JUFOF - Issue 178 - 2008 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), dated 04-2008 (Volume 29, Issue 178), is published by GEP e.V. and focuses heavily on the "UFO Sighting Wave 2007/08" as the primary theme. The cover prominently features the magazine title, issue details, and a striking graphic illustrating an alien brain within a human head observing a sky lantern. The main cover headlines highlight the sighting wave and an interview with Michael Hesemann, with a subtitle indicating that a global phenomenon requires global study.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Danny Ammon, addresses the readers, noting that the current issue delves into the prevalent UFO research topic: sightings attributed to sky lanterns. The editorial explains that the boom in affordable party accessories has led to an increase in sky lantern releases, resulting in numerous UFO reports. It suggests that as sky lanterns become more widely recognized, UFO reports based on them may decrease. The editorial introduces a section by Hans-Werner Peiniger, the GEP's board chairman, presenting a cross-section of cases he investigated that were identified as sky lanterns, aiming to familiarize readers with their appearance and behavior. The second part of this extensive case documentation will be in the next issue. Additionally, the editorial mentions an interview with Michael Hesemann, who, despite having stepped back from UFO research, still comments on certain topics. It also highlights an analysis by Ulrich Magin of the autobiography of NASA astronaut Ed Mitchell, known in the UFO community. Finally, Ferhat Talayhan reports on the "World Mysteries Forum" in Basel. The editorial concludes by mentioning the upcoming GEP member meeting in Lüdenscheid.

UFO-Sichtungswelle 2007/08 – Teil 1

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger details the significant wave of UFO sightings in 2007 and continuing into 2008, with most being identified as sky lanterns (Himmelslaternen). The author references a previous article by Jochen Ickinger in "jufof" Nr. 173, which provided a basic overview and mapped the sightings across Germany. This contribution aims to present the majority of GEP-reported sightings, providing brief summaries and witness testimonies rather than exhaustive details. Peiniger asserts that the observed phenomena, including individual sky lanterns and fleets (likened to "silent fireworks"), are attributable to misinterpreted sky lanterns. The evaluation considered the visual appearance and flight behavior of the objects. The article notes the similarity in descriptions and witness accounts. Unconventional flight patterns, such as objects flying in different directions or overtaking each other at high speeds, are explained by localized microclimates and wind movements that differ from ground-level winds, causing seemingly unusual maneuvers and formations. The surge in sky lantern usage is linked to the availability of inexpensive imports since 2007. Peiniger emphasizes the importance of investigating these cases to provide adequate assessments to observers and to inform the public, with the goal of reducing such reports as sky lanterns become more familiar.

The article includes a map of Germany showing the distribution of UFO sightings attributed to miniature hot-air balloons between May and September 2007. It then proceeds to detail specific cases from December 31, 2007, including:

• Hagen - Haspe: A witness observed a small red point moving slowly, hovering, and then ascending vertically.
• Böblingen - Dagersheim: Two sightings of an orange light that moved slowly, stopped, and disappeared, not resembling an aircraft.
• Hörnum (Sylt): Two people saw three silent lights moving from the sea towards land, with the outer lights changing positions.
• Burgstädt: A witness and his wife observed a large, yellow-red, flickering light that flew southeast, with three more lights appearing later.
• Freising: Two yellow lights were seen moving from the west, slowing down, and ascending rapidly. Another light appeared later near the airport.
• München: A witness saw a round, orange sphere moving slowly and stopping, causing fear.

Further cases from late December 2007 are presented:

• München: A witness observed an object flying freely in various directions, unlike an airplane, before disappearing and reappearing.
• Zeil am Main: Seven objects were seen, initially three, then others appearing and moving at high speed. They were bright orange and flickered.
• Dresden - Dölzschen: An object moved at high speed from the east, paused, and then moved east again rapidly.
• Kirchberg an der Jagst: Two yellow points performed unusual maneuvers, followed by a third object.

Cases from November and December 2007 are also detailed:

• Kirchhain - Betziesdorf: Three people observed a bright orange light that moved slowly, hovered, and then became smaller and disappeared.
• Erfurt: An orange-yellow light moved quickly, hovered for two minutes, flickered, and disappeared southeast.
• Nordhorn: A witness saw about ten undefinable, strongly orange-glowing objects moving quickly north, compared to streetlights.
• Alsbach: Approximately 12 unknown objects were sighted moving quickly and disappearing, ruled out as aircraft or helicopters.
• Kirchberg an der Jagst: Two yellow points performed unusual flight maneuvers.
• München: A witness saw a round, orange sphere moving slowly and stopping.

