JUFOF - Issue 165 - 2006 03

Magazine Overview

Title: JUFOF JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: 165
Volume: 27
Date: Mai/Juni 3/2006
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0723-7766
Price: € 4,25

This issue of JUFOF, the journal of the German UFO research organization GEP e.V., presents a collection of UFO sighting reports and analyses, alongside discussions on the methodology and challenges within the field of UFO research. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Sightings) and highlights articles on the verification of IFOs, Roswell news, and specific cases like "Geheimnisvoller Knechtsand" and "Fehlende Zeit."

Editorial and Publisher Information

The "Impressum" (Imprint) section details the GEP e.V. as the publisher, founded in 1972 and dedicated to the scientific investigation of the UFO phenomenon. The editors are identified as Hans-Werner Peiniger and Mirko Mojsilovic. The journal is published bi-monthly. Subscription prices and contact information for the GEP are provided, along with a definition of what constitutes a UFO according to the organization. The GEP is described as a non-profit scientific association focused on researching UFO phenomena, utilizing special questionnaires, field investigations, and background information, and collaborating with authorities and scientific institutions. Membership benefits include receiving the JUFOF journal and other GEP publications.

Letters to the Editor and Editorial Stance

In his "Liebe Leser Innen!" (Dear Readers!) letter, editor Danny Ammon reflects on the summer of 2006, noting various UFO-related events and the increasing popularity of internet forums for discussing UFO sightings. However, Ammon expresses a critical view of these forums, suggesting they often lack the rigor and quality of scientific publications like JUFOF, frequently devolving into repetitive discussions and ad hominem arguments. He posits that the journal's aim is to establish a more serious and scientifically-oriented forum for UFO research online. The letter also mentions the 30th anniversary of the German UFO investigation group CENAP and the release of their 300th publication.

Featured Articles and Case Reports

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section presents several documented UFO cases, with investigations primarily conducted by Hans-Werner Peiniger.

• Foto zeigt zwei Objekte (Photo Shows Two Objects): A case from Himbergen – Almstorf, Germany (May 31, 2006), involving a photograph of two objects. The investigation concluded that the objects were likely birds, whose rapid movement and small angular size caused them to appear as blurred shapes or oval discs in the photograph.
• Violettes Objekt vor der Sonne (Violet Object in Front of the Sun): A sighting from Schrems, Austria (June 10, 2006), where a witness photographed a violet object near the setting sun. This was identified as a camera effect, specifically a colored fringe or halo caused by extreme light conditions and the camera's lens, a phenomenon previously described in JUFOF.
• Gelbliches Objekt über Fällanden (Yellowish Object over Fällanden): A case from Fällanden, Switzerland (October 29, 2005), where a witness observed a bright yellow object moving horizontally, accompanied by a brief condensation trail. The witness's virtual radar showed no aircraft at the time. The object was identified as a fireball (Feuerkugel), with its appearance and trajectory aligning with known characteristics of such phenomena, despite the witness initially describing it more like a shooting star.
• 14 bis 15 Lichter über Frankfurt (14 to 15 Lights over Frankfurt): A report from Frankfurt, Germany (January 21, 2006), where a witness observed a swarm of approximately 14-15 moving lights in the eastern sky. The witness described a leading object and the others appearing as points or star-like. The speed and altitude were estimated to be similar to satellites. The investigation suggested these were likely helium balloons, possibly with chemical lights attached, commonly used for events.

UFO-Alarm in Wiesbaden (UFO Alarm in Wiesbaden)

This short report details a mass sighting in Wiesbaden, Germany (March 2, 2006), where numerous citizens reported blinking and moving lights. Investigations by emergency services, police, and the German Weather Service failed to identify the source. The mystery was solved the next morning when it was determined that participants of a management seminar had released 50 helium balloons with attached lights, causing a widespread UFO alarm.

