JUFOF - Issue 198 - 2011 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'jufof - journal für ufo-forschung', Volume 32, Issue 198, dated June 2011, is published by GEP e.V. and focuses on establishing ethical standards for UFO research and analyzing specific cases. The cover prominently features the 'Grundsätze redlicher wissenschaftlicher Praxis' (Principles of Honest Scientific Practice) in UFO research, alongside an update on 'Landespuren' (ground traces) in Germany and an announcement for the GEP 40th-anniversary conference.

Editorial

In his editorial, Danny Ammon welcomes readers to a new issue of 'jufof', highlighting its detailed insight into the motivation, work, methods, and goals of UFO research. He emphasizes the presentation of a project that has been quietly underway since early 2008: the development of written principles for serious and responsible UFO research. This project is presented as an example of smooth cross-group collaboration, with contributions and revisions from various members. Ammon stresses that such principles only make sense if they are recognized across different organizations and cultural spheres. He notes that GEP was the first organization to publish these principles on its website on November 13, 2011, and DEGUFO's board endorsed them the same day. He expresses hope that these guidelines will ensure UFO research aligns with current scientific knowledge, integrating fields like atmospheric physics, astronomy, biology, and psychology. The editorial also mentions that the issue includes concrete case discussions, an update on 'UFO-Landespuren' in Germany by Ulrich Magin, and book reviews, making 'jufof' a comprehensive read. Ammon concludes by reminding readers of GEP's upcoming 40th-anniversary celebration in 2012, including a conference in Hannover, and invites them to attend.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

UFO auf »analogem« Foto entdeckt (Witten)

This section details the analysis of an analog photograph submitted by a witness who discovered what appeared to be an orange, saucer-shaped object in the upper right corner of a photo taken in June 2010 near Witten, Germany. The object was also visible on the negative. The witness had shared the image and a digital enlargement online, but it garnered little interest outside his photography club. Upon receiving the negative strip, investigator Hans-Werner Peiniger examined the photo, which depicted a giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) in backlight. Microscopic examination of the negative revealed a mechanical defect in the rear layer, likely caused during the development process or the creation of the first positive print. Peiniger suggests that an attempt may have been made to retouch the damage with color, but it was not entirely successful. He concludes that the anomaly is not a photographic record of a flying object in the sky.

Ungewöhnliche Lichterfolge über Lorbach fotografiert

This case involves a photograph taken on December 10, 2011, near Büdingen-Lorbach, Germany, by a witness and his father while photographing the full moon. One of the photos captured a slightly curved gray trail with several white lights and one reddish light on its side. Initially, the investigator suspected it might be an aircraft with its position lights. The witness provided an EXIF data timestamp of 19:36 Uhr for the photo. However, an initial check of flight tracking data did not reveal a matching flight. Further investigation revealed a discrepancy in the camera's time settings, with a difference of 61 minutes. After correcting the time to 18:35 Uhr MEZ, a review of flight data from DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung confirmed the flight path of an aircraft that matched the sighting. Astronomical reconstruction placed the light trail at an angular altitude of approximately 24 degrees and an azimuth direction of 92 degrees. The aircraft was identified as a Cessna 560XL Citation Excel on its landing approach to Frankfurt Airport, approximately 4000 meters away from the witness, at an altitude of about 1800 meters. The report includes detailed calculations and visual aids, including a screenshot from the flight tracking software and astronomical reconstruction software, to support the conclusion.

Landespuren in Deutschland – Ein kurzes Update

Ulrich Magin provides an update on UFO ground traces ('Landespuren') in Germany, following his previous reports. This section details eleven new reports, nine from Germany and two from Austria.

• 822, Thüringen: An ancient report from the 'Fränkischen Königsannalen' describes a large object (15 meters long, 4.20 meters wide, 30 cm thick) mysteriously cut from the earth, lifted, and moved 7.50 meters. The object allegedly left an imprint and flattened grain due to airflow.
• 1563, Baden: A flying pamphlet depicts a dragon with bat wings landing in a field in Baden, leaving a visible burnt patch.
• June 17, 1950, Hesselbach: The case of Oskar Linke encountering a flying saucer and beings in fur coats is mentioned. While initial reports did not detail land traces, later research by Martin Kottmeyer found sources indicating Linke described the beings as human-like and mentioned the object's movement.
• 1959, Rummelsburg, Bayern: A student reported a UFO landing on the grounds of an institution in Rummelsburg. By the time he and a supervisor reached the landing site, the object had departed, leaving only faint imprints on the grass. The witness later became known as Tatunca Nara in Brazil, associated with Paläo-SETI myths.