Mitchell und die UFOs

This section features an analysis by Ulrich Magin of the autobiography of NASA astronaut Ed Mitchell, a figure known in UFO circles. The article likely explores Mitchell's perspectives and experiences related to UFO phenomena.

"Ein globales Phänomen muss global studiert werden" (An Interview with Michael Hesemann)

This interview with Michael Hesemann, a former UFO researcher, explores his continued engagement with the topic. Despite his withdrawal from active research, Hesemann still contributes his views, reinforcing the idea that UFOs are a phenomenon that requires global study.

World Mystery Forum 2008

Ferhat Talayhan reports on the "World Mystery Forum 2008" held in Basel. This section likely covers the discussions, presentations, and findings from the event, which focuses on various mystery phenomena.

Kurz notiert (Brief Notes)

This section contains short news items:

• Ernst Meckelburg verstorben: An obituary for Ernst Meckelburg.
• "Fliegende Untertassen über Bayern" (Flying Saucers over Bavaria): A brief note likely related to sightings in Bavaria.
• "UFOs und Souveränität" (UFOs and Sovereignty): A note possibly discussing the implications of UFO phenomena on national sovereignty.

Literatur (Literature)

This section provides a listing or review of literature related to UFOs, with the entry "Beyond UFOs" mentioned.

Impressum (Imprint)

The imprint details the publisher as Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., founded in 1972, with contact information and bank details. It lists Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon as responsible for editorial content. The imprint states that contributions do not necessarily reflect GEP's views and that unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for. "jufof" is published bi-monthly on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being honorarium-free. Subscription prices are listed as €27.00 per year plus postage. Advertising prices are available upon request, with small classified ads being free for subscribers and members under certain conditions. Reprinting requires written permission from GEP. The printing is done by MG-Verlag, and the copyright is held by GEP e.V. (2007).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation of UFO sightings, with a strong emphasis on identifying them as sky lanterns (Himmelslaternen). The editorial stance, as presented by the GEP, is one of rational investigation and explanation, aiming to demystify phenomena by attributing them to known causes where possible. The magazine also shows an interest in the perspectives of credible figures like astronauts (Ed Mitchell) and researchers (Michael Hesemann), suggesting an openness to exploring the broader implications of UFO phenomena while maintaining a grounded approach to case analysis. The publication appears to be dedicated to UFO research from a scientific and investigative perspective, aiming to inform the public and provide thorough documentation of reported cases.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Issue 4-2008, Nr. 178) is primarily dedicated to documenting numerous witness reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) observed in Germany during 2007. The magazine also features a significant article exploring astronaut Edgar Mitchell's connection to the UFO phenomenon.

Witness Reports of UAPs

The bulk of the content consists of detailed accounts from various witnesses across Germany, cataloged with unique case numbers, dates, times, locations, and investigator notes. The overwhelming majority of these sightings are classified as 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object) and identified as 'Himmelslaternen' (sky lanterns). Despite this classification, the reports highlight several intriguing characteristics that often lead witnesses to question conventional explanations.

Key Observations from Witness Reports:

• Visuals: Objects are frequently described as bright lights, often orange, red, yellow, or white. They are seen in various formations, including lines, triangles, and diamond shapes. Some reports mention objects that are silent, do not blink like conventional aircraft, and maintain a constant intensity or pulsate.
• Movement: Witnesses describe objects moving at high speeds, hovering, ascending rapidly, changing direction suddenly, and disappearing. The speed and maneuverability are often noted as being beyond that of typical aircraft.
• Sound: A recurring detail is the complete absence of sound, which is often contrasted with the expected noise from aircraft or helicopters.
• Locations and Dates: The sightings span various dates in 2007, with a concentration in October and November. Locations are spread across Germany, including Frankfurt, Wetter (Hessen), München, Mössingen, Neustrelitz, Hameln, Rottweil, Mülheim, Ingolstadt, Weinsberg, Viersen, Neuwied, Augsburg, Leipzig, Passau, Hanau, Falkensee, Wermelskirchen, Bopfingen, Regensburg, Buchs, and others.

Notable Sightings:

• Frankfurt (2007-11-16): Three bright lights flew silently in a straight line, forming a diamond shape before disappearing.
• München (2007-10-20): Silent, yellow-orange points moved in a triangular formation.
• Rottweil (2007-10-13): Two formations of red/bright lights appeared, turned, and disappeared without sound or blinking.
• Ingolstadt (2007-10-12): Fifteen to twenty bright orange/yellow objects moved at high speed without blinking or sound.
• Passau (2007-09-22): Multiple lights formed a 'spearhead' or triangle shape and then shot upwards at incredible speed.
• Regensburg (2007-09-16): Eight orangey-yellow points moved at high speed without contrails, followed later by a single orange point moving from north to south.