Zwischenbilanz: IFO-Verifikation (Intermediate Balance: IFO Verification)

By Tino Günter, this article presents an analysis of the GEP's IFO verification process, implemented since 2004. Out of 66 classified IFO cases, 21% are categorized as V1 (well-verified), primarily involving planets and satellites, or cases resolved through site visits. The majority, 70%, fall into V2 (safely identified), often identified as light effect devices or miniature hot air balloons. A small percentage, 9%, are V3 (ambiguous identification), where aircraft are frequently cited. Günter notes that the verification key, introduced in 1992, is not widely used by other UFO research groups, suggesting a general resistance to methodological advancements in the field.

Roswell-News Nr. 23

This section, authored by Uli Thieme, likely provides updates or commentary on the ongoing Roswell incident, though the specific content is not detailed in the provided pages.

Geheimnisvoller Knechtsand (Mysterious Knechtsand)

Authored by Stefan Nehring, this article presumably investigates a specific UFO or anomalous event related to the Knechtsand area, details of which are not fully available in the scanned pages.

Kurz notiert (Briefly Noted)

This section includes a brief report titled "Fehlende Zeit auf dem Flug von Las Vegas nach Dallas-Fort Worth" (Missing Time on the Flight from Las Vegas to Dallas-Fort Worth) by Brian Vike, suggesting a case involving temporal anomalies during a flight.

Literatur (Literature)

This section lists "H. P. Lovecraft - Leben und Werk" and "Left at East Gate" as reviewed or mentioned literature, and "Starry Night PRO" under software.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the meticulous documentation and analysis of UFO sightings, with a strong emphasis on the process of identifying and verifying these phenomena (IFOs). The editorial stance, particularly evident in Danny Ammon's letter, champions a rigorous, scientific approach to UFO research, contrasting it with the often less substantiated discussions found in online forums. The GEP's commitment to methodical investigation and the use of specialized tools like the verification key underscore this stance. The journal aims to present credible, well-researched cases, while also acknowledging the limitations and challenges inherent in studying unexplained aerial phenomena. The consistent identification of many sightings as conventional objects like balloons, birds, or atmospheric effects highlights the journal's focus on debunking rather than sensationalizing.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, number 165, dated 3/2006, is primarily dedicated to investigating historical UFO cases and related phenomena, offering explanations that often lean towards conventional or overlooked causes.

Article: The Knechtsand Mystery - Solution to the Riddle?

Dr. Stefan Nehring addresses the mysterious explosions in the North Sea in 1959, which had previously been linked to bomb drops, sea accidents, or UFOs. He presents a new, previously unconsidered explanation based on research by Sascha Schomacker. The incident involved unidentified jet aircraft allegedly violating German sovereignty by dropping bombs on the Knechtsand bird sanctuary, causing the death of thousands of seabirds. Eyewitnesses included the captain of the lightship Bremen and several German marines. The immense public reaction and political pressure led to an investigation. The official conclusion was that no unidentified aircraft were present and no detonations were heard. However, eyewitnesses reported seeing a black-yellow smoke column and later white fountains with brown-yellow smoke. The article details the extensive dumping of munitions in the Elbe-Weser-Jade triangle after both World Wars, estimating at least 750,000 tons, with potential for double that amount. It highlights that the area was heavily contaminated with World War I and II munitions, and that the observed phenomena could be attributed to spontaneous detonations of this old ordnance due to corrosion, chemical decomposition, or mechanical stress. The article also mentions that the area was used for military firing exercises, including by the German Navy in 1912 and later by the British Royal Air Force for bombing practice. The author concludes that the Knechtsand riddle seems solved, attributing the events to the spontaneous detonation of dumped munitions, a phenomenon that has occurred since WWI and continues to be a taboo subject due to the high costs of recovery.

Article: Roswell News No. 23 - Three Firsthand Witnesses Dead

This section focuses on key figures involved in the Roswell incident. Walter Haut, the press spokesperson for the 509th Bomb Wing, gained fame for issuing the initial press release about the alleged recovery of a flying saucer on July 8, 1947. The article clarifies that Haut himself wrote the press release, not Commander William Blanchard, and that Haut never personally saw any debris, stating he wrote the text based on orders. He consistently maintained that the incident was exaggerated and likely involved a balloon. Zeitzeugen like Jesse A. Marcel and George Walsh claimed Haut was reprimanded by higher military authorities for the premature press release, a claim Haut denied. Haut passed away in Roswell on December 15, 2005, at the age of 83. George Walsh, a program manager at Radio KSWS in 1947, testified that he received a phone call about the flying saucer, suggesting the initial news was not a written communication as Haut claimed. Walsh's report was significant because it explained why names were misspelled in the first teletype release. Walsh, who had a long career in radio and TV, died on December 5, 2005, at the age of 88.

