JUFOF - Issue 170 - 2007 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of jufof - journal für ufo-forschung, issue number 170 from February 2007, is dedicated to UFO sightings and their investigation. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Sightings) with the subtitle "Sichtungen – Dokumentationen – Bewertungen" (Sightings – Documentations – Evaluations). The issue also highlights "Das Condign-Projekt" (The Condign Project), the second part of an investigation into the British Ministry of Defence's study, and includes sections for "Rubriken" (Sections) such as "Kurz notiert" (Briefly Noted), "Literatur" (Literature), and "Leserbriefe" (Letters to the Editor).

Editorial

The editorial, written by Danny Ammon, welcomes readers to the 170th issue, noting the second time the journal appears with a new layout. It encourages reader feedback on the new design. The editorial mentions that the object on the cover will be explained in the "Kurz notiert" section. It announces the expansion of the "UFO-Beobachtungen" section to include sighting reports from other German UFO organizations, aiming to provide a more comprehensive picture of the phenomenon. Readers are directed to the UFO sighting databases at www.ufo-datenbank.de, implemented by GEP member Christian Czech, which are gradually being populated with cases from GEP and CENAP, and will also include databases for related phenomena. GEP members gain access to an expanded user area on the GEP homepage (www.ufo-forschung.de), which is currently being updated by Christian Czech and will eventually offer information, internal news, guides, and discussion forums, as well as a large download area with scans of older UFO magazines and GEP publications. The editorial echoes Hans-Werner Peiniger's previous call for feedback and active participation from members, emphasizing that desired developments depend on members sharing their wishes and contributing. A detailed member survey is being prepared to gauge satisfaction with GEP's work, including jufof. The editorial concludes by wishing readers an enjoyable reading experience.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Bewertungen

This section presents detailed case studies of UFO sightings.

Case 20060731 A: UFO photographed during cloud photography

This case involves a photograph taken by 15-year-old Julia H. in Erlangen, Germany, on July 31, 2006. While photographing cloud formations, she later discovered an object in the image that she did not see at the time. The object was photographed with a Kodak digital camera. The investigation, led by Hans-Werner Peiniger, considered several explanations: a particle within the lens's light path (ruled out due to excessive chromatic aberration), a particle on the CCD chip (suggested by a dark 'smear'), a particle close to the lens (supported by EXIF data indicating flash activation, which would overexpose a nearby particle), and side or backlighting causing an overexposed area. The analysis concluded that the most likely explanation was an overexposed area due to bright light, similar to issues encountered by wildlife photographers when photographing white-feathered birds. The object was not considered to be a large body in the sky that the photographer would have noticed.

Case 19880924 A: "The object made no noise"

This case, investigated by Hans-Werner Peiniger, concerns an observation on September 24, 1988, in Kelsterbach, Germany. Two friends, one of whom was studying to be an engineering assistant, observed a relatively slow-moving object (estimated 50 km/h) moving from northwest to southeast. The object was described as moving in a straight line with constant speed, altitude, and orientation, appearing black on the bottom and silver-grey on top, with four hanging 'rods' or 'staves'. The witnesses were captivated and did not call others to look. The object made no noise and had no visible wings, jets, or engines. Estimated size varied between 1 to 1.5 meters, possibly up to 5 meters. The object moved towards the airport, and the witnesses considered following it by car. Supplementary information from a questionnaire described the object's shape as "like an inflatable island", with a black top and shimmering silver upper area. Estimated size was half a full moon, or about 2-2.5 cm at arm's length. The estimated distance was 500 meters (later corrected to 300 meters), and height under 100 meters. The object moved overhead, disappearing by becoming smaller in flight. The witness's own explanation ranged from an "earthly secret development" to an "unknown origin aircraft" or an "extraterrestrial spaceship".

Case Discussion and Evaluation (Eschweiler and Zurich)

This section discusses similar cases, referencing a previous report (jufof 72, p. 164 ff.) about a case from Eschweiler, Germany, on December 7, 1989. A couple observed an object described as "spider-like with hanging feet and tilted". It flew in a parabolic path towards a field and hovered, appearing "huge like an elephant, but the head was missing." The object was described as dark grey, with oval windows that couldn't be clearly seen. It then ascended vertically, moved erratically, and departed with incredible speed. The witnesses were in shock for three days. The report states that no sufficient explanation was found for this case, classifying it as a "GOOD UFO".

