JUFOF - Issue 161 - 2005 05

Magazine Overview

Title: JUFOF JOURNAL FÜR UFO FORSCHUNG
Issue: Heft 161, 5/2005 (September/October)
Volume: Jahrgang 26
Publisher: GEP e.V. (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: € 3,50

This issue of JUFOF, the journal of the German UFO research society GEP, focuses on UFO observations and case studies from the period of 2003-2005, with a special emphasis on the 50th anniversary of the Kelly-Hopkinsville incident.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The "Impressum" section details the GEP e.V. as the publisher, founded in 1972, and lists Hans-Werner Peiniger and Mirko Mojsilovic as responsible for the editorial content. The journal is published every two months on a non-commercial basis. The GEP defines a UFO as an object or light observed in the sky or on land whose appearance, trajectory, and behavior do not suggest a logical, conventional explanation, remaining unidentifiable even after thorough examination. The GEP itself is described as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research, utilizing questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary approaches, supported by authorities and scientific institutions.

Membership in the GEP includes a subscription to JUFOF, the GEP-insider newsletter, and other benefits, with a current annual fee of € 35.00.

Editor's Letter

In the "Liebe Leser Innen!" (Dear Readers!) section, Tino Günter reflects on the year 2005, noting a steady stream of UFO reports despite a lack of sensational news. He acknowledges that many cases remain unprocessed due to time constraints, emphasizing the voluntary and often time-consuming nature of UFO investigation. The editorial stresses the importance of thorough case investigation, including sending out questionnaires and engaging with witnesses personally, rather than offering quick, dismissive explanations. The editor also highlights the GEP's participation in the "Cröffelbacher UFO-Forum" and the "1. European UFO-Tagung" in Chalons en Champagne, with Mirko Mojsilovic providing reports on these events.

Table of Contents

• The issue features several articles, including:
• UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Observations): Reports from Hans-Werner Peiniger with specific dates and locations (Wölfersheim, Corsica, Sozopol, Darstein, Tauberbischofsheim, Lörrach).
• 50 Jahre Kelly-Hopkinsville: A detailed report by Danny Ammon on the famous 1955 case.
• Eine große Scheibe am Himmel (A Large Disc in the Sky): An article by Ulrich Magin.
• Cröffelbacher UFO-Forum: A report by Mirko Mojsilovic.
• Chalons en Champagne – European UFO Congress 2005: A report by Mirko Mojsilovic.
• Außerirdischer Besucher in Thailand? (Extraterrestrial Visitor in Thailand?): An article by Axel Ertelt.
• Literatur (Literature): A section on planets and moons.
• Leserbrief (Letter to the Editor): A reader's contribution.

UFO Observations and Case Documentations

Several UFO sightings are documented and analyzed:

• "Merkwürdiger Fleck" bei Wölfersheim (Strange Spot near Wölfersheim): (17.08.2005) A photograph taken by a witness while joking with friends about a previous sighting of 'E.T. in a wheelchair'. The object was discovered upon later review of the photos. The investigation was closed, classifying it as DD/IFO/V2 (possible bird or insect).

• UFO über Korsika (UFO over Corsica): (14.08.2005) A photograph taken from a mountain near Ajaccio, Corsica, captured a blurry object. The witness did not see the object at the time of shooting. Possible explanations include condensation clouds, dust on the camera sensor, or a bird/insect. The investigation was closed, classifying it as DD/IFO/V2 (possible insect).

• "Es sah aus wie ein Stern" (It looked like a star): (19.09.2003) Witnesses in Lörrach described a bright object in the sky that appeared larger than a star, with changing red, green, and yellow lights, which then 'burned out' and disappeared. Two airplanes were seen later. The investigation was closed, classifying it as NL/IFO/V2 (possible aircraft).

• 20 Lichtkreise bei Tauberbischofsheim (20 Light Circles near Tauberbischofsheim): (16.10.2004) A witness reported seeing approximately 20 light circles rotating around a center. Due to the witness's reluctance to fill out a questionnaire, the case was classified as NL/IFO/V2, likely a reflection from a light effect device, possibly on the A81 highway.

