JUFOF - Issue 180 - 2008 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of jufof, the journal for UFO research, is dated 06-2008 (Volume 29, Issue 180) and was published by GEP e.V., a German organization founded in 1972. The cover price was 4.50 Euro. The main cover headline is "Angaben von Augenzeugen" (Witness Statements), with a sub-headline questioning the reliability of statements regarding celestial direction. The issue also features "USO-Berichte aus Deutschland" (USO Reports from Germany), Part 2 of a case collection, and "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Observations), covering sightings, documentation, and evaluations.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Liebe Leser" (Dear Readers) and written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, addresses the current issue's focus on witness statements and the GEP's work and goals. Peiniger emphasizes that the GEP cannot definitively answer the question of the UFO phenomenon's origin, which he sees as the source of much interest. He highlights that the lack of established knowledge necessitates a pluralistic approach and encourages open discussion among different groups, whether skeptical or supportive. The GEP aims to maintain a clear profile and avoid being absorbed by other organizations. Peiniger states that the GEP cannot support initiatives like the 'Exopolitics' that demand an end to the 'secrecy of extraterrestrial presence,' as their research over 30 years has found no clear evidence for such a presence. He advocates for a scientifically grounded, open-minded research approach and encourages collaboration with other organizations, mentioning the upcoming GEP conference on May 2-3 in Schmerlenbach.

UFO Observations: Documentations - Evaluations

This section presents several case studies analyzed by the GEP:

UFO near Biburg Church?

• Date: September 8, 2008
• Location: Biburg, Germany
• Witness: Richard S.
• Classification: DD (Data Doubtful)
• Evaluation: IFO / V1 (Identified Flying Object / Possible)
• Identification: Bird
• Summary: A photographer captured an image of a possible object between church towers during a bike tour. Upon closer examination, and with the witness's confirmation, the object was identified as a bird in flight, appearing larger due to zoom and proximity to the camera.

UFO photographed over Immenstadt

• Date: December 30, 2008
• Location: Immenstadt, Germany
• Witness: Marcus H.
• Classification: NL (Not Logged)
• Evaluation: IFO / V1
• Identification: Planet Venus
• Summary: A bright object observed nightly and photographed was identified as the planet Venus. The unusual appearance in the photograph is attributed to a long exposure time (2 seconds) causing motion blur, not a disc-shaped object.

Small blue object discovered on photo

• Date: November 26, 2008
• Location: Calpe, Spain
• Witness: Rainer M.
• Classification: NL
• Evaluation: IFO / V2 (Identified Flying Object / Likely)
• Identification: Lens reflection
• Summary: A photograph taken from a balcony at night revealed a small blue object and another larger object with circular structures. The small object is likely a lens reflection, possibly from a street lantern. The larger object, visible when the photo is brightened, is identified as dust or water droplets (from drizzle) illuminated by the camera's flash, appearing as blurred circles due to being out of focus.

UFO or Bird?

• Date: July 14, 2007
• Location: Bregenz, Austria
• Witness: Guido D.
• Classification: DD
• Evaluation: IFO / V1
• Identification: Bird
• Summary: A photograph taken on a hill was initially unclear. The object is identified as a bird in flight, appearing as a blurred streak due to its speed and the camera's relatively slow shutter speed. A false-color representation highlights areas that could be interpreted as wing beats.

UFO over Ventschow photographed?

• Date: April 11, 1993
• Location: Ventschow, Germany
• Witnesses: Joachim L. (born 1951)
• Classification: DD
• Evaluation: IFO / V2
• Identification: Fireball / Photo defect
• Summary: A witness reported seeing a bright streak with a dark point moving from WNW to NO in 1993. The witness provided a Polaroid photo taken during the event. The investigation suggests the phenomenon was likely a fireball, but the image itself is identified as a photographic development error. The dark point and surrounding halo are attributed to pressure on the Polaroid film during processing, causing chemical reactions and light diffraction. The witness's memory of the event may have merged with the photographic artifact over time.

Three UFOs near sunset

• Date: July 15, 2005
• Location: München-Neuperlach, Germany
• Witnesses: N.N. (Not Named)
• Classification: DD
• Evaluation: NEAR IFO
• Identification: Kites
• Summary: Photos sent by a friend showed objects that the sender and friend had previously wondered about. The photos were taken from a 6th-floor apartment. Five out of seven photos show three "unidentified flying objects" that appear to be kites. The objects showed little movement over a period of about 4.5 minutes.