Another case from February 23, 1989, near Zurich, Switzerland, involved an object observed between 18:00 and 18:30. The witness reported a movement slightly slower than a helicopter at 1000 meters altitude, but too fast for a hot air balloon, especially in near-windless conditions. There was no engine noise, no visible moving parts, and no lights. The color was described as black, possibly dark blue. The object was a sharply outlined dark silhouette against the grey cloud cover, with six cylindrical shapes hanging from its periphery, rotating slowly around its vertical axis without apparent deformation.

A case from the French magazine "Phénomèna" (issue 26, March-April 1995) is also mentioned. On September 10, 1990, at 8:30 AM in Vilar-Alfena, Portugal, a flying object was photographed that also had "legs" or hanging elements. The author notes that while wind-driven bodies or balloons might be considered, research has not yielded any balloon types matching the descriptions. The "legs" could be stabilizing elements found on some stratospheric balloons. The author concludes that these objects are unlikely to be stratospheric balloons due to their flight profiles. Research into foil balloons also yielded no matches, although some "Airwalker" balloons have legs, they reportedly lack stable flight characteristics. The possibility of custom-made balloons for promotional events is considered, but the author emphasizes not to invent explanations. Since no known conventional aircraft could explain the observed object, and no other unusual characteristics were noted, the case is classified as "PROBLEMATIC UFO".

UFO-Beobachtungen: Weitere Meldungen

This section provides brief summaries of various UFO reports.

• March 26, 2007, 21:25 MESZ, Germany: A bright light phenomenon was observed across Germany, reported to police and the CENAP UFO hotline. It is suggested this was likely a meteor that broke into several pieces.
• January 8, 2007, approx. 18:30 MEZ, Esslingen-Berkheim, Germany: A witness observed over 30 silent lights hovering for 6-8 minutes. Police were also informed. The witness took a photo showing lights that appeared as "little stars". This is presumed to be "silent fireworks" or a mass balloon launch.
• September 11, 2006, 22:49 MESZ, Großefehn, Germany: A witness observed a V-formation of several lights moving swiftly southwest. The lights appeared as "balls" that were darker inside and lighter outside. Two objects broke away from the formation. DEGUFO found no explanation.
• July 22, 2006, 23:54 Uhr MEZ, Braunschweig, Germany: Four people observed a "giant pillar of small, brightly lit stars" in the sky, wider at the bottom than the top, composed of groups of 5-6 lights. DEGUFO found no explanation.
• June 23, 2005, approx. midday, Hildesheim, Germany: During a company outing, a witness observed a round, dull-colored disc, about 50 cm in diameter and a few cm thick, moving slowly and wobbling at an altitude of 10-30 meters above treetops. It disappeared behind trees. DEGUFO assumes it was a balloon.
• July 28, 2007, from 21:30 Uhr MESZ, Worms, Germany: A couple observed an object "much brighter than any star" moving slowly towards the horizon, described as "not normal". This was identified as likely the planet Venus.
• July 28, 2007, from 21:30 Uhr MESZ, Günzburg, Germany: A caller reported a bright object filmed for 30 minutes before disappearing over the horizon. Similar reports received by the UFO hotline were also identified as likely the planet Venus.
• March 27, 2007, approx. 22:00 Uhr MESZ, Dortmund, Germany: A witness filmed an object with "many bright, neon-colored tones" that changed colors (pulsating) for 20 minutes. This was also identified as likely the planet Venus.
• March 26, 2007, evening, Pinneberg, Germany: A witness observed an orange-red object moving "vertically downwards" for 6-7 minutes. Photos taken showed only a contrail, suggesting the witness misinterpreted an aircraft with a contrail.
• October 12, 2006, between 19:10 and 19:40 Uhr MESZ, Herzogenrath, Germany: A witness noticed a black cloud with lightning flashes. A sport-plane-like object entered the cloud and did not reappear. The cloud dissipated after an hour.
• August 19, 2006, 21:58 Uhr MESZ, Neckarsulm, Germany: A witness reported a round, yellow-orange object moving southeast, with no contrails or blinking lights. A second white light appeared, moved south, and disappeared after 15 seconds. The witness felt "electrified". DEGUFO could not provide an assessment due to vague information.

Berichtigung (Correction)

A correction is noted for jufof 28 (2007), Nr. 169, regarding case 20061215 A, with a new evaluation of IFO / V1.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation and documentation of UFO sightings, the analysis of photographic and testimonial evidence, and the attempt to identify or classify these phenomena. The magazine adopts a scientific and analytical approach, exploring various explanations from misidentified natural phenomena (meteors, planets, balloons) to conventional aircraft, while also acknowledging cases that remain unexplained and are classified as "Problematic UFO" or "GOOD UFO". The editorial stance, as expressed by Ammon and Peiniger, is one of encouraging active participation and feedback from the readership and members to further the research and development of the organization (GEP).