Investigator:

Hans-Werner Peiniger is listed as the investigator for most of these cases, indicating a systematic approach to documenting and analyzing these reports.

Mitchell und die UFOs

The article "Mitchell und die UFOs" by Ulrich Magin delves into the relationship between US astronaut Edgar Dean Mitchell, the sixth man to walk on the Moon, and the UFO phenomenon. Mitchell, after his lunar mission, began exploring the spiritual dimensions of human existence, founding the "Institute of Neotic Science" in California in the 1970s. Magin discusses Mitchell's autobiographical work, "The Way of the Explorer," where Mitchell posits a conscious cosmos, challenges conventional physics, and suggests humans possess paranormal abilities.

Magin notes that Mitchell's views, which deviate from mainstream scientific consensus, made him a "suspicious" figure to orthodox physicists. Despite his interest in UFOs, Mitchell mentions them only briefly in his writings, referencing works by authors like Kevin Randle and Zecharia Sitchin (though with a misspelling and miscategorization). The article suggests that while Mitchell's exploration of these topics was courageous, it doesn't necessarily mean his conclusions are always correct.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" leans heavily towards documenting and analyzing unexplained aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on witness testimonies. The consistent classification of most sightings as 'sky lanterns' suggests an editorial effort to provide rational explanations where possible. However, the detailed descriptions of silent, fast-moving, and unusually behaving lights indicate that the magazine also acknowledges the persistent mystery surrounding some sightings. The inclusion of the article on Edgar Mitchell suggests an interest in how prominent figures and scientific minds engage with topics beyond conventional understanding, linking astronaut experiences with broader questions of consciousness and the universe.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2008, Nr. 178, features a prominent interview with Michael Hesemann, a well-known figure in German UFO research who has since shifted his focus to theology and church history. The cover headline, "»Ein globales Phänomen muss global studiert werden«" (A global phenomenon must be studied globally), sets the tone for Hesemann's perspective.

Interview with Michael Hesemann

The interview, conducted by Peter Kauert and Natale Guido Cincinnati, delves into Hesemann's reasons for stepping back from UFO research. He explains that by the late 1990s, he could no longer align with the direction of German UFO research. He criticizes the 'tabloidization' of the UFO topic, which he helped popularize with his book "Geheimsache UFO" (Secret UFO), and the subsequent publication of sensationalist stories. He also points to the infiltration of UFO research by right-wing and ultra-right-wing circles, citing examples like Jan van Helsing and Josef Schedel, and the controversial special issue of "Magazin 2000" about the 'Reichsregierung'.

Hesemann states that his focus shifted to understanding what governments, military, and air traffic control had discovered, seeking insights from competent witnesses like pilots, astronauts, and scientists, rather than relying on anecdotal accounts. He also expresses concern about the increasing influence of right-wing ideologies within the UFO community.

He recounts his decade-long, intensive UFO research across 44 countries from 1989 to 2000, during which he collected thousands of documents, films, and photos. He felt he had reached a point where the UFO phenomenon was undeniably real, with governments acknowledging it and engaging in communication with extraterrestrials. This realization, coupled with a desire for something new, led him to re-evaluate his path.

A pivotal moment occurred in June 2000, the Holy Year, when he attended an audience with Pope John Paul II. This experience prompted him to seek a new direction, leading him to focus on the 'New Evangelization of Europe' as advocated by the Pope. His previous book on the 'Jesus Tablet' and his private audience with the Pope had already opened doors in religious circles.

Hesemann's transition to theology and church history is rooted in his upbringing as a Catholic and his lifelong interest in history and archaeology. He sees archaeology as a means to find answers to questions about the truth of the Gospels, citing the precision of descriptions in the Gospel of Mark as evidence of eyewitness accounts.

He maintains that his past UFO research is not invalidated and that he stands by his published work. He suggests that a return to UFO research might be possible if governments release new evidence and if the topic regains public and publishing interest. He notes the serious discussion of extraterrestrial life within the Vatican Observatory.

Regarding the current state of UFO research in Germany, Hesemann praises the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.) as the most credible and serious group, highlighting their objective approach and willingness to consider all possibilities. He criticizes other organizations like DEGUFO and CENAP for lacking clear direction or engaging in unprofessional practices.