Literatur

This section includes reviews of books related to UFO phenomena and related topics:

• Atlantis - Dekonstruktion eines Mythos: A review of a book that deconstructs the myth of Atlantis.
• Exoplaneten: A review of a book about exoplanets.

Einladung... zur GEP-Jubiläumstagung 2012

This section announces the GEP's 40th-anniversary conference, scheduled for March 24, 2012, in Hannover. It invites readers to attend this significant event.

Impressum

• The 'Impressum' section provides publication details:
• Publisher: Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e. V., founded in 1972.
• Address: Postfach 2361, D-58473 Lüdenscheid.
• Contact: Telefon: (02351) 23377, Telefax: (02351) 23335, E-Mail: [email protected].
• Bank Details: Postbank NL Dortmund, Kontonummer: 18 381 464.
• Editors: Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon are responsible for the content in the sense of press law.
• Disclaimer: Articles and literature references do not necessarily reflect GEP's views. Unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for. 'jufof' is published bimonthly on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being honorarium-free.
• Subscription Price: 1 year (6 issues) costs €27.00 plus postage (€7.00 Germany, €20.00 abroad). Membership includes the subscription. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled three months prior to expiry.
• Advertising: Inquiries for advertising prices should be made separately. Classified ads are free for subscribers (up to six lines) and members (up to ten lines).
• Reprint Policy: Reprints are only permitted with written permission from GEP e.V. and require a copy of the publication.
• Printing: bis500 Druck, 98693 Ilmenau.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing scientific methodology and ethical considerations. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a serious, interdisciplinary approach to UFO research, aiming to integrate findings with established scientific knowledge rather than operating in a vacuum. The publication of the 'Grundsätze redlicher wissenschaftlicher Praxis' underscores this commitment to professionalism and responsibility. The detailed case analyses, particularly the debunking of photographic evidence and the identification of aircraft as the source of sightings, demonstrate a critical and evidence-based approach. The inclusion of historical 'Landespuren' and book reviews broadens the scope of UFO research. The magazine also serves as a platform for communication within the UFO research community, as evidenced by the call for reader letters and the announcement of the GEP anniversary conference, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 6-2011, NR. 198, focuses on UFO sightings, landings, and the establishment of ethical and scientific research principles within the UFO community. The magazine features several case reports and detailed articles on research methodology.

UFO Sightings and Landings

The issue highlights several reported UFO incidents:

• 1967, Weiden: A report in "UFO-Nachrichten" claimed a saucer landed, causing damage. However, CENAP investigated and found it to be a false report, attributing the event to a lightning strike. The owner denied the "UFO-Nachrichten" report.
• 1976, Raum Hamburg: Another "UFO-Nachrichten" report about a landing and subsequent damage to trees was also investigated by CENAP and found to be untrue.
• May 16, 1977, Speyer: This is presented as a "spectacular event" with photographic evidence. A couple and their two children sighted a bright, stationary object near Dudenhofen. Three weeks later, landing traces were found in a cornfield. The article reveals this was a test orchestrated by CENAP to check the research diligence of DUIST, using a bedside lamp and a horse to create the traces. The original report was published in "UFO-Nachrichten" 247, October 1977.
• May or June 1988 or 1989, Ottenschlag, Lower Austria: Farmer Alois Führer observed a round, white, glowing object with a smoke trail during a thunderstorm. It landed in a barley field, creating a burned circular area. The case was investigated by O. Stummer and referenced in the "Journal of Meteorology" and "Science Frontiers."
• Early July 1996, Drosendorf im Waldviertel, Austria: 76-year-old Rudolf Slama reported a UFO with occupants and a landing trace. However, criminal investigators determined it was a hoax, with the "traces" made from powder used in firecrackers.
• July 2006, Dortmund: A user named Patti200 posted on paraportal about finding a circular trace on a meadow near the Dortmund main station, which was initially overlooked.
• September 1991, Burgthann: A couple reported seeing a cigar-shaped object, described as 6-8 meters long and 2-3 meters high, which caused a forest fire with pulsing sounds. The case is currently under investigation by DEGUFO.

Development and Dissemination of Research Principles

A significant portion of the journal is dedicated to the "Entwurf und Dissemination von Grundsätzen redlicher wissenschaftlicher Praxis in der Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens" (Drafting and Dissemination of Principles for Honest Scientific Practice in the Research of the UFO Phenomenon) by Danny Ammon.

