JUFOF - Issue 196 - 2011 04

Magazine Overview

Title: jufof
Issue: 04-2011 (Nr. 196)
Volume: Jg. 32
Date: April 2011
Publisher: GEP e.V. (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens)
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0723-7766
Price: 4,50 Euro

This issue of 'jufof', the journal for UFO research, presents a collection of UFO observations, analyses, and research-related topics. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Observations) and a photograph of a suburban setting with a small aerial object, dated 03/10/2009. The issue also highlights "Exopolitik / Impulse für die UFO-Forschung" (Exopolitics / Impulses for UFO Research), referencing a spring conference of the DEGUFO in Erfurt, and continues the "Der Fall Falcon Lake" (The Falcon Lake Case) with "Eine zu nahe Begegnung – Teil 3" (An Encounter Too Close – Part 3).

Editorial

The editorial, written by André Kramer, reflects on the successful spring conference of the DEGUFO in Erfurt. He praises the collegial atmosphere and the participation of various UFO research groups, exopolitics proponents, and independent researchers. Kramer emphasizes the importance of constructive dialogue and the development of common research standards, such as standardized questionnaires and case investigation practices. He argues that such collaboration frees up resources previously wasted on unproductive controversies, allowing researchers to focus on the core phenomenon of unidentified flying objects. The editorial notes that this issue dedicates significant space to the investigation of sightings, including a "GOOD UFO" classified case with photographic evidence and two witnesses, as well as reports related to sightings from the International Space Station (ISS).

Kramer also discusses the conclusion of the interesting article on the Falcon Lake UFO sighting, which involved health consequences for the witness Stefan Michalak. He highlights the challenges of investigating cases from decades past due to the difficulty in accessing information. The editorial encourages a focus on local cases where verification is more feasible, while acknowledging the value of looking at international research.

UFO Observations: Case Study - Linz, Austria

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred on May 17, 2009, at 18:45 MESZ (16:45 UTC) in Linz, Austria. The case, numbered 20090517 B, involved two witnesses: Andreas S. (46) and his mother. The object was classified as a "GOOD UFO" with no identification. The witness, Andreas S., reported taking three photos of the object from his balcony. He initially sent the photos to CENAP, who dismissed them as a "netter Versuch" (nice try). He later contacted GEP after finding their website.

Andreas S. described the object as initially hovering motionless for about 2-3 minutes before ascending slowly and then disappearing quickly. He estimated its size to be no more than a quarter of the full moon and its altitude at least one kilometer. The object was described as silver with a dark, circular underside. He initially perceived it as oval but later described it as more round, possibly due to the viewing angle. The object's movement was a slow, steady ascent to the right.

His mother, Frau S., an 86-year-old woman, also witnessed the object. She described it as a dark grey object moving slowly from west to east, much slower than an airplane. She initially observed it for about half a minute before calling her son. She noted that the object stopped briefly and then continued moving, though she couldn't describe the exact movements due to her eyesight. She believed the object was not far away, as airplanes typically fly higher. She described the object's color as grey to silver-grey, with no discernible difference in brightness.

Both witnesses stated there were no audible sounds or smells associated with the object. Andreas S. reported feeling excitement but no physical or psychological distress. His mother also reported no unusual effects, only curiosity. She immediately believed it was a "flying saucer." The mother expressed no particular interest in UFOs herself, stating she was "too old" for such pursuits, though she acknowledged her son's interest.

The investigator noted minor discrepancies between the son's and mother's accounts regarding the object's movement (e.g., the duration of the stationary phase), attributing them possibly to the mother's age and focus on the overall event rather than precise details. The investigator found no evidence of fraud or deception, describing both witnesses as "normal," friendly, and credible.

The Falcon Lake Case - Part 3

This section continues the coverage of the Falcon Lake UFO case, with Ulrich Magin providing additional information and analysis following the translated original article by Chris Rutkowski. The article emphasizes the difficulty of verifying historical UFO cases due to the inaccessibility of primary data.