Hesemann emphasizes the need for global cooperation in UFO research, drawing parallels between the political climate and the openness of UFO information. He points to the greater number of UFO sightings in countries like Brazil and Italy, where people spend more time outdoors, and suggests that densely populated areas with strict air traffic control are less suitable for extraterrestrial operations than vast, open spaces.

He shares two particularly impactful cases: the Ruwa, Zimbabwe incident in 1994, where schoolchildren witnessed an alien encounter, and the Tepoztlan, Mexico case, which involved a mass sighting of UFOs and was corroborated by radar data. He also mentions the serious accounts from Russian cosmonauts and generals who confirmed UFO phenomena.

World Mystery Forum 2008 Report from Basel

This section reports on the 4th World Mystery Forum held in Basel, Switzerland, organized by Ulrich Dopatka. The event brought together namhafte and serious scientists from around the world to present new developments and findings. The forum featured eleven speakers over two days, covering various disciplines.

Notable presentations included:

• Lucius Werthmüller discussed the phenomenon of faith healers, presenting both impressive and disturbing videos of their practices, including his own self-experiment.
• Prof. Dr. Günter Nimtz presented on the 'tunnel effect,' an experiment where microwaves tunneled through a Plexiglas double prism without time loss, suggesting it cannot be classically explained.
• Dr. Martin Tajmar presented experiments with rotating superconductors that he claims demonstrate antigravity, though his results are not yet independently verified.
• Prof. Dr. Chandra Wickramasinghe spoke about his theories on panspermia, the idea that interstellar dust and comet tails carry simple organic life forms throughout the universe.
• Daniel Ebner discussed the 'Urzeit-Code' (Primeval Code), suggesting that plants and animals exposed to high-voltage fields exhibit altered forms and behaviors over time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the evolving landscape of UFO research, the personal journeys of researchers, and the intersection of UFO phenomena with science, history, and theology. Hesemann's interview highlights a critical perspective on the state of UFO research in Germany, advocating for a more global, scientific, and less ideologically driven approach. The World Mystery Forum report showcases a range of fringe science topics, from paranormal phenomena to theoretical physics and ancient astronaut theories. The overall stance of the journal appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained phenomena, with a particular emphasis on rigorous investigation and open discussion, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation and a broader, international perspective.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2008, Nr. 178, published by GEP e.V., focuses on the "World Mysteries Forum 2008" and related topics.

World Mysteries Forum 2008

The issue details the World Mysteries Forum 2008, an event organized by Ulrich Dopatka. The event featured a variety of speakers and discussions. Initially, the presentations by Renate Patzschke on Pre-Inca cultures and Prof. Dr. Wolf Dieter Grossmann on a societal theory were described as "rather tedious and information-poor." However, the tone shifted with a presentation by Dr. Peter Creola, a former ESA Switzerland delegate, who offered a sweeping critique of society and proposed his maxims for a better future. His suggestion that more state funding should be directed towards UFO and crop circle research was particularly surprising coming from an ESA representative.

Dr. Kathryn Denning's presentation, which involved tearing up an A4 sheet of paper to illustrate the limited nature of current information, was well-received and captivated the audience. The reviewer wished this had been the concluding presentation, as the final talk by James N. Gardner, on whether hypercivilizations could create universes, was lengthy and exhausted the audience's attention, ultimately having little to do with its announced topic.

Despite the varied quality of the presentations, the event itself was praised for its excellent preparation, moderation by Dopatka, and well-timed breaks with free refreshments. Two simultaneous translators ensured that all attendees could follow the presentations via headsets. The speakers were accessible during breaks, engaging with attendees and answering questions. Podiumsdiskussionen offered further opportunities for engagement.

Erich von Däniken presented his lecture "Mysterious Egypt," drawing visitors who had traveled from France specifically for the event. The reviewer expressed hope for Ulrich Dopatka's future events, emphasizing the importance of attracting attendees beyond the usual UFO research community. The nature of the questions during the podium discussions, largely focused on archaeoastronautics, Roswell, and related topics, indicated that the audience primarily consisted of "people from our own ranks."

However, the quality of the speakers was deemed high enough to attract students, other scientists, and anyone interested in new scientific discoveries and notable speakers, thus contributing to the WMF's success.

Current News and Obituaries

Ernst Meckelburg Passes Away: The issue reports the death of Ernst Meckelburg, a well-known author of books and articles on fringe science topics, at the age of 81. Meckelburg was known for his work on parapsychology, time anomalies, and consciousness phenomena. He proposed that UFOs could be interpreted as time machines from the future, with phenomena like cloud formations and sudden appearances/disappearances being effects of de- and rematerialization techniques used in future time travel technology.

