue opens with a discussion of phenomena that resemble ghost stories and poltergeists, noting that some manifestations are less dramatic than their fictional counterparts. A detailed account is given of a Civil War-era incident in southwestern Iowa, described as a fascinating report of a poltergeist case where the attacker was invisible. This phenomenon is linked to reports of rock-throwing poltergeists but is characterized by the unseen nature of the aggressor.

Another historical case is recounted from 1692 in Cape Ann, Massachusetts, where residents were harassed by unseen entities through object-throwing and other disturbances. These attackers were referred to as 'Copperheads' or 'Peace Democrats,' who opposed the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

The report from Iowa, found in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye from October 31, 1863, details nightly visitations at the home of Mr. William Spaulding. These events involved objects like corncobs and sticks raining down, and unseen entities with heavy footsteps. Several men attempted to confront the phenomenon but were unsuccessful, with one witness describing a tall, thin figure in black clothing with a veil.

Further accounts include a 'man in black' sighting near Ost-Moorestown, New Jersey, and a phenomenon described as 'spring-footed Jack,' which has been theorized as an early UFO-like entity or a folkloric tale.

UFOs in Cuba and Media Influence

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the topic of UFO research in Cuba, a country often isolated due to its geography and political system. The article, by Danny Ammon, notes the scarcity of information on ufology from Cuba. It explains that while the topic was introduced through American media in the 1950s, the post-revolution era saw a shift towards Marxist-Leninist ideology, with foreign literature being banned and replaced by Soviet-bloc publications.

Despite this, science-fiction author Oscar Hurtado championed the existence of UFOs in the 1960s, though without providing his own research. The article highlights that in 1973, 'Bohemia' magazine published a two-part article on UFO research, presenting two sides of the scientific debate and mentioning the CIA's role in a disinformation campaign. The use of UFOs for political purposes is emphasized, particularly in associating them with the 'enemy' (USA) to bolster the Cuban government's image.

The article notes that the opening of Cuba to international tourism in 1999 led to a greater influx of materials, but pro-ufological publications still outnumbered critical ones. The general suppression of pseudoscientific articles and the utilization of the UFO topic for political ends are identified as key aspects of the Cuban experience.

Ancient Technology and Archaeological Interpretations

The magazine also explores theories related to ancient technology, particularly in the context of pre-astronautics. An article discusses the 'Goldflieger aus Südamerika' (Gold Flyers from South America) and the 'ägyptische Segelflugzeug' (Egyptian glider), suggesting these artifacts might represent actual flying devices rather than mere artistic representations of birds or insects, as claimed by conventional archaeology.

The book "Flugzeuge der Pharaonen" (Airplanes of the Pharaohs) by Peter Fiebag, Algund Eenboom, and Peter Belting is reviewed. The authors are credited with investigating ancient flight reports and representations, including the 'Batterien von Bagdad' (Batteries of Baghdad). The review acknowledges that while some aspects are speculative, the authors have independently verified many of their findings, challenging the skepticism of mainstream archaeology.

Other Noteworthy Items

Other sections include a brief mention of a 'Flying Saucer House' in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a review of the magazine "Cuadernos de Ufología," which features articles on UFOs in the Spanish-speaking world, including Spain and Mexico. The issue also provides updates on online resources like the Blue-Book archive and a new website dedicated to 'Flying Saucers in Popular Culture.'

A brief report on a UFO sighting near Ravensburg, Germany, caused by a large piece of plastic sheeting, serves as a reminder of how mundane objects can be mistaken for anomalous phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical persistence of unexplained phenomena, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the intersection of ufology with politics and archaeology. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical yet open-minded approach, acknowledging the complexities and ambiguities of the subject matter while encouraging further investigation. The magazine seems to advocate for a more thorough examination of historical accounts and artifacts, challenging conventional explanations where evidence suggests otherwise. There is a clear interest in presenting diverse perspectives, from eyewitness accounts of ghostly encounters to the political exploitation of UFO narratives and the re-evaluation of ancient artifacts.

This issue of the German magazine 'JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG' (Issue 159, dated 3/2005) is published by Kopp-Verlag and focuses on UFO research and related topics, including aerospace.