Exopolitics / Research Impulses

This part of the magazine covers the "Exopolitik / Impulse für die UFO-Forschung" event, which was the spring conference of the DEGUFO held in Erfurt. It highlights the contributions of speakers like Ingbert Jüdt and Marius Kettmann and discusses the broader implications of exopolitics for UFO research.

Impressum (Imprint)

The imprint provides details about the publisher, GEP e.V., its founding year (1972), contact information (address, phone, fax, email), and bank details. It also lists the editors responsible for the content: Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon. The imprint clarifies that contributions marked with names do not necessarily reflect the views of GEP. It also states that unsolicited manuscripts and photos are not liable for and that the magazine is published on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being unpaid. Subscription prices and advertising information are also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the detailed investigation and analysis of UFO sightings, emphasizing the importance of credible witness testimony and photographic evidence. The editorial stance strongly advocates for a collaborative, constructive, and scientific approach to UFO research, moving away from unproductive disputes and towards standardized methodologies. There is a clear emphasis on empirical evidence and critical evaluation, as seen in the detailed breakdown of the Linz sighting and the discussion of the challenges in researching historical cases. The inclusion of exopolitics suggests an interest in broader societal and political implications of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious research and discussion within the UFO community.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2011, Nr. 196, published in Germany, delves into various UFO and unexplained aerial phenomena reports from 2009 to 2011. The content primarily consists of case studies, witness testimonies, and photographic analyses, with a strong emphasis on identifying conventional explanations for sightings.

Case Studies and Analysis

The "Linz Puck" Incident

The issue begins by addressing a witness's positive interaction with the journal's investigators, contrasting it with a negative experience with the research group CENAP. The witness found the investigators open and factual, unlike CENAP, which they perceived as arrogant and unprofessional. The witness also mentioned discovering a YouTube video of a UFO sighting from May 17, 2009, in Europe that bore a strong resemblance to their own experience. The initial appearance of the object was described as frisbee-like. The journal's investigators decided to re-interview the witness, leading to a credible account. Werner Walter of CENAP had previously analyzed the photos and dismissed the case as a "puck" from Linz, which the journal's author found to be a dismissive and unprofessional assessment. The witness, Andreas S., was evasive when questioned about the object, stating he was sure of what he saw. The journal notes that the primary witness was 46 years old and his mother 84 at the time of the sighting, refuting the idea that they were naive children.

Photo Analysis and EXIF Data

A significant portion of the analysis revolves around the use of EXIF data from photographs. The journal highlights a case where the EXIF data indicated the photo was taken 23 hours earlier than reported. However, the authors explain that EXIF data can be unreliable due to various factors, including incorrect camera settings, time zone changes during travel, or battery replacements. They cite a source from zoner.de that lists common sources of error, such as camera battery replacement and time changes for daylight saving. Despite the discrepancy in the EXIF data, the investigators did not find reasons to doubt the witness's account. The witness himself could not explain the time difference but was certain about the date and time of the sighting.

Object Characteristics and Interpretations

The journal provides detailed descriptions and analyses of photographic evidence. In one case, the object is described as having an inwardly curved hull, with a bright band illuminated by sunlight. The interior appears to have a darker core, possibly a base or a shadow area. The investigators found no evidence of a hoax or any matching known objects. They classify the case as a "GOOD UFO" for the time being, acknowledging that future findings might alter this assessment. The authors note that while the object might appear small, its actual size is difficult to estimate without reference points, suggesting it could be anywhere from balloon-sized to a distant, larger craft.

