JUFOF - Issue 172 - 2007 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of jufof, the journal for UFO research, dated April 2007 (Volume 28, Issue 172), is published by GEP e.V. The cover prominently features an article titled "The Drone", Part 1, discussing "Strange Aerial Objects over California," accompanied by an illustration of a complex drone-like object. Other key articles include "Ufology for the New Millennium – Part 2" by Nick Pope and "Roswell News Nr. 24," which questions the UFO crash narrative in Roswell.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Danny Ammon, reflects on a "spannende UFO-Sommer" (exciting UFO summer) marked by numerous sightings of model hot-air balloons, often mistaken for other phenomena. It also highlights the reporting of anonymous witnesses in the USA who claim to have seen an incredible flying object, with photos featured on the cover. The editorial introduces Jens Baranek's analysis of these cases and images. A somber note is struck regarding the alleged affidavit from the Roswell press spokesperson admitting the "recovered flying saucer" was not extraterrestrial. The editorial also mentions the GEP's UFO database and invites readers to the 10th annual conference of German UFO researchers in Cröffelbach on October 6th and 7th.

UFO Sightings – Documentations – Evaluations

This section details several reported UFO sightings:

• Six orange luminous points near Biere (May 26, 2007): Witness Gerald K. reported seeing six orange points of light moving in a formation resembling a dice. The investigation concluded this was likely a mass launch of model hot-air balloons, a phenomenon becoming increasingly popular. The case was classified as IFO/V2 (Identified Flying Object/Version 2).
• "...a 'part' I had never seen before." (July 18, 2006): Wilhelm B., a firefighter, reported seeing an unknown object over Bonn. Described as "two rotating spheres," it ascended vertically. The witness noted its considerable size, as a passenger jet flew underneath it without obscuring the object. Despite the witness's extensive knowledge of UFO topics, he did not speculate on extraterrestrial origins. The investigation, including interviews and a site visit, noted discrepancies in the reported duration of the sighting. The object's size and the passenger jet's position relative to it were considered anomalous, leading to a classification of PROBLEMATIC UFO.
• Elongated object at Lake Constance (June 26, 2005): Vanessa S. submitted a photograph showing a small, elongated object. She only noticed it upon reviewing the photo after photographing the sunset. Due to the witness's lack of cooperation and the blurry nature of the object, it was concluded to be likely an insect captured incidentally in the photograph.
• "Clearly orange lights" (May 11, 2007): Thorsten K. and his girlfriend observed 10-15 orange lights in Gelsenkirchen. They described the lights as moving from right to left at a height of approximately 200-250 meters. The investigation suggested this was likely a mass launch of model hot-air balloons, a conclusion the witness found plausible. The case was classified as IFO/V2.
• UFO turns out to be a Frisbee (January 25, 2007): Jorden T. photographed a dark, oval object on Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand. Upon review, the object was identified as a frisbee, based on the posture of a nearby woman who appeared to be throwing it. The object's blurriness was attributed to its movement and the camera's focus.

The GEP UFO Database

Christian Czech details the development of the GEP's new PHP/SQL-based UFO sighting database, which replaced the older HTML version. The database is described as the largest UFO sighting database in the German-speaking region, averaging 43 visitors per day. It categorizes cases into German and global phenomena, with separate databases for fringe phenomena and for CENAP. The article emphasizes the extensive work involved in maintaining the database and calls for member contributions. A member area offers detailed reports and analyses, with access granted upon request or for a fee for non-members.

Roswell News Nr. 24

This section, authored by Uli Thieme, revisits the Roswell incident, examining the alleged affidavit from the press spokesperson regarding the recovery of a "flying saucer" and his subsequent confession about its non-extraterrestrial origin.

Literature

• Reviews of books are included:
• "War of the Words"
• "The Venus Catastrophe"
• "The Awakening of the Machines"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of UFO sightings, with a strong emphasis on identifying misidentified phenomena such as model hot-air balloons and insects. The magazine maintains a skeptical yet open approach, presenting detailed case studies and investigations. The GEP's commitment to cataloging and researching UFO phenomena is evident through its comprehensive database. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of anomalous cases that warrant further study, as exemplified by the Bonn sighting classified as a 'Problematic UFO'.