Other Sections

• Short Notes: Includes a mention of a new website "UFOs and Aliens in Everyday Life" and a brief note "kkk".
• How reliable are statements...: This section, starting on page 188, likely delves into the main cover topic of witness testimony reliability.
• Letters to the Editor: Features a letter from Uli Thieme, Schwäbisch Hall.
• Announcements: Includes information on postage increases and the GEP conference.
• Impressum: Provides details about the publisher (GEP e.V.), editors (Hans-Werner Peiniger, Danny Ammon), contact information, bank details, and subscription prices (€27.00 per year plus postage).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of UFO sightings, particularly through photographic evidence and witness testimony. The editorial clearly outlines the GEP's stance: a commitment to rigorous, scientific, and open-minded research, acknowledging the current lack of definitive answers regarding the UFO phenomenon's origin. The magazine actively debunks or provides alternative explanations for reported sightings, identifying them as known objects (like Venus or birds), natural phenomena (like lens flares or atmospheric effects), or photographic artifacts. The editorial emphasizes the importance of pluralism and collaboration within the UFO research community, while firmly rejecting politically motivated interpretations like 'Exopolitics'. The overall tone is one of cautious investigation and a dedication to evidence-based conclusions.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated Ausgabe 6-2008, Nr. 180, focuses on the analysis of photographic evidence and witness reports of alleged UFO phenomena. The primary investigator and author for most of the featured cases is Hans-Werner Peiniger. The magazine presents detailed discussions and assessments of various sightings, often concluding with prosaic explanations.

Discussion and Assessment of Cases

Discussion and Assessment: Unidentified Objects in Photographs (Page 1)

The first article discusses a case where objects were observed hovering for about 4.5 minutes without apparent movement. The author, Hans-Werner Peiniger, speculates that these might have been a "kite train" (Drachengespann), possibly with small wind socks attached for stabilization. He notes that the Westpark in Munich is a popular spot for kite flying and that a summer festival was held there by the Erasmus-Grasser-Gymnasium on July 15, 2005. While the exact launch site couldn't be confirmed, the visual characteristics and prolonged presence in the sky led to the conclusion that it was likely a kite formation, a view shared by colleagues.

Projectile-like Body Photographed Ascending? (Page 1-3)

This section details a case from June 28, 2007, in Gifhorn, Germany, reported by Simone Z. The photograph captured a projectile-like body seemingly ascending from a lake. Initially, the witness and her husband considered it a projectile or ball lightning. However, upon closer examination of the image, the "flight path" extended to the bottom edge of the picture. Further analysis, including examining other photos from the same location and using Google Earth to pinpoint the photographer's position, led Hans-Werner Peiniger and his colleagues to conclude that the phenomenon was likely "spiderwebs" (Spinnfäden) with a thickening, possibly blown by the wind in front of the camera lens. The location was identified as the terrace of the Mühlenmuseum in Gifhorn.

Numerous Objects Discovered in Photos (Page 4-5)

This report, dated July 14, 2007, from Mixdorf-Kupferhammer, Germany, involves Mathias A. who photographed his Christmas trees at night with a new digital camera. During a flash, he observed something in the sky invisible to the naked eye. His 12-year-old daughter also photographed similar phenomena independently. The witness emphasizes that the objects are not camera reflections and expresses genuine concern, stating they are normal people, not "spinners." The objects are described as appearing like small and large moons at different heights and locations, moving. The author, Hans-Werner Peiniger, identifies these as likely lens reflections, dust particles, insects, or possibly even planets that were blurred due to camera shake. He suggests that the "strange observation in the millisecond range" was likely a briefly illuminated flying insect (moth, bat, or startled bird) and concludes that the anomalies are explainable by conventional effects.