ISS Sightings

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to reports of sightings identified as the International Space Station (ISS). Several cases from April 2011 describe bright objects moving across the sky, often mistaken for UFOs. The journal meticulously cross-references witness accounts with astronomical data from platforms like calsky.de to confirm these as ISS passes. For instance, a sighting in Lüdenscheid-Wehberg on April 25, 2011, described as a bright star-like object, was identified as the ISS appearing at 22:28 MESZ and disappearing at 22:34 MESZ. Similarly, sightings in Pößneck-Schlettwein, Wiehe-Langenroda, and Falkensee were also confirmed as ISS passes, with detailed timings and brightness estimations provided. The journal notes that while some witnesses reported irregular movements or unusual flight paths, these were often attributed to observational perspective or the ISS's trajectory.

Other Sightings and Identifications

Beyond ISS sightings, the journal examines other reported phenomena. A case from Oschatz, Germany, involved a photograph of a helicopter that also captured a faint object. Initially, the object was identified as a bird, but the witness questioned this, stating the object did not look like any bird they had photographed before. The journal's analysis suggests it was likely a bird captured as a motion blur during the helicopter's photography. Another case from Füssen-Hopfen am See, Germany, involved a young witness photographing a scenic view, only to later notice an unidentified object in two of the three photos. The object appeared to hover under a cloud and had a metallic sheen. The investigators concluded this was also likely a bird, noting that wing beats could be visible in some images. A sighting in Köln-Niehl, Germany, of four bright points moving in a line was identified as balloons, possibly released during a carnival procession. Finally, a video from Habsheim, Switzerland, captured numerous small, indistinct "particles" that the filmmaker initially thought might be UFOs. The investigators concluded these were likely insects or small airborne debris, noting that the video was not clear enough for definitive analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the meticulous investigation of UFO reports, the critical analysis of photographic and video evidence, and the emphasis on identifying conventional explanations for sightings. The journal consistently employs scientific methods, cross-referencing witness accounts with astronomical data and known phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance favoring rational explanations, often identifying misidentifications of satellites (particularly the ISS), birds, balloons, or insects. While acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena, the journal prioritizes debunking or providing plausible alternative explanations based on the available evidence. The investigators are portrayed as diligent and objective, aiming to provide clarity and factual information to their readers.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2011, Nr. 196, published in 2011, focuses on several UFO-related cases and discussions. It includes detailed investigations, witness accounts, and skeptical analyses, alongside a report on a UFO research conference.

Case Studies and Investigations

Alfeld and Konstanz Sightings (Germany)

The issue begins by addressing two cases from Germany. The first, dated May 30, 2011, from Alfeld (Leine), involved a photo submitted to the Alfelder Zeitung by a resident who believed they had photographed a UFO. Investigator Hans-Werner Peiniger concluded that the object was a bird. The second case, dated April 24, 2011, from Konstanz, also involved a photo initially thought to be an unknown flying object. Peiniger identified this object as an insect, noting that the forward wing beat was clearly visible upon closer examination.

The Falcon Lake Incident (Canada)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "Der Fall Falcon Lake" (The Falcon Lake Case), presented as a multi-part series (Part 3). This section, authored by Chris Rutkowski and translated by Ulrich Magin, delves into the 1967 encounter of Stefan Michalak near Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Michalak reported an encounter with a UFO that resulted in physical symptoms, including burns and radiation exposure. The case was extensively investigated by various authorities, including the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Canadian Department of National Defence.

The article details the government's reluctance to release information, citing national interest. It highlights the findings of the Condon Report, which classified the case as 'unidentified.' Skeptical viewpoints are also presented, notably by Donald Menzel and Ernest Taves, who suggested the incident was a hoax, attributing Michalak's 'illness' to insect bites and questioning the ability of officials to locate the landing site.

However, the article counters these skeptical claims by pointing out the difficulty in finding the landing site and the severity of Michalak's symptoms, which seemed more than just insect bites. It also discusses the suspicious nature of silver fragments found at the site and the possibility of a deliberate attempt to mislead. The article notes that Michalak himself underwent hypnosis as part of the investigation, though the results were inconclusive.