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" ( Ausgabe 2-2007, Nr. 170) focuses heavily on the Condign Project, a significant investigation into Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) conducted by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD). The magazine also includes reports on recent fireball sightings and military air exercises.

Feuerkugelmeldungen (Fireball Reports)

The issue begins with a list of recent fireball sightings reported between February and March 2007, primarily in Germany. These reports, often linked to meteor showers, are sourced from websites like Meteoros.de and astronomy forums, with the Amt für Flugsicherung der Bundeswehr (German Air Force Air Traffic Control) cited as a source for information on military exercises.

Militärische Luftübungen (Military Air Exercises)

Details are provided on upcoming military air exercises: "Nobel Mariner" and "Nobel Award" from May 14-24, 2007, and "Brilliant Arrow" integrated into the first week. Additionally, "ELITE 2007" is mentioned, a large-scale international exercise taking place in Southern Germany from June 4-28, 2007, with information available from the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens).

Stimuli

This section discusses a missile launch on November 9, 2006, from the CELM (Centre d'Essais de Lancement de Missiles) in Biscarosse, France. The launch of the 56-ton, 12-meter M51 missile, the largest ever launched in Europe, was observed as a stern-shaped formation after a smoke trail. The article suggests that similar observations, particularly from the Italian Center for UFO Studies (CISU), might be linked to such rocket launches, potentially being mistaken for UFOs.

Das Condign-Projekt: Die Untersuchung des britischen Verteidigungsministeriums – Teil 2

This is the main feature of the issue, continuing the analysis of the Condign Project report. The article, translated from "International UFO Reporter," delves into the findings and criticisms of the report.

UAPs im Luftraum Großbritanniens (UAPs in British Airspace)

The Condign report's summary states unequivocally that UAPs exist and possess remarkable capabilities, including hovering, landing, taking off, and achieving incredible speeds and evasiveness. However, it asserts that there is no evidence linking these UAPs to any intelligence, terrestrial or extraterrestrial, or indicating hostile intent. The author, Mr. X, notes that despite access to the UFO archive, no artifacts of unknown origin have been reported, nor have any SIGINT, ELINT, or radioactivity measurements been detected. The study did not exhaustively investigate individual incidents, a limitation attributed to reduced contract terms compared to an earlier proposal.

Die UAP-Datenbank (The UAP Database)

Mr. X personally compiled a database of over 25 years of UAP reports (1987-1997) using Microsoft Access. The analysis, conducted over three years, was based on statistical data. The report's 465 pages were compiled within this timeframe. The authors requested a copy of the database but were informed it was deleted after the study, as it was not part of the original mandate. The article questions the possibility of reconstructing the database and highlights the importance of qualitative methods and personal interviews in UFO research, which were seemingly absent in the Condign study.

Scientific Rigor and Limitations

The article criticizes the Condign report's methodology, suggesting that the data foundation is highly questionable. It argues that a lack of experienced researchers to assess the quality of reports leads to flawed results. The report itself acknowledges limitations in its data analysis in Band 1, Chapter 3. The authors contend that poor input data leads to poor output, labeling the research as "bad science." The report's focus on UAPs in British airspace, while drawing on global studies, is also questioned. Isaac Koi's commentary is cited, emphasizing the need for comprehensive analysis. The article questions Mr. X's qualifications and the report's attempt to work comprehensively without being biased towards or against the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Scientific Facts vs. ETH Rejection

Despite the initial acknowledgment of UAP capabilities, the report dismisses the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) 15 pages later, citing correlations with natural phenomena. The article criticizes the report for presenting speculation as fact and for not clearly explaining why certain evidence is accepted while other is rejected. The report's conclusion that the ETH is "very unlikely" for unexplained sightings is presented, along with the author's assertion that focusing on extraterrestrial origins does not serve defense interests.

Band 2: Information on Natural and Man-Made Phenomena

Band 2 of the report contains 25 working papers exploring various influences on UAP data, categorized into impacts on humans and equipment, ball lightning, causes of UAP sightings, afterimages, radar detection, exotic technology, line-of-sight rules, reasons for lack of sound, secret aircraft programs, Ley lines, UAP shapes, Earth's magnetic field, meteorological phenomena, weather balloons, airships, sunspots, auroras, satellite observations, projected forms, charged air particles, mirages, ionospheric plasmas, artifacts, vortex rings, and magnetic effects on humans. The article questions whether these phenomena fully explain all UAP sightings, suggesting that other possibilities remain.

