JUFOF - Issue 207 - 2013 03

Magazine Overview

Title: jufof
Issue: 03-2013 (Jg. 34, Nr. 207)
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Date: March 2013
Price: 4,50 Euro
ISSN: 0723-7766

This issue of the German UFO research journal 'jufof' presents a diverse range of topics, from detailed case studies of alleged UFO sightings to discussions on research methodology and scientific phenomena like earthquake lights. The cover prominently features an illustration related to a 1913 airship crash near Potsdam, hinting at historical investigations within the publication.

Editorial

In the editorial, Danny Ammon, one of the editors, addresses the readers, highlighting the varied nature of UFO reports received by GEP. These range from simple sightings of point-like lights to complex, life-altering experiences that individuals interpret within a UFO context. He emphasizes that GEP's role is to investigate the causes of these reports. Ammon also introduces the current issue's content, noting that it includes case documentations, discussions on earthquake lights, airships, and radar/visual UFO cases. He specifically points to an article by André Kramer, which critically examines the concept of 'reflexive UFO research' as presented in a new publication by the Society for Anomalistics. Ammon stresses the importance for amateur researchers to position themselves in relation to such academic discussions and notes that he and Natale Guido Cincinnati had previously contributed to this topic. He concludes by wishing readers an enjoyable reading experience.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

Blinkender Lichtpunkt »explodiert« am Himmel über Schwabsoien (Blinking Point of Light 'Exploded' in the Sky over Schwabsoien)

This section details a UFO sighting from March 4/5, 2012, in Schwabsoien, Germany. Four witnesses, including Thea H., reported observing a blinking point of light in the sky for about half an hour. The light changed colors from red to green and yellow. Thea H.'s daughter filmed the phenomenon with a Panasonic HDC-SD66 camcorder. The video showed the point of light changing in size and transparency, with an apparent 'explosion' followed by its disappearance and reappearance. The witnesses, described as 'normal people' and not 'spinners,' provided a detailed account.

The investigation, conducted by Danny Ammon and Hans-Werner Peiniger, involved analyzing the video footage and astronomical data. The video showed a light source blinking and varying in size and transparency. Initially, it was considered to be a balloon with an LED blinkie. However, the stationary nature of the object and the duration of the observation suggested an astronomical stimulus. Weather data confirmed clear skies. Using astronomy software, the direction of observation was determined to be towards the Säuling mountain range, south-southwest to southwest of Schwabsoien. The star Sirius was identified as the likely object. The apparent 'explosion' and changes in size and transparency were explained as artifacts of the camera's autofocus struggling to focus on a distant star, causing it to appear larger, blurrier, and sometimes momentarily disappear. The blinking and color changes were attributed to atmospheric scintillation. The witnesses accepted this explanation, and the case was classified as IFO/V1 (Identified Flying Object / Visual 1).

»UFO« oder »Antimaterie« bei Homburg (UFO or Antimatter near Homburg)

This case report from June 1, 2009, in Homburg (Saar), Germany, involves a witness, Matthäus M. (57), who filmed a phenomenon with his notebook's webcam while intending to record the sunset. The 'phenomenon' was only noticed about 20 days later when reviewing the video. The witness described it as a 'UFO' or 'antimatter.'

The investigation, led by Hans-Werner Peiniger, analyzed the video, which showed a bright light that appeared to dissolve upon a slight camera pan. The witness stated that the phenomenon was not visible to the naked eye and only became apparent when he later reviewed the video. The article includes images from the video, one of which is captioned 'UFO hat Magnetfeld der ERDE durchbrochen' (UFO has broken Earth's magnetic field). The analysis concluded that the phenomenon was a lens reflection caused by extreme backlight from the setting sun during the wide-angle shot. The investigator found it unlikely that the witness, who maintains a YouTube channel, would have missed such an obvious artifact. Therefore, the video was assessed as a deliberate deception, possibly intended to test the investigators.

Neue Forschungen zu Erdbebenlichtern (New Research on Earthquake Lights)

This section, authored by Ulrich Magin, discusses a recent scientific study on earthquake lights (EQL), a phenomenon that occurs before, during, or after earthquakes. The study, published in *Natural Hazards and Earth System Science*, focused on the earthquake in L'Aquila, Italy, on April 6, 2009. Researcher Cristiano Fidani and his colleagues collected testimonies from people in the affected area.