Article: Dr. James Bond Johnson

Dr. James Bond Johnson is mentioned for his photographs taken in 1947 of General Ramey, Chief of Staff Dubose, and Roswell debris. While it was initially believed Johnson took the famous photos of Major Jesse A. Marcel with the debris, newer analyses from 2004 suggest a different photographer. Johnson himself stated he did not see Marcel that afternoon. He later pursued a career in psychology, earning a Ph.D. in 1960, and passed away on March 25, 2006, at the age of 79.

Article: Corso Debunked Again

This section refutes the claims made by Ex-Col. Philip Corso in his book "The Day After Roswell," which suggested that technologies like the microwave oven originated from the Roswell crash. The article states that these claims have been repeatedly debunked in JUFOF. It references an article in "Fliegerrevue" about the Boeing YAL-1A ABL (Air Borne Laser) aircraft, which contradicts Corso's assertion that technological advancements, including lasers, were solely derived from alien technology. The article argues that Soviet scientists were crucial to the development of technologies like lasers, not crash-pilots from alien worlds.

Article: Missing Time on the Flight from Las Vegas to Dallas-Fort Worth

Brian Vike of the HBCC UFO Research Community reports on the experience of a young woman who seemingly lost 45 minutes during a commercial flight from Las Vegas to Dallas-Fort Worth on June 6, 2001. The passengers were not informed of any delay, and their watches indicated they arrived on time, contradicting the actual arrival time. The woman also reported other strange experiences, including round marks on her body. Vike is seeking witnesses, including passengers, ground personnel, and pilots, to come forward with any information.

Short Notes (Kurz Notiert)

UFOs over Salzburg?

Several witnesses reported seeing UFOs over Salzburg, Austria, on July 7, 2006, described as "bright, reddish lights" or "flaming points." However, an explanation was found the next day: ten rice paper balloons were released from a private party, causing a brief stir.

Hans-Ulrich Neumann Passed Away

The issue notes the passing of UFO researcher Hans-Ulrich Neumann, a member of DEGUFO e.V., at the age of 49. Neumann contributed numerous articles to DEGUFO-RUM and the DEGUFO website, and organized UFO conferences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around debunking UFO phenomena with conventional explanations, particularly focusing on historical incidents like Roswell and Knechtsand. The editorial stance appears to be critical of sensationalist UFO claims, favoring rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. There's a strong emphasis on military activities, munition disposal, and potential misinterpretations of ordinary events as UFO sightings. The magazine also highlights the importance of witness testimony while critically evaluating its reliability and context.

This issue of the German publication "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 165 from March 2006, delves into personal accounts and research related to UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the title "Teil 1: Vom Vater der Dame" (Part 1: From the Lady's Father), suggesting a focus on a specific case study.

Article 1: Vom Vater der Dame (Part 1: From the Lady's Father)

This section presents a personal account from a father regarding his daughter's experiences and those of his granddaughter. The father begins by describing his daughter, a 33-year-old highly intelligent woman with a university degree, who has no history of mental illness or drug use. She possesses a healthy interest in unexplained phenomena and questions information presented to her. Over the years, she has experienced strange occurrences, including unusual skin marks and round imprints, leading her to wonder about possible alien abductions. She also reported vivid dreams of bright lights, strange noises, and a sensation of floating, though without alien beings.

Her 10-year-old daughter, who has a condition called "Absence of the Corpus Callosum" (meaning the connection between the two brain hemispheres is missing), making speech difficult, also exhibits high intelligence. This granddaughter drew a picture of a UFO, claiming she had been "beamed aboard" and that other people were also present. This event reportedly occurred before the release of Spielberg's film "Taken" in 2002.