Introduction

The article discusses the development of principles for responsible and methodical UFO research. These principles are partly derived from existing scientific and anomalistic professional norms but are tailored to UFO research. They focus on collegial interaction among researchers and the protection of witnesses.

Principles of Research Practice

The core aim is to gain knowledge about the UFO phenomenon through scientific means, seeking methodologically verifiable, intersubjectively valid findings. Research must be guided by truth, honesty, and fairness. The principles cover:

• General Research Practice (§1): Emphasizes methodical, verifiable research, honesty, fairness, and partnership with other researchers. It stresses the importance of adhering to established rules for data acquisition and selection, and where none exist, to develop them based on relevant scientific fields. The research should be conducted in a disciplined and responsible manner.
• Collegiality and Cooperation (§2): Highlights that the search for knowledge unites researchers, fostering a sense of community. Due to the interdisciplinary nature and the prevalence of lay researchers, cooperation and mutual reliance are crucial. Transparency in methods, data, and results is essential, with exceptions made for protecting witness confidentiality. Openness to criticism and doubt from colleagues, opponents, and the public is vital. Personal theses must be distinguished from data, and research must be conducted ethically.
• Discussion Culture (§3): Promotes open, tolerant discussion where ideas and arguments can be shared. It encourages critical self-reflection, acceptance of results, and constructive feedback. Polemical or ad hominem comments are to be avoided, with discussions redirected to factual matters.
• Data Security and Storage (§4): Stresses the need for comprehensive documentation of raw data through interviews, measurements, and observations. Case files must be clearly identified and contain all relevant information. Audio or video recordings are encouraged, with detailed notes taken if a recording is not possible. Personal theses must be clearly labeled and separated from data. Falsification of data is considered misconduct.
• Publication of Results (§5): Defines publication as a sensitive area requiring scientific rigor. Authors must describe results, methods, and sources transparently to allow for independent verification. Contributions of predecessors, competitors, and colleagues must be acknowledged with strict honesty. Falsifiable hypotheses should be published, and errors admitted. Co-authorship requires clear definition of contributions.
• Handling of Witnesses (§6): Emphasizes the protection of witnesses, who voluntarily report unusual experiences. The level of protection should correspond to the witness's involvement. Personal integrity, psychological, and physical health are paramount. No research method should compromise these aspects. Witnesses who have contributed significantly to a case require special protection.

"UFO is a perceived phenomenon..."

The journal includes a preamble defining a UFO as a perceived object or light whose appearance, trajectory, and behavior do not suggest a logical, conventional explanation, and which remains unidentified after thorough investigation. It asserts that the UFO phenomenon is researchable through scientific means, though it is not institutionalized in Germany. Research is primarily conducted by interested individuals and organizations like GEP and DEGUFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings and alleged landings, alongside a strong emphasis on establishing and adhering to rigorous scientific and ethical standards in UFO research. The journal, through the GEP and its featured articles, advocates for a methodical, transparent, and collaborative approach to the study of the UFO phenomenon, prioritizing factual evidence and the protection of witnesses over sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of serious, scientific inquiry into the subject.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Volume 6-2011, Issue 198) features a significant portion dedicated to a critical review of Horst Bohse's two-volume work, "Atlantis - Dekonstruktion eines Mythos". The journal also includes sections on ethical guidelines for UFO investigators and public communication regarding the UFO phenomenon.

Critical Review of Horst Bohse's "Atlantis - Dekonstruktion eines Mythos"

The review, authored by Danny Ammon and André Kramer, meticulously dissects Bohse's work, highlighting numerous perceived flaws and weaknesses. A central criticism revolves around Bohse's methodology and his reliance on sources, particularly Wikipedia. The reviewers argue that Bohse frequently uses Wikipedia entries directly, leading to a lack of independent verification and a superficial engagement with the material. This is exemplified by his discussion of the Egyptian calendar, where his assertion that the Egyptians used a lunar calendar of 27.32 days is contrasted with the established understanding of their solar calendar.

Bohse's treatment of the concept of "social intelligence" is also heavily scrutinized. The reviewers point out that Bohse's definition, which emphasizes the networking of diverse knowledge and skills, deviates from the established psychological definition, which dates back to Edward Thorndike in 1920 and focuses on social competence. Bohse's citation of Norbert Elias's work on the process of civilization is questioned, with the reviewers suggesting that the connection to his Atlantis thesis is tenuous and that Elias's theories are not adequately integrated into Bohse's arguments.