After filtering out conventional explanations (e.g., moonlight, planets, broken power lines), the study compiled 1057 reports of pre-earthquake phenomena, with 241 specifically related to unusual light emissions. The most common types of EQL reported were light balls (71 cases), diffuse lights (38 cases), luminous clouds (28 cases), fireballs (26 cases), flames (23 cases), and electrical discharges (14 cases). Other less frequent phenomena included fire rays, luminous tubes, sparks, luminous fog, and thin light streaks.

The article highlights that 'light balls' are of particular interest to UFO researchers. Fidani's research described these as spherical lights, often yellow-orange, that could remain stationary or move upwards, sometimes disappearing over mountain peaks. Reports mentioned numerous such balls observed over cities, with colors ranging from white to red. Their size varied from a few centimeters to a meter in diameter. Some reports described groups of two to four balls, and in at least eight cases, they moved slowly, while in one case, they moved very quickly. The study also noted other luminous phenomena like luminous tubes and pillars observed in the sky. The research quantitatively describes these phenomena and analyzes their temporal and spatial correlation with earthquakes, drawing on historical classifications and anecdotal evidence.

The article mentions that Cristiano Fidani was supported by Italian UFO researchers Roberto Labanti and Giuseppe Stilo. However, it cautions that some of Fidani's data might be prone to misinterpretation, citing an example of a photo on page 972 that appears to be an insect rather than an earthquake light. The original study is available online.

Zur Problematik der Korrelation bei Radar/Visuell-UFO-Fällen (On the Problem of Correlation in Radar/Visual UFO Cases)

Danny Ammon addresses the challenges in correlating UFO sightings with radar data. He notes that while UFO reports (subjective evidence) form the bulk of UFO data, they are criticized for making it difficult to prove the existence of unexplained objects or develop hypotheses for their causes.

Cases involving both visual sightings and instrumental data (photos, videos, magnetic field measurements, or radar) are given special attention. Radar, used in both civilian and military air traffic control, measures the position, movement, and speed of aircraft by reflecting radio waves. J. Allen Hynek considered radar/visual cases particularly important for UFO research.

However, Ammon points out that pure radar measurements of unknown objects have limited value due to numerous factors that can mimic moving objects on radar screens, such as ground clutter, flocks of birds, or atmospheric conditions. Radar/visual cases, according to Hynek, are considered stronger evidence because they involve independent observations and measurements that supposedly relate to the same unknown object. Ammon identifies two key problems with this assertion: first, proving that the visual and radar targets are indeed the same object, and second, demonstrating that the observations were independent.

He states that Radar/Visual UFO cases are only considered 'higher value' than pure sightings if these two questions can be positively answered. The article intends to illustrate this problem using an example, implying that the correlation is not always straightforward or conclusive.

UFO-Literatur (UFO Literature)

This section provides reviews of current book titles related to UFOs. The listed books include:

• Roswell 1947 und der Alien-Autopsie-Film
• UFOs: Erscheinungen, Besuche, Entführungen
• Unsere 6-dimensionale Welt
• Außerirdische
• Open Skies, Closed Minds
• Des Zeichners Geheimnis
• Von Space-Schnaps und Wurmlöchern

These reviews are presented as 'Rezensionen aktueller Buchtitel' (Reviews of current book titles).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'jufof' revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence and research methodologies. The journal emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, advocating for scientific rigor and a critical approach to interpreting data, as exemplified by the analysis of the Schwabsoien and Homburg cases. The inclusion of research on earthquake lights suggests an interest in exploring related anomalous phenomena. The journal also engages with academic discourse on UFO research, as indicated by the discussion of 'reflexive UFO research.' The overall tone is informative and analytical, aiming to provide readers with well-researched case studies and thoughtful commentary on the field of UFOlogy.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), issue NR.207 from 3-2013, published by GEP, focuses on historical UFO and airship incidents. The main articles investigate a 1950 UK sighting involving pilot and radar data, and a 1913 German airship incident near Potsdam, alongside a discussion on 'reflexive UFO research'.