• Gleißendes Licht über Darstein (Blinding Light over Darstein): (18.10.2004) A witness reported a blindingly bright, football-sized green object flying east over Darstein for a few seconds. The witness described it as a 'fireball,' leading to its classification as NL/IFO/V2 (meteor phenomenon).

• UFO am Strand von Sozopol fotografiert (UFO photographed on Sozopol Beach): (12.08.2005) A photograph taken in Sozopol, Bulgaria, revealed a long, dark object upon later examination. The witness interpreted some details as engines. The investigation concluded that it was likely a bird or insect, with the blurry nature common in modern digital photography. The classification is DD/IFO/V2 (possible bird/insect).

50 Jahre Kelly-Hopkinsville

Berichte, Ermittlungen, Ergebnisse (Reports, Investigations, Results) by Danny Ammon:

This extensive article revisits the famous 1955 UFO encounter in Kelly, Kentucky, USA. It details the testimonies of the Sutton family and Billy Ray Taylor, who reported seeing a strange, glowing object and subsequently encountered small, silvery beings with large heads and fiery eyes. The article covers the initial sighting of a 'flying saucer,' the appearance of the creatures, and the farm residents' defensive actions, including firing shots at one of the beings. It also touches upon the efforts of UFO researchers, from American to German investigators, to reconstruct the events and draw conclusions about this significant case in UFO history. The article includes a map of the sighting area and artistic interpretations of the beings and the craft.

Other Articles

• Eine große Scheibe am Himmel (A Large Disc in the Sky): by Ulrich Magin. (Content not detailed in the provided scan).
• Cröffelbacher UFO-Forum: by Mirko Mojsilovic. This likely covers the UFO-Phänomen-Forscher-Tagung in Cröffelbach.
• Chalons en Champagne – European UFO Congress 2005: by Mirko Mojsilovic. This report details the proceedings of the European UFO Congress.
• Außerirdischer Besucher in Thailand? (Extraterrestrial Visitor in Thailand?): by Axel Ertelt. (Content not detailed in the provided scan).
• Literatur (Literature): A brief mention of books on planets and moons.
• Leserbrief (Letter to the Editor): A reader's contribution is mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed analysis of UFO sightings, the importance of thorough investigation, and the historical significance of UFO cases like Kelly-Hopkinsville. The GEP's editorial stance is clearly scientific and methodical, emphasizing evidence-based research and cautious interpretation of phenomena. The journal aims to document and analyze UFO reports, providing a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share information and findings. The emphasis on voluntary work and the detailed case reports highlight the dedication of the GEP members to understanding the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 5/2005 (Issue 161), focuses heavily on the 1955 Kelly-Hopkinsville, Kentucky, UFO incident. The cover features an image of an owl in flight, hinting at the primary explanation explored within the magazine.

The Kelly-Hopkinsville Incident (1955)

The central narrative details the events of August 21-22, 1955, in Kelly, Kentucky. Witnesses, primarily the Sutton family and their relatives, reported seeing multiple small, glowing humanoid creatures around their farmhouse. These beings were described as having unusual gaits, with legs that seemed to barely move, and a "floating" ability. Their skin glowed in the dark, intensifying when shot at. The witnesses fired at the creatures, but their bullets seemed to have little effect, with the beings either disappearing or recovering quickly.

Initially, the witnesses sought help from the local police, who, along with private investigators, military personnel, and media, descended upon the farm. Despite the large number of people present, no physical evidence such as footprints or the creatures themselves was found. The media, particularly the "Kentucky New Era," published articles, and the event attracted public attention, leading to the establishment of hot-dog stands and souvenir shops around the farm.

Investigations and Explanations

The article meticulously details the various investigations and proposed explanations for the Kelly-Hopkinsville case.

Early Investigations and Media Coverage

Following the initial sightings, the event garnered significant media attention. The STAR newspaper in Indianapolis reported on August 23, 1955, under the headline "'Little Green Men From Spaceship' Give Family In Kentucky Night Of Terror," detailing the family's ordeal. The article notes that the media's portrayal contributed to the popular image of "little green men."