Schwarze Projekte (Black Projects)

This section discusses "black aviation projects" mentioned in Band 2, which are described as involving unusual aircraft seen in experimental phases or in service. The article lists examples like UAVs, the SR-71 Blackbird, F-117, and B-2 Stealthbomber. Censorship of program descriptions is noted, attributed to "friendly nations." The article speculates that these advanced aircraft, capable of high speeds (Mach 8-12), might be perceived as "saucer-shaped" and thus reported as UAPs.

Plasmas, Plasmoids, and EM Effects

The study ruled out aliens and hostile foreign aircraft but couldn't explain all UAP reports. It suggests that many sightings can be attributed to atmospheric, mesospheric, and ionospheric phenomena caused by meteorological and electrical conditions. The article references Michael Persinger's controversial research on how plasmas might explain near-misses and "alien abductions" by affecting the human brain, causing memory loss. However, the authors express skepticism, noting the lack of measured evidence for such plasmas or stimuli in the environment.

Environmental Impacts and Electrosmog

The article touches upon research into the environmental impacts of electromagnetic (EM) radiation and pollution on humans, animals, and plants. It highlights the polarized discourse surrounding "electrosmog," with industry claiming no harm and some individuals reporting health issues. The difficulty in finding unbiased scientific research on this topic is noted.

Meteoric Dust Plasmas and UAP Correlations

The report suggests a correlation between major meteor shower data and UAP activity, proposing that meteoric dust could generate plasmas that explain UAP reports. While acknowledging that meteors produce plasmas, the article questions how these high-altitude phenomena could manifest as UAPs in lower atmospheric layers. It also points out that the MoD's lack of diligence in collecting eyewitness reports makes it difficult to filter out misinterpretations of meteors.

UAPs on Radar

Working papers in Band 2 and Band 3 discuss the capabilities of British radar defense systems in relation to UAPs. The report implies that UAPs rarely appeared on radar during the study period (1987-1997), with one cited incident of a "triangular formation" accelerating rapidly. This incident is noted as occurring during the Belgian wave of 1990, outside the UK's purview. A key finding is the "significant lack of radar traces of UAPs" in British airspace, contrasting sharply with numerous visual sightings.

Radar Detection and UAP Characteristics

The article discusses the possibility that UAPs might not have a solid body, but rather are atmospheric phenomena like dust plasmas, explaining their variable radar signatures. The authors note that many sections related to radar performance were redacted under FOIA, citing national security concerns regarding potential terrorist attacks. The redactions are currently under legal challenge.

Dangers to Aviation

While the Condign report found no evidence of solid UAPs posing a collision risk, it investigated seven unexplained fatal RAF aircraft accidents and seven unexplained near-misses involving civilian aircraft. The report suggests that UAPs pose little to no danger to aircraft unless pilots attempt to evade or intercept them. It notes that RAF crews have not reported encountering or evading UAPs in lower altitudes. Recommendations were made to military and civilian flight personnel regarding how to handle UAP encounters, emphasizing not to "outperform" a UFO during an intercept maneuver and to simply try to get the object behind them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical examination of the Condign Project report. The journal's stance appears to be one of skepticism towards the report's conclusions, particularly its dismissal of the ETH and its methodological limitations. The authors emphasize the need for more rigorous scientific investigation and highlight the discrepancies between the report's findings and the capabilities of UAPs. The issue also underscores the ongoing interest in UFO phenomena, evidenced by the numerous fireball reports and discussions of military exercises and secret projects.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 2-2007 (Issue Nr. 170), focuses on various aspects of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) research, government involvement, and related cultural phenomena.

The Condign Report: A Critical Analysis

The main article critically examines the "Condign Report," a study commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) on UFOs. The author notes that the report is flawed and reads more like a secret service document than a scientific study. Despite superficial dismissals of the report as a "cover-up" by the media, the findings presented on the journal's website are deemed to have withstood scrutiny. The article questions the purpose of a secret, three-year investigation if the MoD already possessed knowledge about UFOs. It reveals that the study was commissioned after a prolonged internal struggle against prejudice within the MoD, long before the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) existed in Britain. The author argues that conspiracy theories about the report being created to mislead the public are likely unfounded. The report suggests that the MoD knows very little about UFOs, and civilian ufologists may know more. A key recommendation from the report (implemented in December 2000) was to cease observing UAP reports, as they were deemed not to contain information relevant to defense. This indicates the study's true aim was to manage unwanted publicity surrounding the MoD's UFO activities. Unlike Edward Condon's earlier study, the Condign report was compiled by a single individual, Mr. X, with limited resources and without consulting scientists or eyewitnesses. Despite its flaws, the report is considered a significant document in ufology history and highlights how not to scientifically investigate UFOs. The study's limited objective was to assess the potential value of UAP sighting reports for intelligence and defense.