Article 1: Radar/Visual UFO Cases - The 1950 Tangmere Sighting

The article begins by referencing a 1951 report from the British "Flying Saucer Working Party," a group within the Ministry of Defence, which was declassified and published in 2001. This report details three cases investigated by the party.

The first case described occurred on June 1, 1950. A pilot of a Gloster Meteor aircraft, while on approach to Tangmere Air-Force-Basis in West Sussex, reported observing an object approximately 300-600 meters above and 370 meters to his right. The object was described as circular and bright metallic, moving at a high speed. The pilot estimated its speed at about 1,500 km/h and observed it for approximately 15 seconds.

Simultaneously, an inquiry was made to the Wartling radar station. The duty officer and three radar observers reported an unusual radar response indicating an object moving at a speed between 2,400 and 3,000 km/h. The radar signature was described as thick on the screen, leaving a stronger afterglow than usual. One observer noted the appearance as 'thin, short, and weaker than an aircraft,' with a series of 'shadows' appearing intermittently.

Interviews were conducted with all involved parties. The investigation revealed a discrepancy of about 10 minutes between the pilot's visual observation and the radar measurement, despite them being reported as time-coincident. The radar anomaly was suggested to be potentially caused by interference from another transmitter. The pilot's observation was deemed harder to explain, with a weather balloon being considered as a possibility, though its speed might have been overestimated.

The article highlights a critical issue in Radar/Visual UFO cases: the potential for human interpretation to link unrelated phenomena. It emphasizes the need to prove that the visual sighting and radar measurement correlate and refer to the same object, especially when supersonic speeds are involved. The case suggests that the visual and radar data might not have been of the same object, or that the speed estimation was flawed.

Article 2: Radar/Visual UFO Cases - The 1989-1992 Belgian UFO Wave

This section introduces the well-known UFO wave in Belgium between 1989 and 1992 as another example illustrating the complexities of Radar/Visual cases.

On the night of March 30-31, 1990, police officers reported UFO sightings, and radar stations detected unknown objects. Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled from Beauvechain Air Base to investigate. The incident lasted several hours, and the aircraft's onboard radar detected highly unusual objects moving at astonishing speeds.

Professor Auguste Meessen, founder of the Belgian UFO group SOBEPS, analyzed the events. The article presents his findings, which suggest several possibilities:

1. The police observations might be misinterpretations of stars (like Sirius, Prokyon, and Betelgeuse). The radar echo could have been caused by a factory with a chimney in the same direction, creating a 'false echo' due to its microclimate.
2. The UFO detected by the F-16 radar, which exhibited extremely high speeds, was never visually confirmed by the pilots. Ground observers who saw multiple UFOs did not report seeing the maneuvers detected by radar. A connection between the radar data and visual sightings is therefore questionable. The radar measurements could also be 'false echoes' from the ground, with the radar miscalculating the aircraft's speed relative to the ground.

The article stresses that in Radar/Visual cases, the connection between the observed object and the radar recording is often not independent but rather a result of one phenomenon prompting the investigation of the other. This increases the probability of observers finding something in the sky due to pre-existing expectations.

Article 3: An Airship Crash near Potsdam in 1913 - A Search for Clues

This article details a research effort by Ulrich Magin and Hans-Jörg Vogel into a reported airship crash near Caputh, Germany, on March 12, 1913. The incident is described as one of the few known German 'ghost airship' cases.

Reports from the time, including from the Daily Telegraph on March 14, 1913, described two women witnessing an airship catch fire, explode, and crash into a forest. Despite extensive searches by fire brigades, military personnel, and police, no wreckage was found. A boy reported smelling gas, but this was dismissed as the airship likely used odorless gas, and any escaped gas would have dissipated.

One explanation offered at the time was that the women had witnessed sparks from a test flight by Lieutenant Zwickan. The Glasgow Herald also reported on the incident, noting that authorities dispatched ambulances and fire services to search for the mysterious airship that had crashed.

The research team contacted the Brandenburg State Main Archive in Potsdam. Dr. Falko Neininger from the archive stated that the Potsdam daily newspaper for 1913 was not available, nor was it found in other public institutions. He suggested searching archival materials from the state forestry administration.