ISS Misinterpreted as UFO (Page 5-7)

This case, dated August 14, 2007, from Altenstadt, Germany, involves witness Dietmar O. who observed an object described as having the apparent size of a two-Euro coin, moving at high speed from west to east. It was round, illuminated reddish to white, and lasted about 25 seconds. The witness also noted a preceding "headlight-like" light beam. Hans-Werner Peiniger identifies this phenomenon as a likely overflight of the International Space Station (ISS). While the witness's reported time was slightly off, reconstructions using calsky.de confirmed an ISS pass. The "headlight" effect could be atmospheric refraction of sunlight. Other observers also reported seeing the ISS as unusually bright that evening. The report dismisses other round objects in the witness's photos as "orbs," likely caused by flash-illuminated particles or insects.

Giant Luminous Object Photographed? (Page 7-8)

This report concerns a photograph taken on October 18, 2008, in Pawlovka, Russia, by an unidentified witness. The witness's sister-in-law noticed a UFO in the photo two weeks after it was taken, though she did not notice it at the time of shooting. The photo was taken between 6 PM and 7 PM local time. The object is described as a "flying body" (Flugkörper). Hans-Werner Peiniger concludes that the object is a ceiling lamp (Deckenlampe) that was either reflected in the window through which the photo was taken or was digitally inserted to "test" the researchers. He notes the distinct components of a four-armed ceiling lamp visible in the image.

Bright Light Above Leoben/Austria (Page 9)

This case, dated September 10, 2004, from Leoben, Austria, involves witness Timo S. who observed a small, bright point of light in the sky for a few seconds and managed to photograph it. The object disappeared quickly. The analysis by Hans-Werner Peiniger suggests it could be a weather balloon or a sun reflection from a radar reflector coated with aluminum foil. Other possibilities include a foil balloon or a distant aircraft reflecting sunlight. Such phenomena are only briefly visible when they reflect sunlight directly towards the observer.

Glowing Object Photographed by Webcam (Page 10)

This case, dated December 25, 2007, from Zugspitze, Germany, involves Klaus S. who noticed a photo on the website of the "Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG." The photo, taken by a webcam on the Zugspitze, showed a glowing object. Subsequent review of webcam archives revealed the object was visible in photos taken at 18:05 and 18:25, but not at 17:45. Astronomical reconstruction by Marco Nünemann and Hans-Werner Peiniger confirmed that the object was the full moon, one day after its full phase. The moon appeared overexposed due to the webcam's technical limitations and its position directly in the camera's line of sight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination and rational explanation of UFO sightings, particularly those captured in photographs. The journal consistently applies scientific and logical reasoning to demystify phenomena that are initially perceived as anomalous. The editorial stance favors conventional explanations, identifying misidentifications of celestial bodies (ISS, Moon), atmospheric effects, natural phenomena (spiderwebs, insects), and technical artifacts (lens reflections, camera effects) as the most probable causes for reported UFO sightings. The journal aims to educate readers and debunk sensationalist interpretations by providing detailed case analyses and evidence-based conclusions.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), designated as NR. 180 and part of the 6-2008 publication, is primarily focused on UFO and USO (Unidentified Submerged Object) reports originating from Germany and its neighboring regions. The content delves into detailed investigations, witness accounts, and analytical discussions surrounding various aerial and submerged phenomena.

UFO über Osann fotografiert?

This section details a case from November 1, 2007, in Osann-Monzel, Germany, where witness Markus C. photographed two images of a landscape with fog. A peculiar dark, elongated, and blurry object appeared in one photo but was absent in the other, despite being taken moments apart. Investigator Hans-Werner Peiniger suggests the object could be a bird or insect, possibly due to motion blur from wing-flapping, noting that such transient appearances are not unusual.

Kleines Objekt nahe Mond fotografiert

Reported on June 20, 2008, in Dormagen, Germany, by witness Hans-Michael W., this case involves a photograph taken near the moon. The object, described as not a typical saucer but more akin to a living creature with a dragon or snake-like shape, was deemed too irregular for a spacecraft or satellite. Investigator Peiniger, however, suggests that strong image distortions due to camera shake likely caused the appearance, and astronomical reconstruction points to the star Nunki as the probable identification.

Neuseeland-Urlauber fotografierte zwei UFOs

This case, from June 28, 2005, on the North Island of New Zealand, involves witness Peter B. who photographed a rainbow. Two small, brush-shaped objects were visible in one of the photos, but not in a subsequent one taken moments later. Peiniger identifies these as likely birds, with their appearance attributed to the fast shutter speed (1/800s) of the camera, which captured the wing-flapping motion.