The father then recounts a personal "dream" from his own childhood at age 13. In this dream, he found himself outside his house after being inside a "flying saucer" of a strange, "fat blob" shape, about 9 meters in diameter. It hovered silently, emitting large, melon-sized lights and a sound like a powerful camera flash, after which he felt compelled to return to bed.

He notes that his daughter had never heard of his childhood dream before her own "missing time" experience.

Article 2: The Daughter's Report (Missing Time Incident)

The daughter's account begins by stating her general disbelief in alien abduction stories. She recounts a flight from Dallas to Las Vegas and back on June 6, 2001 (National Airline, Ticket Number: 0071045514587). Upon returning from Las Vegas, the flight arrived approximately 45 minutes later than scheduled. Curiously, none of the passengers, including herself, seemed to notice the delay or any announcement about it. The pilot only mentioned at the last minute that they would be docking at a different gate than expected. She describes the flight back as unusually quiet compared to the lively outbound journey. She recalls feeling drowsy and falling asleep, only to wake up when the pilot announced their imminent landing in Dallas. She also noted that her watch, a Seiko, was accurate, but other clocks showed a time that was 45 minutes behind.

Article 3: Further Experiences and Observations

The father adds more details about his daughter's experiences. He mentions that after the flight incident, his daughter developed strange, silver-like scars, as if from scratching, the origin of which she could not recall. He also recounts an incident where his daughter's husband disappeared for about half an hour while going to the bathroom. He was last seen with a newspaper heading to the toilet, and when he reappeared, he seemed surprised by the family's concern, claiming he had only been in the bathroom for two minutes and hadn't heard anyone calling him.

He also describes his granddaughter's drawing of a UFO, which had "bullseye-like" windows. When asked about it, she referred to it as a "balloon" and indicated that others were present, including her brother and his friend, who were all in the pool that day. She pointed to a picture of a grey hippopotamus with large eyes, suggesting the beings had large eyes and were not human.

Article 4: The Father's Own Experience and a Friend's Similar Mark

The father then shares his own experience of seeing a silver object in the sky on August 15, 2003, near Area 51. He describes it as a slow-drifting, balloon-like object that reflected sunlight. He notes that he had previously dismissed it as a Mylar balloon, but a video link sent by his father prompted him to reconsider.

He also mentions a friend who has a similar mark on her chest, which she has had since childhood and attributes to experiences with "Leprechauns." This friend also reported her daughter claiming to have seen two small UFOs.

Article 5: The Daughter's Drawing and the Mylar Balloon Incident

Following the Mylar balloon sighting, the father's daughter developed a pathological inflammation of her nasal septum. He also describes an incident where his daughter drew a picture of a UFO with "bullseye-like" windows. When asked about it, she referred to it as a "balloon" and described being inside it with others, making swimming motions with her arms, which he interpreted as a reference to being in a pool.

He then recounts his own experience of seeing a bright, focused light directly in his eyes while resting on the couch. He later discovered a mark on his left thigh, perfectly symmetrical with a central point and surrounding dots, which appeared to be blood-crusted. He compares it to the marks his daughter and granddaughter have.

Article 6: Further Accounts and Translator's Notes

The father mentions that his daughter's drawing of the UFO, which he received via a web link, showed a "Mylar balloon" with bullseye-like windows. He recalls that on the day they saw the object in the sky, they initially thought it was a balloon. He also notes that his daughter's drawing depicted others inside the "balloon" with her, including her son and his friend, who were all in the pool that day.

He then discusses his daughter's condition, her difficulty speaking, and her tendency to forget words and sentences shortly after using them. He also mentions his own experiences with bleeding during pregnancies and the possibility of miscarriages.

The translator, Oliver Renye, adds his own critical commentary. He expresses gratitude to the father and daughter for their accounts but notes the lack of independent witnesses and the subjective nature of the experiences. He points out that the dates of some events are vague and only become specific when they align with other evidence, such as the Mylar balloon incident on August 15, 2003, which coincided with a UFO video that was difficult to access. Renye concludes that the details of the sightings and alleged abductions are too "UFO-scene-like" and that he personally finds the overall story questionable.