Hans-Jörg Vogel conducted further research and found a mention of an airship crash in the Zauch-Belziger Kreisblatt on March 18, 1913. However, this report was about the crash of the military airship "Ersatz Z.I" (L.Z. XV) in Karlsruhe, not Potsdam.

Further investigation into the Zauch-Belziger Kreisblatt revealed an interesting piece of information from March 13, 1913. A report from Beelitz mentioned two aircraft flying overhead on the evening of March 12. It detailed the flight of Lieutenant Zwickau and Lieutenant Wentscher, who were on a return flight from Leipzig to Döberitz. Zwickau successfully completed his third flying test, a 250 km overland flight with a minimum altitude of 800 meters and a landing from a gliding approach. The report also mentioned Lieutenant Blüthgen flying from Döberitz to Jüterbog.

It is suggested that the "Zwickan" mentioned in the Daily Telegraph as an explanation for the crash might refer to Lieutenant Zwickau. The article notes that the pilot's engine made an unusual sound, leading the fire brigade to be alerted, but nothing official is known about this.

Another report from the Mayener Volkszeitung on March 12, 1913, described a successful artillery exercise involving the shooting down of free balloons near Kloster Zinna. The article speculates that if the two girls who reported the Caputh incident were looking south, they might have seen this artillery exercise, which was about 20 kilometers away, and mistaken it for an airship crash.

Despite the extensive search, no definitive information about an airship crash near Caputh on March 12, 1913, was found in the available archives.

Article 4: Remarks on "Reflexive UFO Research"

This section is a review and discussion of a recently published collection of essays titled "Diesseits der Denkverbote" (Beyond the Taboos of Thought), edited by Michael Schetsche and Andreas Anton. The book proposes fundamental ideas for the future of UFO research, summarized as "reflexive UFO research."

According to Schetsche and Anton, reflexive UFO research aims to create a paradigm that bridges the gap between scientific and lay research, and between natural and cultural scientific approaches, integrating all these perspectives.

The author of this review, André Kramer, offers critical remarks on the book's proposals. He states that his critique is not intended to fundamentally question the book's ideas but rather to supplement them and provide a more complete picture. He highlights key themes and postulates from the book, including:

1. Introduction: The book aims to establish the basic structures of reflexive UFO research, potentially leading to academic UFO research.
2. Synopsis: Following a brief overview of the book's content, Kramer presents his critical observations. He notes that the book's proposals are thought-provoking but require further consideration. He believes some aspects were insufficiently addressed.

Kramer specifically discusses the contribution "Learning from Mistakes. Anthropocentric Assumptions in the SETI Paradigm – Implications for UFO Research" by Pirschl and Schetsche. This section examines the fundamental assumptions underlying scientific SETI research, such as Earth not being unique, the principle of uniformitarianism (that evolutionary processes are similar everywhere), and the principle of convergence (that evolution leads to similar outcomes).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores historical UFO and anomalous phenomena cases, often involving meticulous archival research and critical analysis of evidence. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misinterpretations, hoaxes, or conventional explanations. The articles demonstrate a commitment to rigorous investigation, even when dealing with decades-old reports. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the complexities and challenges in establishing definitive conclusions, particularly in radar-visual cases. The journal also engages with theoretical aspects of UFO research, as seen in the review of "reflexive UFO research."

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 3-2013 and identified as NR. 207, is dedicated to the book "Diesseits der Denkverbote" (On This Side of the Thought Taboos), subtitled "Bausteine für eine reflexive UFO-Forschung" (Building Blocks for a Reflexive UFO Research). The journal explores various facets of UFO research, the scientific community's reaction to the topic, and the concept of a "UFO taboo."

Articles and Reviews

"Diesseits der Denkverbote" - A Reflexive Approach to UFO Research

The central theme revolves around the book "Diesseits der Denkverbote," edited by Michael Schetsche and Andreas Anton. The journal delves into the contributions within this book, highlighting key arguments and perspectives.

