JUFOF - Issue 185 - 2009 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), dated May 2009 (Issue Nr. 185, Volume Jg. 30), is published by GEP e.V. and focuses on UFO research, with a prominent article critiquing the FIGU group and several case reports of alleged UFO sightings.

Editorial

Peter Kauert, the editor, reflects on his 18 years with the GEP, emphasizing his continued enthusiasm for UFO research. He highlights the importance of serious research and the GEP's role as a stable entity in the UFO community. Kauert notes that while the UFO phenomenon has its ups and downs, there is always activity. He mentions that the magazine will feature an analysis of the FIGU group, a 'sect-like community' in Switzerland, and a problematic UFO sighting. He encourages readers to enjoy the new findings presented in the issue.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

This section presents documented UFO sightings with an analysis and evaluation:

"Langsam flog es über mich hinweg" (It flew slowly over me)

• Case Number: 19970000 B
• Date: Autumn 1997
• Location: Bad Meinberg, Germany (Lippe district, North Rhine-Westphalia)
• Witness: Jennifer M.
• Classification: NL (Not classified)
• Evaluation: PROBLEMATIC UFO
• Summary: The witness reported seeing two 'stars' that moved vertically and then approached horizontally. The object was described as having pale blue and turquoise lights cycling around a central white area, without blinking or red lights. It flew at a low altitude (a few hundred meters) and at a slow speed, comparable to a passenger plane at high altitude. The witness ruled out misidentification due to over-tiredness or psychological issues.
• Investigator: Hans-Werner Peiniger

UFO im Argentinien-Urlaub fotografiert (UFO photographed on vacation in Argentina)

• Case Number: 20050215 A
• Date: February 15, 2005
• Time: 16:22 Uhr
• Location: San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
• Witness: Denys S.
• Classification: DD (Data Deficient)
• Evaluation: IFO / V2 (Identified Flying Object / Possible misidentification)
• Identification: Vogel (Bird)
• Summary: A photograph taken during a vacation showed an object that was initially unexplained. Upon closer examination, it was identified as a bird that flew through the frame during the photograph's exposure. The blur effect was due to the bird's speed and the camera's relatively slow shutter speed. A second, similar object was also identified as a bird.
• Investigator: Hans-Werner Peiniger

"Grauer Strich" über Wunsiedel ("Grey Streak" over Wunsiedel)

• Case Number: 20080610 A
• Date: June 10, 2008
• Time: 19:31 Uhr MESZ (17:31 UTC)
• Location: Wunsiedel, Germany
• Witness: Tobias B.
• Classification: DD (Data Deficient)
• Evaluation: IFO / V2 (Identified Flying Object / Possible misidentification)
• Identification: Insekt (Insect)
• Summary: The witness took photos of the sunset and later discovered a 'grey streak' with a trailing effect in one of the images. This was likely an insect flying through the frame during the exposure, appearing as a blur due to the camera's shutter speed (1/30 sec). The lighter area below the streak might be the wing beat. Other possibilities include a bird or a small airborne particle.
• Investigator: Hans-Werner Peiniger

Im Netz der FIGU (In the Net of the FIGU)

• Author: Hans-Werner Peiniger
• Summary: This article critically examines the FIGU (Freie Interessengemeinschaft für Grenz- und Geisteswissenschaften und Ufologiestudien), a group led by Eduard Albert Meier, which the author labels as a 'sect-like community'. Peiniger warns potential members against joining, citing concerns about manipulation and the potentially dangerous nature of the group. He recounts an experience with a woman, Anne Pirsch, who was concerned about her friend's involvement with the FIGU. Pirsch visited the FIGU center and described the group as manipulative, with many members being psychologically disturbed or unstable. She found the lectures to be 'poor, unprofessional, and stridently esoteric'. The article also touches upon Meier's claims of extraterrestrial contact and his 'UFO photos', suggesting they are problematic and potentially fabricated.