Featured Articles and Reviews

Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 2005

The issue highlights the 'Jahrbuch der Luft- und Raumfahrt 2005' (Yearbook of Aviation and Spaceflight 2005), edited by Tilman Reuss and published by Kopp-Verlag. This yearbook is described as a comprehensive and updated source of information on German aerospace, providing addresses of relevant authorities, organizations, military bodies, scientific institutions, and aviation businesses. Its clear structure and indices are noted as being particularly useful for UFO researchers in their investigative work.

Journal of UFO Studies, New Series, Vol. 8 (2003)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reviewing the 'Journal of UFO Studies', published by The J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies in Chicago. The review emphasizes that despite its modest cover, the journal contains a series of interesting and academically rigorous articles on UFO research, contributing significantly to the discussion. The current volume (Vol. 8, 2003) includes several notable contributions:

• Phyllis A. Budinger: New Analysis of Soil Samples from the Delphos UFO Case: This article revisits the well-known Delphos case from November 2, 1971, where a 16-year-old named Ron Johnson reported a mushroom-shaped craft hovering about 20 meters above the ground, leaving behind a ring of white powder that glowed in the dark. The article discusses ongoing investigations and analyses of soil samples from the site.
• Richard F. Haines: Analysis of Photograph of a High-Speed Ball of Light: Haines's contribution details the analysis of a photograph of an Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomenon (UAP) taken by a sports plane, which was intended to capture a glider.
• Keith Basterfield: The Implant Motif in UFO Abduction Literature: Basterfield's work examines 84 cases from English-language literature where implants are linked to the abduction phenomenon. He analyzes these reports, looking for commonalities and the evolution of these accounts since 1979.
• Thomas E. Bullard: False Memories and UFO Abductions: This article discusses the 'False Memories-Syndrom' as a potential explanation for abduction reports, suggesting that 'false memories' (events that did not occur) might be the cause, possibly induced by therapists during hypnosis. Bullard compares UFO abduction reports with those of satanic and sexual abuse, which are also attributed to faulty memory.

The review concludes that Volume 8 of the 'Journal of UFO Studies' contains insightful contributions to UFO research.

Software Reviews

• RedShift 5: The Virtual Planetarium: The magazine reviews RedShift 5, a virtual planetarium software. It is described as a multi-award-winning program that is user-friendly and comprehensive, offering features for amateur astronomers and UFO investigators. The review notes its compatibility with Windows XP and highlights new features in version 5.1, such as an improved sky calendar and animated sequences explaining the universe's formation.
• PowerPDF 2005 professional: This section reviews G DATA Software's PowerPDF 2005 professional, a PDF creation and editing tool. It is presented as a practical solution for creating, combining, and securing PDF documents, suitable for both businesses and home offices. The software's integration with MS-Word for direct PDF creation is praised, although some minor issues with frame and 'Webdings' support are mentioned.

Letters to the Editor and Editorial Stance

• Letter from Werner Walter (CENAP): Walter responds to an article by Danny Ammon on the Fermi Paradox and its implications for UFO research, indicating a desire for a longer discussion.
• Response from Danny Ammon: Ammon clarifies the intention of his and another paper, stating that the goal was not to position UFO research in competition with SETI, but rather to explore how UFO research findings might influence other scientific fields, thereby strengthening UFO research's standing in recognized sciences.

GEP Publications and Information

Information is provided about publications from the 'Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.' (GEP), including special reports, brochures, and photomechanical reprints. A special 'INFO-Paket' is also offered, containing various GEP materials. The magazine also details the subscription options for the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' itself, including annual rates and conditions for GEP members.

European UFO Researchers and Enthusiasts Meeting

An announcement is made for the first European UFO Researchers and UFO Enthusiasts Meeting, taking place from October 14-16, 2005, in Chalons en Champagne, France. The event aims to compare European research, foster international connections, and provide a platform for discussion and exchange. It promises lectures, panel discussions, and exhibitions, open to both skeptics and believers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific and investigative aspects of UFO phenomena, distinguishing UFO research from the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The magazine emphasizes a critical and evidence-based approach, as seen in the reviews of academic journals and the discussion of potential psychological explanations for abduction reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous research and providing comprehensive information to its readership, bridging the gap between specialized research and public interest.