Andreas Anton's contribution, "(Un-)Möglichkeit wissenschaftlicher UFO-Forschung" ((Im)possibility of Scientific UFO Research), examines why the UFO topic, and particularly the ET hypothesis, is generally rejected. Anton suggests that UFOs, as anomalies, destabilize existing scientific models, leading to a defensive posture against them. He also notes that the idea of technologically superior extraterrestrials can evoke anxieties related to physical and cultural annihilation, worldview shocks, and the loss of control.

Ingbert Jüdt, in "Das UFO-Tabu ist öffentlich, nicht politisch" (The UFO Taboo is Public, Not Political), counters the idea that the taboo is politically motivated. He posits that the taboo serves as a societal self-protection mechanism against the potential loss of individual emancipation and autonomy.

Another article by Wendt and Duvall, "Die Souveränität und das UFO" (Sovereignty and the UFO), proposes that the public UFO taboo stems from the unknown nature of UFOs, which could pose a threat to state sovereignty.

Field Experiments and Research Approaches

Ailleris contributes an essay titled "Die Anziehungskraft des Local SETI's. Fünfzig Jahre Feldexperimente" (The Attraction of Local SETI's. Fifty Years of Field Experiments). This piece reviews various field monitoring efforts in UFO hotspots across different countries since the 1950s. Notable examples include the Hessdalen Project and the collaboration between the Belgian military and private UFO researchers during the 1990 Belgian UFO wave.

Michael Schetsche discusses "SETI, SETA und die UFO-Frage" (SETI, SETA and the UFO Question), exploring the differences between SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and SETA (Search for Extraterrestrial Artefacts). Schetsche points out that SETI's approach is anthropocentric and does not necessarily postulate interstellar travel, while SETA focuses on finding artifacts within our solar system.

Danny Ammon and Natale Guido Cincinnati's article, "Zur Leistungsfähigkeit der UFO-Laienforschung" (On the Capability of Amateur UFO Research), examines the practical UFO research conducted by private organizations in Germany, tracing its development and actual practice.

Ingbert Jüdt's "Manipulation und Misstrauen in der UFO-Politik. Von der Bennewitz-Affäre zur Exopolitik" (Manipulation and Mistrust in UFO Politics. From the Bennewitz Affair to Exopolitics) analyzes disinformation campaigns by the US military, which allegedly introduced false UFO myths, including the Majestic 12 documents, into the public discourse. Jüdt suggests that the exopolitics movement's belief in vast government conspiracies is shaped by these deliberate falsehoods.

Gerd Hövelmann's essay, "Ausgewählte Stationen auf dem Weg zu einer reflexiven UFO-Forschung" (Selected Stations on the Path to a Reflexive UFO Research), discusses the practical challenges of establishing academic UFO research, including the difficulty of securing funding. He uses the debate surrounding manned spaceflight in 1990 by the German Physical Society as a case study to illustrate how funding can be influenced by factors other than purely scientific arguments.

The book concludes with the "Manifest für eine reflexive UFO-Forschung" by Anton, Hövelmann, and Schetsche, which was previously published online.

Conceptual Critiques and Terminology

Under the heading "Begriffskritik" (Critique of Concepts), the journal addresses the importance of precise terminology in research. The UFO concept itself is discussed, with some contributors finding its use problematic. The article notes that while the term "Local SETI" is used for field observation projects, it carries an assumption that UFOs are extraterrestrial, suggesting that a more neutral term reflecting the unknown ontology of the phenomenon would be more appropriate.

Schetsche proposes "Paleo-SETA" as a new term for research into traces of extraterrestrial interventions in Earth's past, building on the concepts of pseudo-archaeology and Paleo-SETI. However, the journal questions whether this renaming clarifies the research paradigm or adequately captures the possibility of extraterrestrial visits being recorded in human history.

The UFO Taboo and its Origins

Several contributions explore the "UFO taboo," a fundamental postulate suggesting that there is a general reluctance to discuss unidentified flying objects. This taboo is seen as being perpetuated by the media, public perception, scientific establishment, and political circles. The journal examines the reasons for this societal aversion, including fears of physical and cultural destruction, worldview shocks, and loss of control.