The review further criticizes Bohse's categorization of individuals involved in fringe science discussions, arguing that his sociograms lack methodological rigor and appear to be based on subjective impressions rather than empirical data. The use of lengthy verbatim quotes from online forums is also seen as problematic, serving more to reiterate Bohse's own views than to provide a balanced analysis of the discussions.

Specific factual errors are also noted, such as Bohse's repeated misidentification of Enkidu as the god Enki in his discussion of the Gilgamesh epic. The reviewers suggest that these errors stem from insufficient research and a failure to properly distinguish between different mythological figures and concepts.

Overall, the review concludes that Bohse's work, despite its ambitious title and claims of critiquing fringe science, ultimately fails to meet scholarly standards. The reviewers suggest that Bohse may be using sources without fully engaging with them, aiming to lend his work a veneer of academic legitimacy. The book is characterized as a collection of polemical essays rather than a rigorous critique.

Ethical Guidelines for UFO Investigators

Pages 179-180 detail a set of ethical guidelines for UFO investigators. These principles emphasize:

• Confidentiality and Data Protection: Information provided by witnesses (melders) must be treated with confidentiality, adhering to legal data protection measures. Personal data should only be collected for research purposes, and irrelevant data removed. Witnesses must be informed about data handling.
• Voluntary Participation: The decision to participate in an investigation is solely up to the witness, who can withdraw at any time without penalty. Informed consent requires clear information about the investigation's methods, goals, and data collection.
• Scheduling and Respect: All direct interviews should be scheduled in advance. Investigators must respect a witness's refusal of appointments or requests for third-party presence.
• Investigator Conduct: Investigations should ideally involve two investigators, preferably of the same gender as the witness. Special care is required when interviewing minors, with a female investigator or guardian present. Investigators must avoid influencing witness memories and refrain from expressing personal theories during interviews.
• Communication: Communication with witnesses should be clear and understandable, avoiding overly formal language or jargon. Any special techniques or equipment must be explained and used only with consent.
• Prohibition of Hypnosis: Regressive hypnotic techniques are to be excluded from investigations. If a witness insists, they should be referred to medical professionals, and the investigation should be terminated.
• Trauma and Stress: Witnesses showing signs of trauma or stress should be advised to seek professional psychological help.
• Property Rights: No private property should be damaged during investigations without consent. Any damage must be compensated.
• Publication: For any publication related to a UFO case, the consent of those involved is required. Anonymity is the default, unless explicitly waived. Witnesses must be informed of the potential consequences of publication.
• Cooperation with Authorities: Investigators may need to cooperate with authorities under circumstances affecting public safety or security. Threats or potential damage must be reported immediately.
• No Special Privilege: Participation in UFO research does not grant special privileges, and investigators may be compelled to disclose information in legal proceedings.

Public Communication of the UFO Phenomenon

Pages 180-181 discuss the responsibility of researchers in communicating about the UFO phenomenon to the public. It is stressed that as research becomes more complex, efforts must be made to explain its goals, methods, and results in an understandable way. Researchers should maintain a professional stance, informing the public factually through media. They must avoid spreading unverified claims, speculations, or confidential information, as their public statements represent both their own research group and the field as a whole. Credibility of witnesses or colleagues should only be challenged with clear evidence and relevance.

Literature and Sources

Pages 181-188 provide an extensive bibliography of works cited in the journal, covering topics such as UFOs, Atlantis, ancient history, psychology, and fringe science. This section includes references to academic papers, books, and online resources, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the journal's content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are critical analysis of fringe science claims, particularly concerning the Atlantis myth, and the establishment of ethical standards for UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry, advocating for scientific methodology and transparency in research and public communication. The journal aims to critically examine popular theories while upholding professional conduct within the field of ufology.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Volume 6-2011, Issue NR. 198, published by GEP e.V., focuses on exoplanets and UFO research in Germany. The cover prominently features a review of Sven Piper's book, "Exoplaneten: Die Suche nach einer zweiten Erde" (Exoplanets: The Search for a Second Earth).

Review: Sven Piper's "Exoplaneten: Die Suche nach einer zweiten Erde"

The review, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, discusses Sven Piper's book as a popular science work rather than a deeply scientific one, despite being published by Springer-Verlag. Piper, an author of astronomical articles and operator of the website www.astris.de, is not a scientist but is knowledgeable in the field. The book addresses the growing importance of the question of whether humanity is alone in the universe, given the increasing number of exoplanet discoveries. It also touches upon the potential future need for humanity to find other habitable planets if Earth becomes uninhabitable.