Kurz notiert (Briefly Noted)

• Neues um das Socorro-UFO (News about the Socorro UFO): A brief mention of new developments regarding the Socorro UFO incident.
• Hinweis (Hint): A brief note, content not specified.

Anmerkungen... (Comments...)

• ...zur UFO-Forschung 2010 – eine Replik (...on UFO Research 2010 – A Reply): This indicates a response or commentary related to UFO research in 2010.

Literatur (Literature)

• The Tunguska Mystery: A literature reference to the Tunguska event.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

• Ulrich Magin, per E-Mail: A letter from Ulrich Magin.
• E. S., per E-Mail: A letter from E. S.
• Kommentar des Autors (Author's Comment): A comment from an author.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the investigation of specific sightings, and a skeptical approach to claims, particularly those associated with groups like the FIGU. The editorial stance, as expressed by Peter Kauert and Hans-Werner Peiniger, is one of promoting serious, evidence-based research and cautioning against sensationalism, pseudoscience, and potentially manipulative groups within the UFO community. The magazine aims to provide analyses and documentation while maintaining a critical perspective.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 185 from May 2009, focuses heavily on the controversial figure of Eduard "Billy" Meier and the organization he founded, FIGU (Freie Interessensgemeinschaft für Grenz- und Geisteswissenschaften und Ufologiestudien).

Article 1: A Former Member's Friend

The first section details the experiences of a woman whose friend became deeply involved with the FIGU. She recounts how her friend was manipulated, losing contact with his family and friends outside the organization. He was allegedly pressured to discard personal memories, including photographs. The FIGU's financial demands are highlighted, with members expected to pay significant sums, including a percentage of their net income and annual fees. The article suggests that the FIGU aims to exploit members' finances and property. The woman expresses concern about her friend's complete devotion to Billy Meier and the FIGU's ideology, noting his lack of critical thinking and his complete obedience to Meier's directives.

Article 2: Kalliope Meier's Perspective

This section features an interview with Kalliope Meier, Billy Meier's ex-wife. She confirms the manipulative nature of the FIGU, describing how members are isolated from the outside world and discouraged from critical thinking. She states that Meier's UFO photos are fabrications and that his claims of contact with extraterrestrials are lies. Kalliope Meier also discusses the financial burden placed on members, including mandatory 'forced labor' and monetary contributions. She expresses her belief that the FIGU is interested in her family's money and property. She also touches upon the concerning aspect of children growing up in such an environment, being indoctrinated with a distorted worldview.

Article 3: Renewed Doubts about the Billy Meier Case

This article, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, critically examines Billy Meier's claims and the book "UFOs: The greatest challenge of the 20th century" by Guido Moosbrugger. Peiniger reiterates the journal's long-standing skepticism towards Meier, viewing him as a fraud and the FIGU as a cult-like organization. He criticizes Michael Hesemann, a former editor, for defending Meier. The article delves into the alleged faking of Meier's UFO photographs, citing Moosbrugger's own admission of the difficulties in proving the authenticity of the images. It also questions the analysis of alleged alien metal samples, suggesting they are common terrestrial materials. Kalliope Meier's testimony is presented as further evidence of Meier's deception.

Article 4: Review of Guido Moosbrugger's Book

This section provides a detailed review of Guido Moosbrugger's book, which aims to document Billy Meier's case. The reviewer acknowledges that the book is one of the first comprehensive presentations of the Meier case in German but is critical of its content. Moosbrugger, described as Meier's right-hand man, presents the information from the FIGU's perspective. The review highlights Moosbrugger's claims about the Pleiadians and their advanced civilization, as well as Meier's alleged early contact experiences and subsequent isolation. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the authenticity of the UFO photos, suggesting many are models or fakes. Specific examples, such as the 'tortenschiff' (pie-tin ship) photo and alleged alien metal samples, are questioned. The review also points out the unusual claims made in the book, such as the Pleiadians 'eliminating' trees to absorb radiation, which the reviewer finds illogical and insulting to common sense.