UAP Research in Other Countries

Band 3 of the Condign report includes research and studies on UAPs, atmospheric plasmas, and their potential military applications in various countries, including the Soviet Union, China, Spain, the USA, and Canada. Despite claims of an international cover-up, the author notes a lack of intelligence exchange or cooperation between Great Britain and any foreign government on this topic.

Conclusions and Unanswered Questions

The article concludes that the Condign report, despite its numerous errors and flawed premises, represents the most detailed attempt by the Ministry of Defence to evaluate this phenomenon over many years. However, many questions remain unanswered, requiring further investigation, document requests, and identification of the report's author. The author suggests that the MoD's continued interest in UAPs, despite claims to the contrary, is indicated by an open file on the subject. The report mentions the potential military applicability of the underlying physics of atmospheric plasmas in future visual, radar, or IR devices. Further research is recommended for the applicability of plasma characteristics in novel military applications.

The Influence of Ufology

Despite the author of the Condign report's stated intention to work only with raw data and remain unbiased by the media or UFO industry, he could not escape the pervasive influence of ufology on popular culture. His literature review revealed influences from authors like Paul Devereux and Jenny Randles, casting his introductory quote about prejudice in a new light.

Sources and Further Information

Several sources are provided for readers to find more information, including the journal's website for FOIA-released documents, links to download the full Condign report in PDF format from the British Ministry of Defence, and a book by David Clarke and Andy Roberts titled "Out of the Shadows: UFOs, the Establishment, and the Official Cover-up." Links to research on atmospheric plasmas, such as EISCAT and Cluster spacecraft data, are also included.

Annex A: UAPs

This section explains the acronym UAP, noting that the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) had long considered UFO to be discredited due to its association with extraterrestrial spacecraft. The term UAP was adopted to avoid this stigma. The Royal Air Force (RAF) has used the term "air phenomenon" since 1952, and UAP appeared in DIS documents as early as 1962. Ufologists later adopted UAP as an alternative term, with UFO researcher Jenny Randles coining "unidentified atmospheric phenomenon" in the 1970s. She suggested UAP as a better term for scientists, as it was less presumptive than UFO, which many people associate with material spacecraft.

Annex B: Secrecy Levels in Great Britain

This annex discusses the classification of UFO-related documents in the UK. While the MoD has often stated that UFOs are not being kept secret, declassified materials suggest that when UFO reports touched upon areas subject to secrecy, such as British radar capabilities, they were subject to the Official Secrets Act (OSA). An Air Ministry document from 1960 explicitly stated that "unusual radar sightings must never be revealed to the press." Official documents are classified as "secret" or "top secret." The 2000 UAP study was classified as "Secret/UK Eyes Only." In 1998, the MoD released UFO documents classified as "top secret," including the protocol of the DSI/JTIC committee, which established the Flying Saucer Working Party in 1950-1951. The FSWP report classified all reports received up to 1951 as optical illusions, misinterpretations of man-made or natural phenomena, or hoaxes. In 2001, Lord Hill-Norton questioned the MoD about the highest classification level applied to UFO documents, and the MoD stated that a limited search revealed documents classified as "Secret," but this classification was independent of the mention of UFOs. The MoD explained that documents were classified "Secret" with an "Eyes Only" addendum if they contained information about defense installations that could be of interest to an enemy. Correspondence related to such matters was similarly classified. However, the MoD generally stated that correspondence about UFOs was not secret.

Short Notes: Current Reports

How Did Life Come to Earth?

This section explores the Panspermia hypothesis, suggesting that life on Earth may have originated from space. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Short-Time Dynamics (Ernst-Mach-Institut EMI) simulated the pressure waves generated by meteor impacts on Mars. Their experiments showed that a small fraction of microbes could survive extreme pressures (up to 400,000 times Earth's atmospheric pressure) for brief moments. The porous nature of rocks, which can contain small cracks and fissures, provides a protective environment for microbes during their journey through space, shielding them from UV radiation, solar wind, and extreme cold. This research suggests that life on Earth could have been transferred from other planets.

Alien Exposé by Oscar-Winning Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

This piece discusses an exposé by Oscar-winning film director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, titled "Operation Nibelung." The story, set in 1998, involves construction workers discovering a secret Nazi research center with swastika-adorned vaults. They find that this center had released extraterrestrials, who were part of a secret Nazi project. The aliens were tasked with building a spacecraft, but when they refused to cooperate, they were tortured. The German government decided to kill the aliens and destroy the bunker, but a brave Interior Ministry official procured uranium for their spaceship, allowing them to escape. The article expresses hope that Hollywood will turn this exposé into a blockbuster film.