Book Reviews

#### Philip Mantle: "Roswell 1947 und der Alien Autopsie Film" (Roswell 1947 and the Alien Autopsy Film)

This review discusses Philip Mantle's extensive research into the infamous "Santilli film," which purported to show an alien autopsy. Mantle's work, spanning 14 years, meticulously documents the film's origins and the filmmaker Ray Santilli's admission of creating it in 1995 using special effects. The review highlights how the film, despite its exposure as a hoax, persisted as supposed evidence for extraterrestrial visitation and government cover-ups for years. Mantle's book is praised for its detailed analysis and exposé of the deception.

#### Tanja Stramiello: "Ufos: Erscheinungen, Besuche, Entführungen" (UFOs: Appearances, Visits, Abductions)

This review covers Stramiello's 1999 study, which provides a concise overview of UFO research. The author touches upon the historical background, classification of sightings, and the lack of conclusive evidence. Stramiello acknowledges that the abduction phenomenon is complex and briefly discusses C.G. Jung's perspective on why humans might conceive of alien visitors. The review notes that while the work is not groundbreaking, it effectively raises fundamental issues in UFO research.

#### Illobrand von Ludwiger: "Unsere 6 Dimensionale Welt. Wissenschaftsverständnis von Magie, Mystik und Alchemie" (Our 6-Dimensional World. Understanding Science from Magic, Mysticism, and Alchemy)

This review examines Illobrand von Ludwiger's work, which applies Burkhard Heim's six-dimensional theory to paranormal phenomena, including UFOs. Von Ludwiger explores the concepts of magic, mysticism, and alchemy, suggesting that these phenomena can be understood within a multi-dimensional framework. The review notes that while the initial parts of the book are accessible, the later sections delving into the six-dimensional world may be challenging. Von Ludwiger's perspective on UFO occupants, suggesting they might be visitors from the future or beings with a different logic, is also mentioned.

#### Bernhard Pröschold: "Außerirdische. Das große Tabu unseres Zeitalters" (Extraterrestrials. The Great Taboo of Our Age)

Pröschold's work is reviewed as a socio-philosophical examination of why the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) is widely dismissed, particularly by the scientific community. The author argues that the ETH is a speculative but legitimate hypothesis for explaining UFO phenomena. He attributes the scientific community's disinterest to the lack of rigorous, academically recognized research from the UFO field. Pröschold criticizes the media for sensationalizing the topic and relying on a few vocal "experts." He also points out the lack of institutionalized communication forms within academic UFO research, contrasting it with the work of the Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. The review highlights Pröschold's view that the scientific community's avoidance of the topic creates a self-fulfilling prophecy and that the public's rejection is reinforced by the absence of serious engagement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the "UFO taboo," the challenges of establishing UFO research as a legitimate scientific field, the critical examination of evidence (such as the Alien Autopsy Film), and the exploration of alternative theoretical frameworks (like SETI, SETA, and multi-dimensional physics). The journal appears to advocate for a more open-minded, yet critically rigorous, approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging reflexive research that acknowledges societal and psychological factors while seeking empirical evidence. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between sensationalism and genuine scientific inquiry, and on understanding the reasons behind the widespread skepticism and dismissal of UFO-related topics.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (jufof), issue number 207 from the 3rd quarter of 2013, is primarily dedicated to a review of Nick Pope's book "Open Skies, Closed Minds". The journal is published by Verlag Bernd Pröschold in Cologne, Germany.

Review of "Open Skies, Closed Minds" by Nick Pope

The review, authored by Klaus Felsmann, focuses on Nick Pope's work and his role as a UFO expert, particularly his time at the British Ministry of Defence's (MOD) UFO Desk. Felsmann acknowledges Pope's interdisciplinary approach to UFO research, agreeing with the idea that it requires input from various scientific fields. He quotes Pope's assertion that a public discourse on the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors should begin and that the examination of the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) should become a central part of academic research, though Felsmann expresses skepticism about living to see this.

Felsmann finds the topic presented by Pope interesting and informative, despite Pope's arguments leaning heavily on socio-philosophical considerations rather than practical research. He notes that Pope expects the UFO community to integrate the ETH more deeply into their work, a task Felsmann feels the community is already struggling to manage.