"Flying Saucers in the Sky over Bavaria": This section details a high-strangeness UFO case from Germany during the wave of autumn 1954. A press release from "Le Soir" (Marseilles) dated September 4, 1954, reported that a flat, circular machine with "frayed" edges was observed moving at high speed from East to West near Obersüßbach, Bavaria, by multiple witnesses during the hop harvest. The object was clearly visible in the clear sky and not an optical illusion. Additionally, American authorities were investigating reports from Landshut residents who claimed to have seen a high-altitude aircraft releasing hundreds of balloons that burst, releasing something resembling swarms of insects. The article questions whether this is a variant of the Angel Hair phenomenon.

Articles and Analysis

"UFOs and Sovereignty": This section reviews an article from the scientific journal "Political Theory" (Issue 4/2008) titled "Sovereignty and the UFO." The article explores the concept of sovereignty as anthropocentric and discusses the UFO phenomenon as a generally taboo subject due to the potential influence of non-human intelligence on our worldview. The authors argue that the taboo is rooted in political reasons, viewing UFOs as a "tempo-spatial threat" that challenges state sovereignty because such entities are not accommodated within current political systems. The article notes that U.S. Air Force investigations have concluded that the phenomenon is not a national threat and the extraterrestrial hypothesis is highly improbable. The authors' reaction is characterized as resistance to the UFO taboo, which prevents UFOs from being considered as real objects. This creates a problem for researchers, as there are no resources for serious research, and publications risk their reputation. The core thesis is that accepting the reality of UFO phenomena (not necessarily aliens) questions humanity's political situation. The reviewer criticizes the article for its problematic one-sidedness, relying exclusively on pro-UFO and ETH literature while neglecting critical perspectives. This bias, the reviewer argues, can lead to misjudging the phenomenon and drawing incorrect conclusions.

Literature Reviews

"Beyond UFOs – The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Its Astonishing Implications for Our Future" by Jeffrey Bennett: This book review discusses Jeffrey Bennett's work, which, despite its title, focuses more on the potential origin and existence of extraterrestrial life and its implications for humanity's future. Bennett, an astrophysicist and educator, examines the origin of life on Earth and its potential prevalence in the universe. He explores whether we can expect extraterrestrial life within our solar system and how such knowledge might be applied universally. While many readers might expect speculative scenarios about alien civilizations, Bennett focuses on microscopic, bacterial life. The reviewer, Hans-Werner Peiniger, finds the book's arguments optimistic and passionate, drawing on astrobiology, geology, and astronomy. Bennett suggests that the search for extraterrestrial life can bridge the gap between science and religion and that the knowledge of not being alone could help humanity cease self-destructive activities. However, Peiniger admits that the book, despite its optimism, did not fully captivate him and did not stand out from other books on the topic.

Film Promotion and Contest

"Die Eylandt-Recherche" Film Contest: The issue promotes the upcoming film "Die Eylandt-Recherche" with a contest offering 5 Eylandt packages (soundtrack, cinema ticket, T-shirt). The prize question asks which scientist explained the panspermia hypothesis at the World Mysteries Forum 2008, with options including Paul Davies, Chandra Wickramasinghe, and Brig Klyce. Entries were due by November 30, 2008.

GEP and Journal Information

GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens): This section describes the GEP as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. It utilizes special questionnaires, field investigations, and in-depth analysis of background information, working interdisciplinarily with support from authorities and scientific institutions.

jufof (Journal für UFO-Forschung): The journal has been critically documenting the UFO phenomenon since 1980. As the publication organ of the GEP, each issue includes a section for documenting, classifying, and investigating reported sightings. The second part features scientifically-written expert articles on UFO phenomena, case studies, and international analyses, rounded off by reviews and reader letters.

UFO Definition: The journal provides a definition of a UFO as a perceived observation of an object or light that defies conventional explanation and remains unidentifiable after thorough investigation.

UFO Reporting: Information is provided on how to report UFO sightings, including a 24/7 telephone number (0 23 51 / 2 33 77), website URLs (www.ufo-forschung.de, www.jufof.de), a web forum, chat, and email ([email protected]).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, scientific and pseudoscientific research, and the societal and political implications of these topics. The journal maintains a scientifically-oriented, critical, yet open stance towards the UFO phenomenon, aiming to document and analyze reports and research in a methodical manner. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between rigorous scientific inquiry and speculative theories, while still acknowledging the potential significance of the subject matter.