This issue of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 172 from the 4th quarter of 2007, delves into two primary topics: a critical re-examination of the Roswell UFO incident through the lens of Walter Haut's statements, and an investigation into a series of sightings of an object dubbed 'The Drone' in California.

Roswell News – Nr. 24: Doch UFO-Absturz bei Roswell?

This extensive article by Uli Thieme scrutinizes the second sworn affidavit made by Walter Haut, the former press spokesman for the 509th Bomb Wing, who was involved in the initial press release regarding the Roswell incident in 1947. Haut passed away in December 2005 at the age of 83.

The article focuses on Haut's second affidavit, signed on December 26, 2002, which he allegedly made on his deathbed. This affidavit claimed that a UFO with aliens had indeed crashed and been recovered in Roswell. The author, however, immediately points out a discrepancy: the affidavit was signed in 2002, three years before Haut's death, and was published posthumously.

Discrepancies in Haut's Statements

Thieme meticulously compares Haut's 2002 affidavit with his first affidavit from May 14, 1993, and other statements made over the years. Key inconsistencies highlighted include:

• The Press Release: In the 2002 affidavit (Point 10), Haut claims Colonel Blanchard dictated the press release about the 'Flying Saucer' to him. In contrast, his 1993 affidavit (Point 5) states Blanchard asked him to write the press release, and in a personal conversation in 1993 and an IUFOMRC Newsletter article in 1998, Haut stated he wrote the story himself, authorized by Blanchard.
• Second Crash Site: The 2002 affidavit (Points 7 and 8) mentions a second crash site north of Roswell, a detail entirely absent from his 1993 affidavit. Thieme argues that this contradicts the accounts of other witnesses involved in the original incident.
• Witnessing the Wreckage: In his 2002 affidavit (Points 8 and 17), Haut claims to have seen pieces of the wreckage, describing them as metallic foil-like, thin paper, yet extremely strong, with unusual markings. He even states he brought a piece of wreckage to his office. However, in his 1993 affidavit, he explicitly states he never saw the actual wreckage. Furthermore, in a 1997 Fox-TV interview and a 1998 IUFOMRC Newsletter article, he reiterated that he had not seen the material. In a 2003 CNN interview with Larry King, when asked if he had seen anything of the wreckage, Haut replied, "No, sir!"
• Alien Bodies: The 2002 affidavit (Point 12) describes Haut observing bodies from a distance in a hangar, noting their large heads and the size of a 10-year-old child. However, in a 1991 interview with Philip J. Klass, Haut stated he only learned about the "crashed aliens" story in the early 1980s, after the publication of Berlitz and Moore's book, and that prior to that, no locals had mentioned alien bodies.

Analysis of the Second Affidavit

Thieme concludes that Haut's 2002 affidavit is highly suspect and likely fabricated. He suggests that Haut, suffering from dementia by 2000 (as evidenced by his interview with Wendy Connors), may have had the affidavit presented to him, and he simply signed it without fully comprehending its contents. The author points to the fact that the affidavit was only published after his death as a way to prevent him from being questioned further.

The Role of Carey and Schmitt

The article also questions the timing and publication of this second affidavit, noting that authors Thomas J. Carey and Donald R. Schmitt, who are strong proponents of the Roswell crash theory, published a book titled "Witness to Roswell" in 2007, which prominently featured Haut's second affidavit as its "scoop." Thieme suggests that Carey and Schmitt, along with Walter Haut's daughter Julie Shuster (who manages the Roswell UFO Museum), may have had a vested interest in reviving the Roswell myth, especially given the declining credibility of other key witnesses like Glenn Dennis, Jim Ragsdale, and Frank Kaufmann.

The 'The Drone' Sightings

The second major part of the issue investigates a series of sightings of an unidentified flying object, dubbed 'The Drone,' in California during May and June 2007. The reports originate from witnesses like 'Chad' and 'Rajman,' who provided photographic evidence.