USO-Berichte aus Deutschland – Teil 2

Authored by Ulrich Magin, this extensive article continues a series on Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs) reported in Germany. It presents eleven new reports, supplementing previous findings and introducing phenomena like waterspouts, sea-lights, and unusual thread-like structures. The article categorizes these reports, including:

1. 1950s-1970s, Berliner Havelseen: A newspaper clipping about a supposed UFO crash in a Havel lake, possibly an April Fool's joke.
2. June 1976, Fehmarn: A family observed two reddish-glowing discs, described as large and moving erratically over the sea.
3. December 31, 1978, Niendorf: A supposed UFO in the Weser River was identified as a piece of an experimental rocket.
4. November 19, 1979, Schillingsfürst: A report of a metallic object submerging in a pond, later identified as a scarecrow.
5. December 29, 1982, Frohnau: A search for a UFO in a frozen swimming pool yielded no results.
6. November 15, 2004, Usedom: A catamaran damaged by an "underwater obstacle" was attributed to wreckage, not a USO.
7. June 28, 2007, Mühlensee bei Gifhorn: A photo showed disturbance on a lake, possibly a spiderweb.
8. September 9, 2008, Lindau am Bodensee: Reported distress flares were identified as miniature hot air balloons.
9. September 13, 2008, Rhein bei Köln: A woman reported seeing lights over the Rhine.
10. January 17, 2009, Ostseegebiet: A bright bolide was observed over the Baltic Sea.
11. January 2009, Berlin: Circular holes in lake ice were explained as "steam holes" caused by solar warming.

The article also discusses "Quasi-USOs" related to lakes and rivers, including a Kornkreis sighting near the Laacher See and reports of lights over the Rhine and Isar rivers. It touches upon historical accounts, such as a "devil boat" in 1521 and a 1781 sighting of a "large rocket."

Meeresleuchten

This brief section notes that sea-lights, often associated with tropical regions, are also observed in Germany, citing a 1986 incident in Travemünde where campers reported mysterious sea luminescence, which was attributed to environmental pollution rather than an underwater UFO.

Die Nachbarländer

Deutschsprachige Schweiz: A report from May 29, 2004, in Luzern describes a witness hearing a large meteor with a distinct tail, which she described as "hissing" or "flashing." The witness insists it was not a fireworks display and questions if it could be a fish or a lake monster.

Niederlande: Two historical Dutch reports are mentioned: a "devil boat" incident in 1521 and a 1960s encounter with beings from the planet Jarga, involving a submerged craft. The author notes that these USO explanations mirror the broader UFO phenomenon.

Kurz notiert: Aktuelle Meldungen

Neue Website »UFOs und Aliens im Alltag«: This section announces a new website, a collaborative project by GEP and CENAP, dedicated to collecting and displaying everyday UFO and alien motifs found in advertising, clothing, and household items. The goal is to explore how these pervasive images might influence our perception of the extraterrestrial and our worldview.

Neuerungen bei der UFO-Datenbank: The UFO database has undergone a significant overhaul, expanding its scope to include European sighting databases and allowing users to search by individual countries. The database, a joint effort of German UFO research groups, serves as a central archive for UFO sightings, encouraging individuals to report their own experiences.

Wie sicher sind Himmelsrichtungs-angaben von Augenzeugen?

Authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this article critically examines the reliability of directional information provided by eyewitnesses in UFO reports. Peiniger highlights the difficulty in verifying such claims, especially when they seem to contradict known phenomena. He uses an example of a witness reporting an object in the East, when astronomical data indicated the planet Venus (a common misidentification for UFOs) was visible in the West. The witness later corrected his statement after using a compass, underscoring the importance of cross-referencing and verifying even seemingly straightforward details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and analysis of unidentified aerial and submerged phenomena, with a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine anomalies and misidentifications of natural events or known objects. The journal appears to maintain a rigorous, evidence-based approach, encouraging critical evaluation of witness testimony and utilizing astronomical data and scientific explanations where applicable. The editorial stance leans towards a skeptical yet open-minded investigation of UFO and USO reports, aiming to provide a platform for documented cases and their analysis within the UFO research community.