Official and Private Inquiries

Major John E. Albert of the US Military investigated the case in 1957, concluding that the witnesses might have seen an escaped circus monkey in a silvery costume. He suggested Mrs. Lankford was particularly influential in the misinterpretation, possibly due to a religious meeting and a radio program about aliens.

J. Allen Hynek, a prominent UFO researcher, corresponded with two lead investigators, Bud Ledwith and Isabel Davis. Hynek found the reports remarkable and considered the beings a "prototype" from various cultural legends. He cautioned against concluding they were mere hallucinations but also refrained from confirming their reality, advocating for more in-depth study.

Ted Bloecher and Isabel Davis, members of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), published a comprehensive documentation in 1978, which is considered a primary source. Davis speculated that the sightings of flying objects might be unrelated to the humanoid sightings and could be meteors.

Project Blue Book

In 1957, the Air Force's Project Blue Book became interested in the case, noting the lack of official reporting. However, no further investigations were conducted, and the case was not officially included in their statistics, possibly because it involved entities described as humanoids.

Renaud Leclet's Owl Hypothesis

The most detailed and extensively argued explanation in the article comes from Renaud Leclet, a French UFO researcher. He proposed that the "humanoids" were actually misidentified American Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus). Leclet's hypothesis is supported by a detailed comparison of the owl's physical characteristics and behavior with the witnesses' descriptions.

• Appearance: The owl's silhouette, particularly when landing with wings raised, matches the description of the creatures. The "feather tufts" of the owl's ears correspond to the "large, pointed ears" described by the witnesses. The fiery yellow eyes of the owl are comparable to the glowing eyes of the creatures, and the owl's body shape fits the description of the beings.
• Behavior: Owls are nocturnal hunters, active at dawn and dusk, aligning with the timing of the sightings. Their presence in wooded areas, on fences, and on rooftops is consistent with the creatures' reported locations. The "floating" or hovering behavior can be explained by the owl's silent flight.
• Glow: Leclet suggests two possible explanations for the glowing effect: phosphorescence from fungi on trees that owls might inhabit, or simple light reflection from the owl's eyes, particularly its reflective iris. He notes that reports of glowing owls existed even in the early 20th century.
• Sound: The metallic sound reported when bullets hit the creatures could have been the result of hitting a metal object nearby, with the birds recovering and flying away.
• Motivation: Leclet posits that the owls' persistent presence and defensive behavior could be attributed to nesting. Owls lay eggs in March, and their young hatch in May or June, requiring protection. If the farm or its surroundings contained good hunting grounds, the owls would defend their nests vigorously, even against gunfire, to protect their young.

Leclet's research includes tabular comparisons and visual aids (images of owls) to support his hypothesis.

Other Explanations Considered and Dismissed

• Meteors/Perseids: While the initial sightings of flying objects were considered, they were dismissed as explanations for the humanoid sightings due to timing and direction discrepancies. The Perseid meteor shower was considered, but the timing of the UFO sighting did not align with the shower's peak or trajectory.
• Hallucinations: The article dismisses collective hallucinations as unlikely, especially given the witnesses' immediate and panicked reaction to contact the police.
• Hoax/Fraud: The possibility of a hoax for financial gain was explored. The Suttons did charge admission for visitors to the farm, which fueled this theory. However, the article argues against this, noting the witnesses' genuine fear and their initial approach to authorities rather than the media, which would have been a more lucrative route for a hoax.
• Escaped Circus Monkey: Major Albert's theory of an escaped circus monkey was also dismissed due to the creatures' reported abilities and behavior, which did not align with that of a monkey.