Impressive Images of a Rocket Launch

This section features photographs taken by a German pilot from a cockpit during a flight to Guangzhou, Kazakhstan. The images capture the launch of the "Progress M-59" rocket on January 18, 2007, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The rocket carried 2.5 tons of supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). The photos, taken from an altitude of approximately 10 kilometers, show the rocket approximately 300 kilometers southwest of the launch site, at an altitude of about 40 to 50 kilometers. A similar photo shows the launch of a "Soyuz TMA-6" on April 15, 2005, also from Baikonur.

NASA Hacker Discovered UFO Material

This article details the case of Gary McKinnon, a 41-year-old unemployed system administrator from North London who allegedly hacked into 53 US Army, Navy, Air Force, and NASA systems between 2001 and 2002. McKinnon claimed he was searching for evidence of UFOs and extraterrestrial technologies. He stated he found "extremely sharp photos of alleged alien spacecraft" and Excel files titled "extraterrestrial officers," which he believed indicated secret programs, possibly related to a secret space station or vehicle. He also claimed to have seen a silver, cigar-shaped object in a satellite photo, appearing seamless. McKinnon's hacking activities reportedly cost the US government over a million dollars, and he faces extradition to the US with a potential sentence of up to 70 years in prison. The article notes that McKinnon's claims are viewed skeptically, with some suggesting he was trying to blackmail US authorities. Despite his claims, McKinnon eventually admitted to not having found any concrete evidence of secret UFO activities. The article concludes that no sensational revelations have emerged from the hacker's actions.

Literature: New Releases

Nathalie Weidenfeld: Alien Abduction Narratives as a Modern Manifestation of Puritan Culture: Continuities and Discontinuities

This section reviews Nathalie Weidenfeld's philosophical dissertation, which examines the genre of "Alien Abduction Narratives." Weidenfeld seeks to identify similarities and differences between abduction stories and Puritan culture, characterized by rigorous Protestant piety. The study focuses exclusively on US-American culture. The review notes that Weidenfeld draws connections between abduction narratives, the science fiction genre, and "immunization strategies" of the "abducted." She identifies continuities in aliens being portrayed as "primitives" or negatively stereotyped "savages" who abduct civilized citizens, similar to how Native Americans were depicted in "Captivity Narratives." In the latter half of the 20th century, aliens have taken on the role of the "primitive." The review also points out that Weidenfeld compares the traumatic spiritual nature of abductions to equivalents in Puritan society. However, discontinuities exist: while aliens are similar to "primitives," they are perceived as originating from highly advanced, "noble" cultures. The theme of abduction is linked to New Age ideas and conspiracy theories, creating a "culture of celebrity" around the "chosen" abductees, with no direct parallels in Puritan culture. The review criticizes Weidenfeld's work for its incomplete research on abduction themes, its limited primary sources (focusing on only four abductees and significantly more science fiction films than abduction literature), and its lack of integration of the question of causes for these narratives. The categorization of abduction literature is also found to be problematic, with unclear distinctions between "real" and "not real" classifications and an exclusion of global abduction phenomena.

Robert Habersack: UFO

This section reviews Robert Habersack's book on UFOs, which evolved from a high school paper. Habersack's approach is described as critical and investigative, involving correspondence with many UFO insiders and critics. The review notes that Habersack's writing style is idiosyncratic and sometimes difficult to follow, with numerous quotes and a tendency to jump between topics. The reviewer also points out spelling errors and outdated information, such as Michael Hesemann no longer being a co-editor of a magazine. Despite these criticisms, the book's content is considered valuable for its critical evaluation of the UFO phenomenon and its engagement with UFO critics. Habersack's work is contrasted with that of authors who rely solely on popular literature, as he actively sought out and discussed the work of UFO critics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with government secrecy, scientific investigation, and cultural narratives. The journal maintains a critical yet open stance, examining official reports like Condign while also delving into alternative theories and academic analyses. There's a clear emphasis on the historical context of UFO research, the evolution of terminology (UFO vs. UAP), and the challenges of conducting rigorous scientific inquiry in this field. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based analysis and critical thinking, while acknowledging the persistent public fascination with the unexplained.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (JUFOF), Ausgabe 2-2007, NR.170, published by Engelsdorfer Verlag, focuses on critical UFO research and includes reviews of significant books in the field, as well as reader feedback and information about the organization GEP e.V.