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: NR. 180, AUSGABE 6-2008
Publisher: jufof-Redaktion
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 1861-9711

This issue of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' delves into the complexities of UFO investigations, focusing on the challenges of witness testimony, research methodologies, and the scientific evaluation of UFO phenomena. It features articles that critically examine common misidentifications, discuss the importance of rigorous investigation techniques, and review relevant literature and research groups.

Articles and Features

Astronomical Misidentifications and Witness Testimony

The issue begins by highlighting a common pitfall in UFO investigations: inaccurate directional reporting by witnesses. Two cases are presented where witnesses, despite their conviction, misidentified celestial bodies, specifically Venus, as UFOs. The first case involves a witness in Bad Kissingen who initially reported an object in the East, but later corrected it to the West, admitting to confusing sunrise and sunset. The second case from Wilhelmshaven describes a witness, Frau Z., and others who were unable to identify Venus, leading them to believe a nearby object was a UFO. The article emphasizes the need for UFO investigators to be aware of these inaccuracies and to employ follow-up questioning, potentially using astronomical cues like sunrise and sunset, or even visual aids like maps and satellite imagery (Google Maps, Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth) to help witnesses pinpoint directions.

Discussion on Michael Hesemann Interview and Media Ethics

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a reader's letter from Uli Thieme, critically examining an interview with Michael Hesemann published in a previous issue (jufof Nr. 4-2008). Thieme challenges Hesemann's claims regarding Walter Haut's second affidavit about the Roswell incident, stating that the affidavit was not written by Haut himself but by Don Schmitt, and was presented to Haut when he was severely ill with dementia, three years before his death. Thieme criticizes the interviewers for not challenging these false statements, arguing that it compromises the journal's journalistic integrity and promotes legend-building around Roswell. The interviewers, Natale Guido Cincinnati and Peter Kauert, respond in a commentary, acknowledging Thieme's points but defending their approach. They explain that their primary goal was to provide an overview of Michael Hesemann's life and work, and that while they recognized the controversy surrounding Walter Haut's affidavit, they chose to let Hesemann's statements stand as his subjective opinion to avoid derailing the interview's focus. They ask for reader understanding for their editorial decision, emphasizing that their intention was not to question the journal's seriousness but to manage the interview's scope.

Review of Olaf Fritz's Book on GEP's Scientific Approach

The magazine features a review of Olaf Fritz's book, "Über die Wissenschaftlichkeit der UFO-Forschung der GEP e. V." (On the Scientific Nature of UFO Research by GEP e.V.). The book is an empirical case study examining whether UFO research conducted in Germany, often by privately funded groups, meets scientific standards. Fritz's study focuses on the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.) in Lüdenscheid. The review highlights Fritz's conclusion that the GEP's research is characterized by a clearly defined subject, a methodical and reproducible approach, and that its findings are regularly published in the jufof. The book is described as a comprehensive analysis of the GEP's scientific methodology.

Other Content

Price Increase for International Postage: The editorial team announces a necessary increase in the postage cost for international subscriptions, from €11 to €18 starting in 2009, due to rising prices from Deutsche Post. They express hope that international readers will remain subscribers.

Invitation to GEP Conference: Readers are invited to attend the GEP conference scheduled for May 2-3, 2009, at the Bildungshaus Schmerlenbach in Hösbach, near Aschaffenburg. A flyer with the program and registration details is included with the issue.

Q'Phaze Magazine Advertisement: An advertisement for 'Q'Phaze - Realität... anders!' magazine is included, promoting its content on topics like Paleo-SETI, exobiology, astronomy, archaeology, and fringe science, and offering subscription options.

GEP and UFO Information: The final pages provide information about the GEP e.V., describing it as Germany's largest non-profit scientific UFO research organization, and its methods. It also defines what constitutes a UFO according to their criteria and provides contact information for reporting UFO sightings via phone, website, web forum, and email.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of UFO evidence and witness accounts, the importance of scientific methodology in UFO research, and the journalistic responsibility of publications like 'jufof'. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based investigation, encouraging critical thinking and transparency. The journal aims to provide a platform for detailed case studies, methodological discussions, and a critical review of claims within the UFO field, while also fostering a community through events and publications. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentifications or unsubstantiated claims, and on maintaining high journalistic standards.