• Chad's Sighting: On May 11, 2007, 'Chad' reported seeing a large, strange "machine" in the sky. He and a friend later captured several sharp, detailed digital photos. Chad described its movement as insect-like, smooth and slow, then suddenly fast and erratic, with intermittent cracking noises and a faint mechanical hum.
• Rajman's Sighting: On May 21, 2007, 'Rajman' reported a similar object near Capitola, California, and also took photographs. The object was described as coming from nowhere and disappearing quickly.
• Further Images: Two weeks later, on June 5, 2007, more images of a similar object surfaced online, reportedly taken in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California.

Analysis of 'The Drone' Evidence

The article notes that the object's appearance in the photos evolved over time, with modifications to its structure. The witnesses' descriptions are detailed, but the photographic evidence itself is subjected to scrutiny.

• Hoax Potential: The web community has speculated that the object could be a model, a CGI creation, or a deliberate hoax. The clarity of the photos, contrasted with the typical blurriness of UFO photos, raises suspicion.
• EXIF Data Analysis: An examination of the digital image files revealed that most of the EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) data, which contains information about the camera, settings, and date of capture, was either missing or had been deliberately removed. This is common practice for those wishing to remain anonymous or protect their privacy, but it also hinders verification.
• Software Manipulation: While the images were processed using different software (Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 for Chad's photos, Adobe Photoshop CS 2 for Rajman's), the article states that this alone does not prove manipulation, as such software is widely used for legitimate image resizing for the internet. However, the deliberate removal of EXIF data and the consistent appearance of the object across different reports suggest a well-coordinated effort.

Conclusion on 'The Drone'

The author concludes that if 'The Drone' is indeed a hoax, it is a very well-thought-out one, given the sophistication of modern digital imaging tools. The anonymity of the sources and the differing styles of description also add to the mystery. The article refrains from definitively labeling the object as extraterrestrial, but highlights the unusual nature of the reports and the challenges in verifying the evidence.

Database Projects

The issue also briefly touches upon past database projects undertaken by GEP e.V. The first, initiated in 2004, aimed to create a case database with electronic case files. A second project in 2006, led by Jürgen B., also aimed to develop a database but was discontinued due to a lack of programmer commitment. The current database is presented as a more viable tool for interested parties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims, demanding rigorous evidence and cross-referencing of witness testimonies. The Roswell article exemplifies this by dissecting witness statements for inconsistencies and potential biases. Similarly, the 'The Drone' investigation employs a technical analysis of photographic evidence and considers the possibility of hoaxes. The journal's focus on database projects indicates a commitment to systematic data collection and research within the field of ufology.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 172 from the 4th quarter of 2007, focuses on critical analysis and new research directions within ufology. The magazine features articles by Ulrich Magin, Nick Pope, Danny Ammon, and others, covering debunked cases, document analysis, investigative techniques, and future research avenues.

The UFO Landing in Monza – A Classic and its Explanation

Ulrich Magin critically examines the famous UFO landing case in Monza, Italy, on November 8, 1954. He notes that while Jacques Vallee cited this case in his works, the details vary and are often sensationalized. Magin traces the source of the report to a "World Telegram" article from September 1954, which appears to be the original source for later accounts. The article details a crowd witnessing a luminous spacecraft with two small beings. However, Magin presents evidence from Italian newspapers and Blue Book files that point to the event being a hoax. A police investigation in Varese concluded that the "Marsians" were actually young people in costumes, and the "flying saucer" was a large cloth. Magin criticizes Vallee for misrepresenting the location, date, and nature of the event, highlighting the importance of rigorous verification in ufology.

Short Notes: Current Reports

Study on the Falsification of the MJ12 Documents: Danny Ammon reports on a linguistic analysis conducted by Dr. Carol Chaski on the controversial "Majestic-12" documents. The study, covering 17 documents, suggests they were authored by at least nine different individuals, with only one being the purported author. Chaski concludes that these documents are not strong evidence for the existence of aliens or the reality of the Roswell spacecraft. The article notes that this study is part of the promotion for Michael Heiser's novel "The Facade."