The book begins with a historical overview of astronomy, from ancient observations to modern astronomers. It then delves into the discovery of extrasolar planets, noting that while an astronomer claimed to have found anomalies around a double star in 1855, the first confirmed discovery of exoplanets was in 1992. By 2011, over 500 exoplanets had been discovered.

Piper details the challenges and technical problems in the search for exoplanets, including the impact of atmospheric disturbances on ground-based observations, leading to the use of space telescopes like COROT, launched in 2006. The review mentions Helmut Lammer from the Institute of Space Research of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, who co-authored UFO books and discussed problems related to determining the magnetic fields of exoplanets.

The book categorizes different types of exoplanets, highlighting the Gliese 581 system, located 20.3 light-years away, which has six known planetary companions. It also discusses unusual exoplanets, such as "Geisterfahrer" (ghost drivers) that orbit their stars in the opposite direction of the star's rotation.

Piper also explores future developments in exoplanet detection and discusses the concept of "Life in the Universe," including theories on its origin and the conditions necessary for its emergence. The review notes that the book touches upon aspects related to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, mentioning the Drake Equation, the WOW! Signal, messages sent into space, the "Face on Mars," and the Fermi Paradox.

While the book is praised for being easily understandable for laypeople, the reviewer points out that its content is largely drawn from popular science magazines like "Sterne und Weltraum" and other books and websites, with few citations from actual scientific articles. The absence of an index and glossary is also noted as a drawback. The reviewer also found Piper's frequent references to "Star Trek" somewhat distracting.

Despite these criticisms, the book is considered a "quite acceptable introduction" to the topic of exoplanets, capable of sparking interest in lay readers.

GEP Anniversary Conference

The journal announces an invitation to the GEP's (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V. - Society for the Investigation of the UFO Phenomenon) 40th-anniversary conference, to be held on Saturday, March 24, 2012, in Hannover. The GEP, founded in 1972 as the "UFO-Jugendclub Lüdenscheid," is described as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. The conference aims to celebrate this milestone with scientific presentations and discussions.

The program includes a historical retrospective of German UFO research by Hans-Werner Peiniger, a talk on "UFOs and Extraterrestrials in the Context of Conspiracy Theory Interpretive Models" by Andreas Anton, a presentation on "A Paranoid Style of Ufo-Politics: The Birth of the Disclosure Movement from the Spirit of the Cold War" by Ingbert Jüdt, and an analysis of UFO phenomena based on unexplained sightings by André Kramer. A panel discussion on the past and future of UFO research in Germany is also scheduled.

The conference fee is €10.00, with a reduced fee of €5.00 for GEP members. Registration details are provided, including contact information for the GEP e.V. in Lüdenscheid.

Book Reviews

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

This review discusses a book by Olaf Fritz that examines the scientific validity of UFO research in Germany, focusing on the GEP as a case study. The author concludes that the GEP's research has a clearly identifiable subject, a systematic approach, and is reproducible, controllable, and thus criticizable. The research findings are regularly published in "jufof."

"Kontakte mit 'Außerirdischen' im deutschen Sprachraum" by Ulrich Magin

This review describes a comprehensive collection of German contactee and humanoid reports compiled by Ulrich Magin. It includes a critical analysis of reports, witnesses, and the social context of UFO beliefs, cataloging over 350 entries chronologically. The GEP special issue covers aspects of the UFO myth, from abductions to claims of ancient astronauts, and includes a bibliography and indexes.

Journal "jufof" and UFO Reporting

The journal "jufof" has been critically documenting the UFO phenomenon since 1980. Each issue includes a section for documenting and classifying UFO sightings and case studies, alongside scientific articles on UFO phenomena, investigations, and international reports. It also features a review section and letters to the editor.

The journal also provides information on how to report UFO sightings to the GEP. The UFO reporting office is available 24/7 by phone at 02351-23377, via email at [email protected], or through their websites www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de.

A UFO is defined as a perceived object or light whose characteristics cannot be conventionally explained and remains unidentified after thorough investigation by qualified individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific exploration of exoplanets and the rigorous, scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. The journal, "jufof," and the GEP e.V. advocate for a systematic, interdisciplinary, and critical approach to UFO research, distinguishing it from sensationalism and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance supports the scientific community's involvement in UFO research and encourages public participation in understanding these phenomena.