Article 5: Further Scrutiny of Meier's Evidence

This part of the review continues to dissect Moosbrugger's book, focusing on the photographic evidence. The reviewer dismisses claims of extraterrestrial phenomena, suggesting that many photos are long-exposure shots of terrestrial objects like streetlights or are clearly models. The article also touches upon Meier's alleged telepathic communications with Semjase, a Pleiadian contact, which are described as having a simple, conversational tone. The reviewer questions the significance of Meier's role as a messenger for a 'higher spiritual teaching,' suggesting that he has not effectively conveyed this message to a wider audience. The article concludes by noting Meier's tendency to conduct his telepathic contacts in private, raising suspicions about his motives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the alleged fraud and manipulation associated with Billy Meier and the FIGU, the questionable authenticity of his UFO photographic evidence, and the financial exploitation of followers. The journal's editorial stance is unequivocally critical and skeptical of Meier's claims, presenting him as a charlatan and the FIGU as a dangerous cult. The articles aim to expose what they perceive as deception and to warn readers about the potential harm caused by such organizations.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 5-2009, Nr. 185, delves into several prominent UFO cases and critiques the methodology within the UFO research community. The central focus is a detailed exposé on the photographs attributed to Billy Meier, questioning their authenticity and presenting evidence of them being models. Additionally, the issue revisits the classic Socorro UFO incident and reviews a book on the Tunguska mystery.

Billy Meier's Spaceship Photos: A Hoax Revealed

The article "Billy Meiers Raumschiff-Fotos" by Hans-Werner Peiniger critically examines photographs presented by Billy Meier, a Swiss contactee, which he claims depict his visitors' spacecraft. The author asserts that these photos are fabrications and that Meier's contacts are not real. Previous articles in the journal had already cast doubt on Meier's claims, such as a photo of a dinosaur being identified as a painting. This article focuses on alleged spaceship photos taken between October 1980 and August 1981, described as 'Semjase's newest spaceship,' a '7-meter ship,' or a '14-meter ship.'

Using a photograph from Guido Moosbrugger's book "...und sie fliegen doch!", dated October 22, 1980, the author analyzes details of the alleged spacecraft. The analysis reveals that key components of the 'spaceship' can be identified as common household items. Specifically, a flower pot saucer and a brass shelf bracket, along with its insertion sleeve, are shown to precisely match elements visible in Meier's photos. These items were allegedly provided by a jufof reader, Roger P. Eglin. The article includes detailed comparisons of these objects with the alleged spaceship, highlighting specific dimensions and patterns. The ex-wife of Billy Meier, Kalliope Meier, is quoted as stating that he used simple barrel lids and other items for his 'pictures.' The article concludes that these findings provide further proof of a 'Billy Meier hoax,' suggesting that he has deceived his followers for a comfortable life.

The Socorro UFO Incident: New Doubts

The "Kurz notiert: Aktuelle Meldungen" (Briefly Noted: Current Reports) section discusses the Socorro UFO incident of April 24, 1964, where police officer Lonnie Zamora reported seeing a landed object and occupants. The case, previously part of the US Air Force's Project Blue Book, has resurfaced with new discussions. Ray Stanford, a UFO researcher, suggests that Zamora described the symbol on the object differently to various people shortly after the sighting. While modern drawings often depict four lines under an inverted 'U,' Zamora reportedly described it as an inverted 'V' with three lines. The article notes that this discrepancy has led to renewed debate about the case's authenticity, with some suggesting it might have been a student hoax. The report also mentions the passing of Lonnie Zamora in November 2009 at the age of 76.