Review: Robert Habersack's "UFO"

The issue begins with a review of Robert Habersack's book "UFO." The reviewer, Hans-Werner Peiniger, notes that Habersack provides an introduction to UFO research, touching on related topics like pseudo-astronautics, the origin and existence of extraterrestrial life, and crop circles. Habersack raises questions about why people experience UFO abductions and why aliens might not abduct qualified UFO researchers. He is particularly critical of the use of hypnosis to reconstruct memories in abduction cases. The book also addresses the "problem case of UFO photos" and possibilities for explaining UFO sightings. Habersack's "Guidelines for the UFO Phenomenon" correctly identify that many UFO cases remain mysterious and unexplained due to insufficient investigation, often hampered by financial and time constraints, or lack of data. He recommends contacting GEP or CENAP for upcoming sightings. Habersack's interviews with German UFO researchers are highlighted, with the reviewer recalling his own past email correspondence with Habersack. The reviewer notes that Illobrand von Ludwiger of MUFON-CES accuses them of trying to "rationally explain" unidentified UFO reports even when there's no possibility for a "serious" explanation, and that they lack "scientific knowledge" and "honesty towards the phenomena." However, the reviewer points out that this information is outdated, with emails being over four years old.

In his concluding thoughts, Habersack emphasizes the "wounds" of UFO research and praises the work of GEP. He concludes that there is no substantial evidence to suggest extraterrestrial explanations for the UFO phenomenon. Habersack's book is described as one of the few critical UFO books available, offering an overview of critical UFO research and a somewhat dated glimpse into the German UFO scene. The book is 257 pages, paperback, illustrated, and priced at €18.00.

Review: Ryan S. Wood's "Majic Eyes Only: Encounters With Extraterrestrial Technology"

The second major review focuses on Ryan S. Wood's book, "Majic Eyes Only." Ryan S. Wood's interest in UFOs began when his father, Dr. Robert Wood, researched the physical aspects of UFOs, including antigravitation research at McDonnell Douglas. Ryan S. Wood is considered an expert on the alleged MJ-12 documents and the supposed UFO crash in 1941 near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA.

Wood's book presents 74 alleged UFO crashes, dating from 1897 in Aurora, Texas, to 1996 on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. He includes official documents, witness testimonies, and physical evidence. Since 1984, he has compiled approximately 3500 pages of official UFO documents, hundreds of which were classified as "Majic Eyes Only" and related to Majestic-12. Majestic-12 is described as a secret committee allegedly formed in 1947 in the USA, comprising 12 high-ranking military personnel and scientists, tasked with investigating UFO activities. The MJ-12 documents reportedly detail procedures for investigating and recovering crashed alien spacecraft. Wood believes that the MJ-12 documents, along with the work of Leonard Stringfield and other experts, form the core of the UFO phenomenon and is convinced that extraterrestrial spacecraft have indeed crashed.

The reviewer finds it valuable that Wood assesses the authenticity of cases based on criteria such as the presence of first-hand witnesses. However, the reviewer questions Wood's thoroughness, noting that he assigns authenticity ratings of 40-60% to cases like the Spitzbergen, Norway, 1952, and Timmendorf, Germany, 1962 crashes, despite limited evidence. For the Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, USA, 1965 incident, Wood assigns 80-100% authenticity but fails to mention the discussion that it might have been the crash of the Russian Venus mission Cosmos-96. The reviewer finds some similarities between the Kecksburg incident and the Timmendorf UFO noteworthy.

Wood dedicates significant space to the alleged SOM 1-01 document, a 32-page document purportedly written in April 1954 and anonymously given to UFO researcher Donald Berliner. This document describes alien spacecraft and their occupants, as well as procedures for handling wreckage. While CUFOS and other UFO researchers consider it a forgery, Wood, based on his father's analysis of linguistic patterns, details, and fonts, believes it to be an authentic historical document from 1954.

Wood's book includes photos of wreckage from an alleged extraterrestrial spacecraft, reportedly taken from a television broadcast, which are of poor quality due to the scanning lines. The reviewer acknowledges that some cases presented by Wood are unsubstantiated and may never be solved, while others require extensive further research. However, the material and sources provided by Wood invite further investigation. The reviewer is not convinced that the presented material proves actual UFO crashes, suggesting instead that they might be crashes of military aircraft or satellite debris. Wood, however, is certain that crashes have occurred and that the recovered technology is being utilized by governments.

Ryan S. Wood shares further research on his website www.majiceyesonly.com, and documents related to Majestic 12 can be found at www.majesticdocuments.com. The book is 303 pages, hardcover, illustrated, with an index, priced at $29.95 plus $10 shipping, published by Wood Enterprises in Broomfield, CO, USA, 2005.