A 12th-Century Sighting: Hildegard von Bingen

The issue also includes a section on a historical sighting by Hildegard von Bingen in the 12th century near Bingen, Germany. She described a large, disc-shaped object in the sky with complex colored patterns and a radiant figure within. The article notes that Jacques Vallée cited this account as a potential precursor to UFO phenomena. While Hildegard interpreted her vision as divine, the article suggests that such historical accounts, like the Kelly-Hopkinsville case, can be subject to varied interpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical examination of UFO phenomena through rigorous investigation and the pursuit of rational explanations. The editorial stance clearly favors scientific inquiry and the debunking of sensationalism. The extensive focus on the Kelly-Hopkinsville case and the detailed presentation of Renaud Leclet's owl hypothesis underscore the magazine's commitment to providing evidence-based analyses. The article implicitly encourages readers to consider natural explanations for seemingly anomalous events, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between actual phenomena and misinterpretations or hoaxes. The inclusion of the Hildegard von Bingen account serves to place contemporary UFO sightings within a broader historical context of unusual aerial phenomena and visionary experiences.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 161 from May 2005, features a variety of articles and reports on UFO phenomena, scientific research, and historical cases. The cover story, though not explicitly detailed on the cover itself, is related to the "Cröffelbacher UFO-Forum".

Articles and Reports

Hildegard von Bingen's 'Heavenly Wheel' as a UFO?

The issue begins with an analysis of a medieval vision by Hildegard von Bingen, described as a 'heavenly wheel' with a green humanoid figure. The author argues that while this vision might appear UFO-like to a modern observer, it was intended as an allegory for religious and philosophical concepts, cautioning against interpreting medieval accounts as direct eyewitness reports of alien craft. The article references Ingrid Riedel's book "Hildegard von Bingen."

Magonia Supplement Special: Betty and Barney Hill Case

A brief note highlights a new special edition of the online magazine "Magonia Supplement," authored by Hilary Evans. This edition focuses on the well-known Betty and Barney Hill abduction case, comparing it with twelve other less-known reports. Evans suggests that the origins of the Hills' accounts, whether real experiences or dream-like, remain equally plausible, and the true cause may never be definitively determined.

8. Arbeitstagung der UFO-Phänomen-Forscher Deutschlands (8th Conference of German UFO Phenomenon Researchers)

This section details the 8th annual conference held in Cröffelbach, organized by Roland Gehardt. Approximately 50 colleagues from various UFO organizations (CENAP, DEGUFO, GEP, MUFON-CES) attended. The conference was free of charge.

#### Peter Wright (ERAC): SETI – The Idea, the Program, and the Practice

Peter Wright discussed radio astronomy and its historical context, then delved into SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). He mentioned the initial suggestions by Cocconi and Morrison in 1959, the subsequent Project OZMA (1960), and the ongoing work of Dr. Frank Drake and Carl Sagan. A highlight was the 'WOW Signal' detected by Dr. Jerry Ehmal in 1967, which is considered by many SETI researchers to be a genuine extraterrestrial signal. Wright also noted that current technology can detect signals but not decipher their content.

#### Dennis Kirstein: UFO or IFO – Alleged UFO Sightings and Their True Core

Kirstein presented UFO statistics based on GEP data, analyzing the stimuli behind cases and their classification. He then moved on to UFO photos, challenging the audience to identify them. Experienced researchers faced difficulties. The discussion covered various potential explanations for sightings, including misidentifications of aircraft (e.g., solar zeppelins, contrails, landing lights), natural phenomena (Venus, Northern Lights, sun dogs), and even deliberate fakes. The second part of his presentation focused on 'ORBs,' spherical anomalies often appearing in digital photos. He suggested that ORBs have purely technical explanations and do not require paranormal causes.

#### Harald Hoos: Crop Circles – The Biggest Hoax Since Max and Moritz

Harald Hoos presented his views on crop circles, discussing their portrayal in the media and the crop circle research community. He touched upon the history of crop circles, starting in Punch Bowl, England, in the 1980s, and their initial association with UFOs. Hoos critiqued the 'bend but not broken' myth and discussed biological explanations like phototropism. He also mentioned the BLT team's theory involving microwave radiation. Hoos stated that he himself has created crop circles and believes the phenomenon is a "huge social game." He noted that after his team created crop circles in Germany, the research community failed to identify any as 'genuine.'