Google Earth Offers a View of the Universe: This section highlights the feature in Google Earth that allows users to view the night sky in high resolution, integrating Hubble telescope data. It is presented as a useful tool for UFO case investigators.

UFOlogy for the New Millennium – Part 2

Nick Pope, translated by Ulrich Magin, continues his discussion on ufology, focusing on practical advice for researchers.

How to Deal with Hoaxes: Pope emphasizes the need for extreme caution with photographic and video evidence due to the ease of digital manipulation. He advises ufologists to verify the source of images, interview witnesses thoroughly, and seek independent corroboration. He also suggests understanding the motivations of hoaxers to better identify their methods.

Expert Knowledge and Contacts: Pope stresses the importance of basic astronomical knowledge, citing the example of mistaking the Perseid meteor shower for UFOs. He also highlights the value of psychological knowledge when investigating abduction claims, particularly understanding hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations, which can be mistaken for abduction experiences.

Utilizing Democratic Mechanisms: Pope discusses how the UK's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can be a powerful tool for UFO researchers. He explains the process of submitting parliamentary questions and requests for information from government departments like the Ministry of Defence. He advises specific, detailed questions and patience, noting that while the FOIA is complex, it offers a chance to access historical UFO-related data.

Preparing for the Freedom of Information Act: This section provides guidance on how to formulate FOIA requests, using an example of a 1993 RAF UFO sighting. It emphasizes including all known details and being prepared for potential rejections, with a right to appeal.

New Research Avenues: Pope calls for ufology to move beyond re-analyzing old cases and explore new topics. He identifies abduction phenomena as a key area, noting the lack of independent witnesses for many reported events. He suggests further research into "threshold amnesia" (the phenomenon of abductees not remembering how they entered a craft) and the distribution of blood groups among witnesses.

National Representation: Pope argues for the creation of a national institute for ufology to coordinate research efforts, share information, and professionalize the field. He believes such an organization could help overcome internal divisions and bring fresh ideas to ufology, making it more credible and impactful in the 21st century.

Literature: New Releases

Craig Myers: War of the Words – The True But Strange Story of the Gulf Breeze UFO: This review discusses Craig Myers' book, which re-examines the Gulf Breeze UFO case from the late 1980s. Myers, who worked for the Pensacola News Journal at the time, interviewed key figures, including Ed Walters and his wife. The review highlights Myers' discovery of a constructed object hidden in the Walters' house, which closely resembled the "UFOs" in Walters' photographs. This suggests that Walters' famous photos may have been staged, leading to a book deal and media appearances. The review notes that MUFON continued to support Walters despite evidence of a hoax.

Conclusions

The author concludes by emphasizing the need for ufology to adapt and evolve, moving past internal divisions and focusing on rigorous investigation and professional conduct. He stresses the importance of distinguishing genuine research from cult-like activities, citing the Heaven's Gate tragedy as a cautionary example. The article encourages researchers to embrace new ideas, share information, and work collaboratively to advance the understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO cases, the importance of evidence verification, the potential for hoaxes, and the need for professionalization and new research directions in ufology. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical yet open to rigorous investigation, advocating for a scientific and methodical approach to the study of UFO phenomena, while also encouraging the use of new tools and methodologies.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 172 from the 4th quarter of 2007, published by GEP e.V., delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena and related historical mysteries. The magazine features book reviews, theoretical discussions, and explorations of ancient technologies.

Book Review: "The Gulf Breeze Sightings" by Craig Myers

The issue begins with a review of Craig Myers' book concerning the Gulf Breeze UFO case. The reviewer, Danny Ammon, describes Myers' work as a personal recollection, rich in journalistic insight and humor, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in the case. Ammon notes that the book details the alleged experiences of the Walters family, the role of UFO researchers, press reactions, and Myers' own contribution. He highlights that Myers presents both proponents and critics, defending his position despite the ongoing diskreditation of mundane explanations. Ammon concludes that no other hypothesis fits the facts as well as the idea of a highly intelligent individual manipulating the situation for control, even if the ultimate scale was unintended. The book is noted for including minor, previously unpublished details, such as an incident involving public records and a balloon-borne "UFO," adding flavor to the "Gulf Breeze time document." The German translation of Walters' book, "UFOs – Es gibt sie," also gained popularity in Germany in the early 1990s.