Literature: New Releases

The Tunguska Mystery by Vladimir Rubtsov

This section reviews "The Tunguska Mystery" by Dr. Vladimir Rubtsov, director of the Russian "Research Institute for Anomalous Phenomena." The book documents Rubtsov's 35-year investigation into the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, a powerful explosion in Central Siberia whose cause remains unexplained. The book explores various theories, including meteorites, comets, nuclear explosions, black holes, and alien spacecraft. Rubtsov, a proponent of the Paleo-SETI hypothesis, draws on extensive photos and illustrations to present a summary of the event and subsequent investigations. The review highlights that despite numerous theories and expeditions, including those led by Dr. Leonid Kulik, the true cause of the event has not been definitively identified. It also touches upon Alexander Kasantsev's theory of an extraterrestrial spacecraft and the discovery of metallic particles, which initially pointed towards a meteorite.

Anmerkungen zur UFO-Forschung 2010: A Rebuttal

Danny Ammon's article, "Anmerkungen zur UFO-Forschung 2010: Eine Replik" (Comments on UFO Research 2010: A Rebuttal), responds to a pessimistic assessment of UFO research by Johannes Müller from 2003. Ammon argues that Müller's critique, while containing some valid points about the lack of scientific rigor and the prevalence of speculation, overlooks existing research and potential for progress. Ammon contends that UFO research, despite being largely conducted by laypeople, has the potential to yield valuable insights if approached with better methodology and inter-group cooperation. He highlights recent initiatives aimed at improving discourse, standardizing investigation methods, and establishing ethical guidelines within the UFO community. Ammon suggests that Müller's assessment was too focused on past shortcomings and failed to recognize the evolving landscape of UFO research, particularly the growing trend towards collaborative efforts. He concludes that the future of UFO research lies in continued group collaboration, focusing on objective, constructive work rather than solely on identifying problems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" demonstrates a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. The recurring theme is the debunking of claims, particularly concerning Billy Meier's photographs, which are presented as clear evidence of hoaxing. The journal also emphasizes the importance of rigorous methodology and critical analysis in UFO research, as seen in the rebuttal of Müller's pessimistic outlook and the discussion of the Socorro incident. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based investigation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the ongoing mystery of events like the Tunguska explosion and the need for continued, albeit critical, research into UFO phenomena.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Volume 5-2009, Issue 185, published by Springer Verlag, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena and related research. The cover prominently features "The Tunguska Mystery" by Vladimir Rubtsov, suggesting a significant focus on this enigmatic event.

Article: Review of Vladimir Rubtsov's "The Tunguska Mystery"

The issue begins with a review of Vladimir Rubtsov's book, "The Tunguska Mystery." The reviewer notes that the book details the research and expeditions of groups like the "Independent Tunguska Exploration Group" and the attempts by Dr. Alexey Zolotov to scientifically prove the "spaceship hypothesis" in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The book also covers research into the mechanical and thermal forces that could have caused the observed destruction, as well as magnetic effects. Chapters discuss further consequences of the explosion, such as plant mutations, and eyewitness accounts. The reviewer mentions that the book also touches upon hypotheses involving "mirror matter" and "dangerous cosmic objects" (DCOs) of natural origin that could pose a future threat. The review concludes that the book is a worthwhile read for those seeking to understand the Tunguska event, not as a speculative work, but as a comprehensive account of research efforts. A website for the book is provided: http://www.tunguskamystery.info.

Reader Letters: Meinungen & Ideen (Opinions & Ideas)

This section features several reader contributions:

Letter from Ulrich Magin

Magin responds to an article by André Kramer, critiquing Hartwig Hausdorf's book. Magin argues that Hausdorf incorrectly interprets the "chicken-man" legend as evidence of extraterrestrial intervention. He contends that such historical accounts, particularly concerning birth defects or "monstrous births," were often explained by the prevailing belief that a pregnant woman's "seeing" (i.e., being startled or having strong thoughts) could influence the fetus's appearance. Magin provides examples from London (1755) and France (1763, 1764) where births of deformed children were attributed to the mother's experiences during pregnancy, such as being frightened by a monkey or a hare. He criticizes the "pseudoscientific" approach of interpreting these legends outside their historical context, emphasizing the importance of understanding them through the lens of the time they were recorded. He states that extraterrestrials or screen memories have nothing to do with these cases, but rather a flawed scientific assumption of the era.