#### Ingbert Jüdt: Are Myths Reportages?

Ingbert Jüdt critiqued Erich von Däniken's 'proofs' and his method of interpretation, arguing that Däniken's 'pre-astronautic' method is superficial and does not adequately address the formal aspects of myths. Jüdt acknowledged that his presentation was dense with technical terms but emphasized the substantial quality of the content.

#### Oskar Böß: The Case of Mrs. K.

Oskar Böß recounted his path into ufology, stemming from a fascination with science fiction. He presented the case of a woman, Mrs. K., who reported experiences of abduction and contact with extraterrestrials, including 'Grays' and 'light beings.' Böß noted that her narrative was consistent with known abduction reports and that she had developed a positive outlook on her experiences over time.

#### Norbert Esser: Possibilities of Falsification in UFO Films – Analysis of the Phoenix UFO Film

Norbert Esser demonstrated techniques for analyzing digital video material, including image compression formats and video analysis methods like tracking. He showed how to create wireframe models and insert them into existing videos, concluding that a professional can manipulate footage to the point where it is undetectable.

#### Jens Lorek: Who Owns Extraterrestrials?

Jens Lorek explored the legal implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. He explained that space law does not apply to extraterrestrials and that existing legal frameworks are complex and may not adequately cover such scenarios. He raised questions about the applicability of German law, concepts of 'human,' 'nobody,' and 'everyman,' and even eligibility for social benefits like Hartz IV.

Discussion and Conclusion

The issue concludes with a discussion about the "Cröffelbacher UFO-Forum" conference, assessing its strengths and weaknesses. The organizer, Roland Gehardt, sought feedback from first-time attendees. The diverse audience, including members from various UFO organizations and even the FGK (Crop Circle Research Society), was noted, with a positive outlook on inter-group communication.

Chalons en Champagne – European UFO Congress 2005

This section reports on a large UFO congress held in France, organized by Christian Morgenthaler. The event was free for exhibitors and visitors, a significant achievement given the three years of planning and negotiations with authorities and sponsors. While successful for French-speaking UFO organizations, the participation from German-speaking countries was limited, with only two stands representing German groups. The article notes the presence of Budd Hopkins as a star speaker. The author expresses a slight disappointment that the 'European' aspect of the congress was not more pronounced, with limited representation from Scandinavian and Eastern European countries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the intersection of historical accounts, scientific inquiry, and contemporary UFO phenomena. There's a critical approach to interpreting older texts, a focus on scientific methods in SETI and UFO film analysis, and a willingness to examine controversial topics like crop circles and abduction cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging critical thinking and scientific rigor while acknowledging the complexity and often ambiguous nature of UFO-related evidence. The journal also highlights the importance of collaboration and discussion within the UFO research community.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 161 from May 2005, is published by GEP and focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring a prominent article on an alleged alien encounter in Thailand.

SPICA Conference Report

The issue begins with a report on a conference organized by the French organization SPICA. The author, while acknowledging the value of international networking and the free entry, highlights significant shortcomings. The promised support for non-French speaking visitors, including translation of the conference program, was not fulfilled. Initially planned for all languages, it was reduced to English, German, and eventually only English. In reality, no translations were provided, making it impossible for non-French speakers to fully participate. Only the presentations by Budd Hopkins and Roland Gehardt offered a partial exception, with alternating translation. The author expresses gratitude to the SPICA colleagues for their personal assistance with organizational matters, translations, and hospitality, despite their own heavy workload. The report concludes that while the conference was a valuable experience for making international contacts and broadening one's perspective on ufology, it fell short of its European aspirations and would have benefited from more attendees and representatives from German-speaking ufology.

Alien Visitor in Thailand?