Reader Letters: Opinions & Ideas

This section features feedback from readers regarding the journal's new layout and content.

Hansjürgen Köhler praises the new JUFOF layout as "CLASS" and a significant improvement over the previous "antiquated yellow-black" design. He congratulates the team, especially Danny, and notes his membership in both JUFOF and CENAP.

Peter Kauert also compliments the new issue as a worthy successor to the old yellow "heft," congratulating Danny.

Jochen Ickinger expresses positive surprise with the new JUFOF, seeing it as a step forward from the previous issue, which was already of good quality. He considers the €4.50 price justified by the quality, though he notes a loss of brand recognition due to the removal of the yellow cover. He also comments that the new cover design might not appeal to everyone, as such changes often receive mixed reactions. He hopes the new JUFOF will be successful, especially with the GEP gaining a prominent new member.

Ferhat Talayhan thanks the journal for the new issue and expresses pleasure that continuous efforts are made to improve it. He hopes that the "insider" information will be provided more promptly.

Werner Walter expresses joy at the "new dress" of the GEP's JUFOF, but questions its necessity, arguing that JUFOF doesn't compete with flashy newsstand magazines. While he finds the new visual appearance more appealing, he wonders about the target audience, especially given the editorial lament about declining membership. He suggests that interesting and insightful articles are more important than the paper quality. He highlights the "Das Condign-Projekt" article series as a highlight and urges readers to subscribe to the "Journal für UFO-Forschung."

Several readers express regret over the discontinuation of the distinctive yellow cover, which they considered a strong recognition feature. They prefer the "yellow thread" that has connected the journal for decades over the current design.

JUFOF Archive 1980-2000 on DVD/CD

This section announces the availability of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (jufof) from 1980-2000 on DVD-ROM or CD-ROM. The GEP e.V. is described as a non-profit scientific organization specializing in the critical investigation, documentation, and evaluation of UFO phenomena in German-speaking regions, positioning itself as a reliable contact for UFO witnesses and an alternative to commercial ventures and UFO cults. The journal, published since 1980, presents the GEP's research findings, complemented by contributions from national and international experts on topics like abductions and crashes. The critical stance of the journal distinguishes it from other fringe science publications, offering a unique compilation of 20 years of meticulous field research. The archive is available as a 1 DVD-ROM for €15.00 (€12.00 for GEP members) or 4 CD-ROMs for €18.00 (€14.40 for GEP members). Contact information for GEP e.V. is provided.

Book Review: Peter Brendt's "Die Jagd nach dem Heiligen Gral"

This section includes a review of Peter Brendt's book, "Die Jagd nach dem Heiligen Gral" (The Hunt for the Holy Grail). The book explores whether the Holy Grail truly appeared in France in 1891, if documents exist that shed new light on the life of Jesus and his descendants, and the role of the Templars. The author states his intention to share his "treasure hunt," fascination, doubts, research, and discoveries with the readers. Reviews from Amazon.de describe the book as avoiding druidic rituals and European heirs, focusing instead on simple facts and logical reasoning to demystify Grail theories. It is praised for presenting the Grail as a collection of historical documents and for its factual, well-founded, and engaging approach based on 20 years of research. The book is a paperback, 437 pages with illustrations, ISBN: 3-931164-55-1, priced at €14.80, published by mgverlag.

GEP and UFO Information

This section provides information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.) and defines what constitutes a UFO. The GEP is described as the largest non-profit scientific association in Germany focused on UFO research, utilizing questionnaires, field investigations, and in-depth background analysis, with support from authorities and scientific institutions. A UFO is defined as the perceived appearance of an object or light in the sky or on land whose behavior, trajectory, and dynamic characteristics do not conform to known logical explanations and remain unidentifiable after thorough investigation by technically capable individuals.

UFO Reporting

Instructions are provided for reporting UFO sightings. Interested individuals can contact the UFO reporting center by phone 24/7 at 0 23 51 / 2 33 77, visit the GEP homepages at www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de, access the GEP web forum or chat at gep.alien.de/gepforumindex.htm, or send an email to [email protected]. The GEP e.V. online presence and contact details are listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical analysis of UFO phenomena, the examination of alleged UFO crashes and related documents (like MJ-12), and the scientific approach to UFO research. The journal consistently promotes a methodical and evidence-based perspective, distinguishing itself from more speculative or sensationalist approaches. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the enduring mystery of the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on the GEP's role as a scientific organization dedicated to serious research and documentation.