Book Review: "Die Venus-Katastrophe" by Martin Heinrich

Another significant review covers Martin Heinrich's book, "Die Venus-Katastrophe: Wie das Sonnensystem verändert wurde" (The Venus Catastrophe: How the Solar System Was Changed). The book proposes a daring theory that extraterrestrials actively participated in shaping our solar system. Heinrich suggests that the planet Venus, with its retrograde rotation and near-perfect circular orbit, is not a natural celestial body but was deliberately placed by aliens. He theorizes that an unknown planet, Planet X, collided with Jupiter, creating the Great Red Spot and forming the asteroid belt. This Planet X, after being stripped of its crust, was then guided into a near-circular orbit around the sun by extraterrestrials. The motive, according to Heinrich, was to use Jupiter to initiate a nuclear fusion process, turning it into a second sun, thereby creating a new home on a neighboring planet or Jupiter's moon Europa. The book also posits that extraterrestrials may have constructed a cable-based elevator system connecting the Nazca plateau to their spacecraft, using a detached Nazca mountain as a counterweight. Reviewer Hans-Werner Peiniger finds the theory highly speculative and a "catastrophe" as a non-fiction work, questioning how it passed editorial review.

Book Review: "Das Erwachen der Maschinen" edited by Roland Roth

The anthology "Das Erwachen der Maschinen: High Tech vor Jahrtausenden" (The Awakening of Machines: High Tech Thousands of Years Ago), edited by Roland Roth, is presented as a collection of 22 articles, many previously published in "Q'Phaze" magazine. The book focuses on Paleo-SETI, exploring potential evidence of advanced technology in ancient times. Roth's introduction discusses science fiction tropes like "Stargates" and myths involving time shifts, linking them to potential ancient gateways found at sites like Stonehenge and Tiahuanaco. The central question is whether ancient "god machines" left traces. The book offers three explanations for the lack of such artifacts: they were taken back by the gods, they are kept secret, or we fail to recognize them as non-terrestrial. The review highlights contributions on topics such as the Antikythera mechanism, ancient Egyptian pyramids, Nazca lines, and the "Aiud object." A particularly interesting contribution mentioned is Thomas Ritter's piece on the Voynich Manuscript, a mysterious text with undeciphered script and unusual illustrations.

Product Announcement: "JUFOF" Archive (1980-2000)

The journal announces the availability of its archives from 1980 to 2000 on DVD-ROM and CD-ROM. The "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (JUFOF), published by GEP e.V. since 1972, is described as a critically-oriented publication specializing in UFO phenomena, providing a platform for UFO witnesses and an alternative to sensationalist or cult-like approaches. The archive offers a comprehensive collection of 20 years of research, including expert articles, case studies, and analyses.

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

Finally, the issue reviews Peter Brendt's book, "Die Jagd nach dem Heiligen Gral" (The Hunt for the Holy Grail). The book questions the traditional narrative of the Holy Grail, exploring its potential appearance in France in 1891 and its connection to the life of Jesus and his descendants. It also examines the role of the Templars and potential church coercion related to the Grail. Brendt aims to share his "treasure hunt," fascination, doubts, research, and discoveries. The review cites positive feedback from Amazon, describing the book as demystifying the Grail, presenting it as a collection of historical documents, and being factual, well-founded, and engaging.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, extraterrestrial theories, ancient advanced technologies, and historical mysteries like the Holy Grail. The editorial stance, as represented by the GEP e.V. and the "Journal für UFO-Forschung," is one of critical, scientific, and methodical investigation of UFO phenomena, aiming to provide a serious and evidence-based approach distinct from sensationalism or pseudoscience. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary research and collaboration with authorities and institutions.