The main article, authored by Axel Ertelt, details a reported sighting of a strange, small entity in a rice field near Huay Nam Rak, Thailand, on September 9, 2005. Ten eyewitnesses described a being approximately 70 cm tall with a yellowish complexion, a flat chest, a very small mouth, a disproportionately large head, large eyes, and large ears. The entity reportedly moved around the field for over an hour without reacting to the observers and then floated into the air, disappearing into a bright light. The Thai authorities initiated an investigation, but no further facts beyond the eyewitness accounts emerged. One eyewitness, Sawaeng Boonyalak, described the alien as having a yellow complexion and a small mouth, with a huge head and very large eyes and ears. She reported it floated to a treetop and then into the air when other residents arrived. Another witness, Buakaew Intaweng, corroborated these details. Wisit Sitthisombat, head of the Mae Jan District, interviewed the witnesses and confirmed that all their statements were consistent, and he obtained sketches of the alleged alien, noting that all sketches were identical. The report mentions a 'bright light' into which the entity disappeared and a fast-flying star seen the previous night, which contributed to the assumption of an extraterrestrial origin. The village headman requested a camera be installed to capture further evidence, but this did not happen.

Further research by the author uncovered interesting details that could offer a simpler explanation. On August 20, 2005, Tongmuan Pochailoet from Doi Kam found a 1-meter-tall, inflated rubber doll with a greenish-orange color caught in a tree. He used it as a scarecrow. He described it as floating during the day when it was hot. His sketch of the doll closely matched the eyewitness descriptions and sketches of the alleged alien. However, when presented to the eyewitnesses, they unanimously stated it did not resemble the being they observed. The doll was lost when it was blown away by strong winds on August 29, 2005. Sawaeng Bunratchak later reported seeing the strange being in the rice field and felt it was asking for help. There were also rumors that the alien had been captured, which was untrue. As of October 2, 2005, there was no trace of either the alleged alien or the rubber doll.

Literature Reviews

Roland Horn: Planeten und Planetenmonde in Frage und Antwort

This section reviews Roland Horn's book, which is structured into two parts. The first part uses a question-and-answer format to explain current knowledge about the planets and moons of our solar system. The second part provides a practical guide for observation and photography of celestial bodies using a telescope. The review notes that the book focuses on classical techniques and does not cover modern methods like digital photography. It also mentions that Horn only touches upon 'borderline topics' when discussing potential conditions for life on other planets and moons.

Hans-Werner Peiniger: Book Recommendation

Hans-Werner Peiniger offers a brief recommendation for astronomical books, suggesting that while there are many available, he questions the value of a new question-and-answer format. He provides details for a book by Ancient Mail Verlag, noting its ISBN, page count, and price.

Ulrich Magin: Von Ufos entführt

This review discusses Ulrich Magin's book, which explores 'unheimliche Begegnungen der vierten Art' (uncanny encounters of the fourth kind), focusing on UFO abductions. The book recounts stories of individuals who claim to have been taken aboard UFOs and subjected to medical examinations, presenting these as a form of belief in the technical age. The review notes that the book is a paperback edition originally published in 1991 and is available for a low price.

GEP Publications and Membership

Several pages are dedicated to promoting the "Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V." (GEP - Society for the Research of the UFO Phenomenon). This includes a list of GEP's special reports and brochures, which primarily contain critical analyses of the UFO phenomenon. They offer an information package containing several booklets on UFO phenomena, research, and a literature overview. The journal also advertises its subscription options, with an annual subscription costing €21.00 plus postage. A special offer is made for those who decide to become GEP members by November 30, 2005, receiving a GEP pen and a mini-meteorite as a bonus. The membership fee is €35 per year (or €24 for a reduced rate), which includes the "JUFOF" journal and the "GEP-insider" newsletter. The organization also provides assistance with literature acquisition and allows members to borrow books discussed in the journal.

Reader Letters

Helmut Poppenborg from Münster writes a letter regarding the John Tosti case, comparing it to the Betty Andreasson case and noting the typical UFO and abduction elements found in cases from the 1950s and 1960s. He expresses interest in how the CE-2-4 story presented in the JUFOF is to be evaluated, regardless of whether UFOs exist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the investigation of such phenomena. The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance, presenting eyewitness accounts and investigative findings, while also exploring potential explanations and reviewing literature on the subject. The GEP's role as a research organization is emphasized, providing resources and a platform for discussion within the ufology community. The editorial stance encourages critical thinking and a broader perspective on the UFO phenomenon, as suggested by the review of Roland Horn's book and the general content of the journal.