Further skepticism is raised by Ulrich Magin in a postscript, who points out inconsistencies in Michalak's account, such as his repeated visits to the landing site to 'find' new relics, the questionable radioactivity measurements (which matched his wristwatch), and his attempts to sell his story. Despite these doubts, the article acknowledges the complexity of the case and the persistent questions surrounding it.

DEGUFO Conference in Erfurt (Germany)

The issue also reports on the "Frühjahrstagung der DEGUFO" (Spring Conference of DEGUFO) held in Erfurt on April 16-17, 2011. Hosted by Alexander Knörr, the conference attracted 35 visitors. The atmosphere was described as collegial, even when critical opinions were voiced. Key presentations included:

• Gerhard Gröschel (DEGUFO, GEP, MUFON-CES): Discussed "New UFO Research - Or: Why has there been no real knowledge gain in private UFO research in the last 50 years?" Gröschel advocated for "active UFO research," involving technical measurements, rather than relying solely on witness testimonies.
• Carl Niemann: Presented on "Pre-Inca Astronomy and Nazca." (The author was not present for this summary.)
• Ingbert Jüdt (DEGUFO, GEP): Spoke on "Disclosure - State Cover-up or Manipulation of the UFO Scene? An alternative perspective on the 'Exopolitics' movement."

The conference highlighted the ongoing debate between passive and active research methods in ufology and touched upon the concept of 'exopolitics.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a stance of thorough investigation, presenting both UFO sightings and skeptical analyses. There is a clear emphasis on examining evidence, witness credibility, and potential explanations, ranging from misidentifications (birds, insects) to more complex scenarios involving government secrecy and potential hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the enduring mystery of many UFO cases while also critically evaluating claims and seeking rational explanations where possible. The Falcon Lake case, in particular, is presented as a complex enigma with elements that continue to fuel debate among researchers.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2011, Nr. 196, published by GEP e.V., focuses on the tensions and differences between traditional UFO research and the emerging field of Exopolitics. The magazine features several lectures and a panel discussion from a symposium, alongside reviews and updates on UFO research activities in Germany.

Vortrag 3: Ingbert Jüdt on Disinformation and Exopolitics

Ingbert Jüdt, a social scientist, discusses the concept of "Dead Bank Walking" and "Dead Conspiracy Walking," which he uses to describe disinformation campaigns targeting UFO researchers. He specifically mentions Paul Bennewitz, who was allegedly manipulated by the US Air Force's AFOSI to reinforce his paranoia and distract him from potential discoveries. Jüdt argues that researchers like William L. Moore were recruited into this disinformation effort. He explains how fabricated documents, such as the MJ-12 papers, were used to fuel the "state paranoia" surrounding UFOs, confirming existing beliefs that the US government was hiding secrets. Jüdt then addresses the "Disclosure Movement," which he believes prioritizes the idea of extraterrestrials as a starting point rather than seeking evidence. He contrasts this with "Exopolitics," which he sees as having a different starting point, assuming extraterrestrial existence. Jüdt criticizes Exopolitics for accepting "fake news" and highlights a fundamental difference in the perception of truth between UFO research (which he considers open-ended) and Exopolitics.

Vortrag 4: Robert Fleischer on Exopolitics

Robert Fleischer, coordinator of Exopolitik Deutschland, presents the perspectives and challenges of Exopolitics. He describes his movement as a counterpoint to mainstream media, using platforms like the "Exo-Magazin" (an online TV magazine). Fleischer, a seasoned media professional, delivered a charismatic presentation with extensive visual aids. While acknowledging that the content might not be entirely new, he provided an overview of Exopolitics' goals. He emphasizes that Exopolitics aims to advance the public perception of UFOs and extraterrestrials and seeks state-funded UFO research.