Literature Review: Christian Brachthäuser's "H. P. Lovecraft – Leben und Werk"

This section reviews a book by Christian Brachthäuser about the life and work of the American writer H.P. Lovecraft. The review highlights Lovecraft's influence on modern science fiction and horror, his exploration of themes like ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial beings, and lost civilizations. Brachthäuser's book is described as a comprehensive study of Lovecraft's life and writings, detailing his stories and providing analytical background information. The reviewer notes that Lovecraft's work touches upon pre-astronautic hypotheses and UFO-related concepts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are personal testimonies of unexplained aerial phenomena, alleged alien abductions, and the associated physical and psychological effects. There is a strong emphasis on family experiences passed down through generations. The issue also explores the connection between these phenomena and literary works, particularly the writings of H.P. Lovecraft. The editorial stance, as indicated by the translator's notes, appears to lean towards skepticism regarding the more extraordinary claims, while still acknowledging the personal significance of these experiences for the individuals involved.

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: 165
Volume: 3/2006
Date: March 2006
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: € 6,50

The Rendlesham Forest UFO Incident: 'Left at East Gate'

The issue prominently features a review of the book "Left at East Gate" by Larry Warren and Peter Robbins, which details the Rendlesham Forest UFO incident that allegedly occurred on December 29, 1980, near the US airbase Woodbridge in Suffolk, England. According to the report, US base personnel observed a triangular object, approximately 2.50 meters wide and over 1.80 meters high, emitting a bright white light. The object reportedly had landing gear and was seen maneuvering through the forest before flying towards a farm, scaring livestock, and then disappearing at high speed. Subsequent investigations reportedly found landing gear impressions. Radar stations, including Bentwaters airbase, are said to have registered a UFO at the time.

Larry Warren, who initially used the pseudonym Art Wallace, claims to have witnessed military personnel filming the object, which he described as a tablet-like object hovering above the forest floor. He recounts being disoriented and waking up in his barracks, followed by a debriefing where he was sworn to secrecy. Under hypnosis, facilitated by Budd Hopkins, Warren claims to have recalled being taken to a complex beneath the base and seeing flying saucers in a tunnel system, even communicating with an extraterrestrial behind a glass pane.

However, the article notes that the incident is considered highly suspect by organizations like BUFORA, with inconsistencies in witness accounts and the date of the events. Some researchers suggest the incident might have been a disinformation campaign by the military to cover up the testing of a secret experimental aircraft or stealth fighter.

Review of 'Starry Night Pro' Astronomy Software

Another significant section of the journal is dedicated to a review of the 'Starry Night Pro' astronomy software by ImaginoVA. The reviewer, Hans-Werner Peiniger, praises the software for its realistic celestial displays, intuitive interface, and features useful for UFO investigators. The Pro version, in particular, is highlighted for its satellite tracking capabilities, allowing users to visualize satellite paths and identify potential misidentifications of UFOs with satellites. The software includes features like a 'SkyCalendar', an ephemeris generator, and control for various telescopes. It also offers multimedia guides and a 'spaceship mode' for exploring the universe. The reviewer mentions that while the software is comprehensive, it lacks surface maps for the Moon and Mars. System requirements for both Windows and Macintosh are provided, along with pricing and ordering information.

Other Content

The journal also includes a brief mention of Christian Brachthäuser's book "Im Reiche des Poseidon" (In the Realm of Poseidon), which explores the hypothesis of a sunken civilization in West Africa, referencing the research of Leo Frobenius. The issue also lists various publications and special editions available from GEP, including past issues of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' in digital formats (DVD-ROM, CD-ROM) and other UFO-related literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related scientific or pseudoscientific topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting accounts of alleged UFO events and investigations while also acknowledging skepticism and potential explanations such as military disinformation or misidentification of celestial objects. The inclusion of software reviews relevant to astronomical observation and UFO research indicates a practical approach to the subject matter. The journal also serves as a platform for promoting GEP's publications and membership.