Letter from E.S.

E.S. comments on André Kramer's article "Sieht aus wie... - Methoden der Paläo-SETI" (Looks Like... - Methods of Paleo-SETI). E.S. expresses disappointment that the article, despite its title, does not primarily debunk misinterpretations of ancient artifacts as modern technology. Instead, it focuses on describing the "cargo cults" phenomenon. E.S. notes that Kramer previously published on this topic in 2005. While acknowledging the article's good points about cargo cults, E.S. feels it fails to address the core issue of misinterpreting ancient objects through a modern technological lens, specifically mentioning the Palenque sarcophagus lid as an example that was not adequately discussed in terms of its cultural context or interpretation within a "cult of imitation."

Author's Commentary on E.S.'s Letter

André Kramer responds to E.S.'s critique. He clarifies that the article's subtitle, "Looks Like...", was intended to introduce the "Looks Like" methodology itself. The example of the allegedly technical hieroglyphs in Abydos was used to illustrate this method. Kramer states that his intention was not to "debunk" specific examples, but to explain the fundamental methodology. He refers to an article by Rainer Lorenz on the Palenque sarcophagus lid for a more detailed analysis of that specific case. Kramer's main point was to question the "Looks Like" method, particularly when applied to ancient cultures without evidence of crisis cults or shamanistic imitation magic. He argues that applying this method requires a cultural-historical context.

Kramer elaborates on his critique of the Paleo-SETI methodology, particularly as it is justified by proponents using Melanesian cargo cults. His preliminary findings suggest that copying modern technology is not the norm in civilization contacts but an exception. He notes that this exception occurred in Melanesia as a "crisis cult" phenomenon, where people attempted to revive their traditions and use magical practices to cope with the threat of destruction from colonization. He explains that this involves "imitation magic," a shamanistic practice where magical attributes of an original are transferred to a replica. Kramer concludes that invoking cargo cults to justify the "Looks Like" method for Paleo-SETI is not fundamentally sound because crisis cults arise from a complex interplay of factors, including the threat of foreign colonization and the tradition of imitation magic.

He acknowledges that there might be other reasons for copying modern technology, but provides only one example: Frank Hurley's account of children in a New Guinean village making toy replicas of a seaplane. However, Kramer points out that the motivation for this was trivial, unlike the effort involved in creating large frescoes depicting technical relics, which would imply a more significant meaning.

Article: Olaf Fritz - "Über die Wissenschaftlichkeit der UFO-Forschung der GEP e.V."

This article by social scientist Olaf Fritz examines the scientific validity of UFO research conducted in Germany, primarily by privately funded groups. Fritz focuses on the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V. in Liidenscheid as a case study. His conclusion is that the GEP e.V.'s research subject is clearly defined, and their systematic, verifiable approach to seeking knowledge is reproducible, controllable, and thus criticizable. The research findings of GEP e.V. are regularly published in the "jufof."

The article includes details about the GEP e.V. and its publication, "jufof," which has been documenting UFO sightings and research since 1980. The journal includes case reports, classifications, and expert articles. The issue also provides contact information for reporting UFO sightings to the GEP e.V.

Advertisement: Q'Phaze Magazine

An advertisement promotes "Q'Phaze - Realität... anders!" (Reality... Different!), a magazine covering topics such as Paleo-SETI, exobiology, astronomy, archaeology, and fringe science. It is available in a large DIN A4 format and offers subscription options.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena and related research methodologies. There is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, historical context, and the potential for misinterpretation in both historical accounts and modern research approaches. The journal actively encourages reader participation through its "Letters" section, fostering a debate on the validity and interpretation of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to distinguish between well-founded research and speculative or contextually flawed interpretations.