Panel Discussion: Ingbert Jüdt vs. Robert Fleischer

The panel discussion, moderated by Reinhard Nühlen, featured Ingbert Jüdt and Robert Fleischer, with contributions from the audience, including Mirko Mojsilovic. Jüdt reiterated his points about the fundamental differences between UFO research and Exopolitics, arguing that a collaborative effort is unlikely due to their contrasting approaches to truth and evidence. Mojsilovic critically questioned Fleischer's initiative, particularly the goal of state-funded UFO research, calling the rhetoric "unbelievable, empty, meaningless." He accused Exopolitics media professionals of emotionally packaging information. Fleischer, recalling Mojsilovic's previous critique from a 2009 conference, acknowledged the differing viewpoints. Despite the contrasting personalities of Jüdt (analytical scientist) and Fleischer (skilled rhetorician), the discussion remained civil, focusing on the differences and common ground.

Vortrag 5: Alexander Knörr on Paleo-SETI

Alexander Knörr presented on "Impossible Findings in Archaeology," focusing on Paleo-SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence in ancient history). His talk, based on his book "Hagar Qim," explored evidence for ancient advanced civilizations, with a particular focus on Malta. Knörr presented his findings and the methodology used to evaluate the evidence, which he acknowledged as controversial, leading to critical questions from the audience.

Vortrag 6: Jens Waldeck's talk was cancelled.

Due to the cancellation of Jens Waldeck's presentation, Alexander Knörr stepped in to give his talk.

Vortrag 7: Marius Kettmann on New Impulses for UFO Research

Marius Kettmann discussed the "Erfurter Gespräche" (Erfurt Conversations) from 2008, which brought together German UFO groups like DEGUFO, GEP, and MUFON-CES. He noted that these meetings helped break down barriers and prejudices, leading to a more collegial and friendly atmosphere within the UFO community. Kettmann proposed ten points for further discussion and development within UFO research, including the creation of a common questionnaire, a shared database, unified classification systems, and a cross-group investigation network. He also suggested using a more neutral term like "UAP" (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) instead of "UFO," though this was met with mixed reactions due to potential communication difficulties with witnesses. Kettmann also advocated for distancing UFO publications from unrelated topics, such as the "Yeti" phenomenon, to maintain a focus on UFO research.

Vortrag 8: Ingbert Jüdt on the UFO Sighting Questionnaire

Ingbert Jüdt presented the joint UFO sighting questionnaire developed by major German UFO research organizations. He clarified the roles of DEGUFO, GEP, and MUFON-CES in this project, noting that CENAP was not involved. The project aims to create a comprehensive questionnaire to document sightings and facilitate case investigations. Jüdt highlighted that this collaborative project, long in the making, was nearing completion.

Vortrag 9: Natale Guido Cincinnati on DEGUFO's UFO Case Investigations

Natale Guido Cincinnati discussed the restructuring and re-coordination of DEGUFO's UFO case investigations, which had largely stalled in recent years. He outlined DEGUFO's organizational structure and the current status of their investigation efforts.

Reviews and Books

The magazine includes reviews of two books:

• "Über die Wissenschaftlichkeit der UFO-Forschung der GEP e.V." by Olaf Fritz, a social scientist who analyzes the scientific methodology of the GEP in Lüdenscheid and concludes that their research is well-defined, systematic, and reproducible.
• "Kontakte mit 'Außerirdischen' im deutschen Sprachraum" by Ulrich Magin, a catalog of German contactee and humanoid reports, offering a chronological overview of alleged encounters and aspects of the UFO myth.

GEP and UFO Information

The issue also provides information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.), describing it as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. It details the GEP's methods, including questionnaires, field investigations, and interdisciplinary work supported by authorities and scientific institutions. The journal "jufof" is presented as the official publication of the GEP, providing factual and critical reporting on UFO phenomena, case studies, and analyses. Contact information for reporting UFO sightings to the GEP's hotline and website is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the methodology and definition of UFO research, the emergence of Exopolitics as a distinct field, and the challenges of disinformation within the UFO community. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles and discussions, appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO research, critical of speculative or unverified claims, while acknowledging the need for collaboration and professionalization within the field. There is a clear distinction drawn between the open-ended, investigative nature of traditional UFO research and the assumption-based approach of Exopolitics.