Nick Pope's Background and Role

Nick Pope is described as a prominent figure in UFO discussions, often appearing in media and cited as a UFO expert from the British Ministry of Defence. He frequently references the material from the MOD and his former job in the UFO Desk. The reviewer decided to examine Pope's book as a starting point.

Analysis of "Open Skies, Closed Minds"

Felsmann chose "Open Skies, Closed Minds" as it appeared to be one of Pope's earlier works, likely stemming from his time at the UFO Desk. He notes that a previous review by Hans-Werner Peiniger existed in jufof Nr. 118 (4/1998), but this review aims for a more detailed look at Pope's "early work".

The book itself is described as simply bound, with 270 pages, including 8 pages of photos in the center. It lacks additional sketches, maps, or illustrations. The appendix contains a list of UFO sighting numbers from 1959-1995 from the UFO Desk, a sample report form, an example of the ministry's response letters, and addresses of English UFO organizations.

Case Studies Presented

Starting from page 79, the review details several cases selected by Nick Pope from his UFO Desk activities and MOD material:

• Case 1: Capital: An individual mistook a kite for a UFO but recognized the error while reporting it.
• Case 2: Waterloo (1992): Witnesses observed a colorful, bright object maneuvering over the River Thames near the MOD building, disappearing at high speed.
• Case 3: Fire in the Sky (December 9, 1991): Dozens of witnesses in Herefordshire saw a fiery object at high altitude, accompanied by a roaring sound, later attributed to a fighter jet releasing fuel.
• Case 4: Visitors: An elderly witness misinterpreted a military helicopter exercise.
• Case 5: The One That Got Away: Three fishermen filmed a bright, silvery light moving away, with an orange rhombus visible on the video possibly due to lens defects. The sighting remains not fully explained.
• Case 6: Fear not, Zacharias: A young cadet experienced a CE III encounter on a sports field, feeling a contact. A bird flew near the object (described as disc-shaped, solid, bright, and quiet) and fell dead to the ground; the bird was found dead later.
• Case 7: Craigluscar (February 1994): A witness photographing landscapes noticed a disc-shaped object approaching over the sea, emitting a dull roar, which he observed for 15 minutes, feeling disoriented and paralyzed, before managing to take two photos during its rapid departure.
• Case 8: Bonnybridge: Known as a UFO hotspot, with 8,000 reports between 1992-1994, though only a few vague reports of triangular objects reached the UFO Desk.
• Case 9: Terror in the Quantocks (1992): A woman reported that her husband had a CE III encounter four years prior, where a disc-shaped object flew over him, causing him to fall and his clothing to be burned, leading to incurable radiation sickness symptoms.

Felsmann finds these cases unremarkable, stating that any UFO organization could have collected them. He criticizes the lack of detailed evidence presented to prove the unidentified nature of the objects. He contrasts this with the more thorough case discussions by the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), suggesting they are more informative and comprehensible.

Further Criticisms and Pope's Approach

Felsmann notes that Pope's book doesn't highlight the unique advantages his position at the MOD might have offered for case analysis. He finds Pope's writing style tedious and repetitive, often delving into personal anecdotes. While Pope's work on historical UFO topics from the 1940s and 1950s is noted as being covered in existing literature, Pope doesn't introduce new revelations.

Pope's handling of the question of "threat from UFOs" is seen as particularly bold. He goes beyond discussing incidents and abductions, asserting that unknown objects violate airspace with impunity. Pope even raises the question of engaging in conflict with UFOs and discusses the precariousness of the Cold War nuclear standoff, suggesting that a UFO sighting could have triggered a catastrophic response. Felsmann credits Pope with honesty and a willingness to address controversial topics, which might have earned him respect within certain circles.

Felsmann concludes that while the book is not his favorite, Pope's unique perspective, surprises, and unwavering conviction have made a positive impression. He acknowledges that the book's specific approach made the detailed examination worthwhile.

Other Content

• Book Details: "Open Skies, Closed Minds" is 157 pages, paperback, ISBN 978-3000388514, priced at 19.90 €. Published by Verlag Bernd Pröschold, Cologne, 2012.
• DEGUFO E.V. Conference Announcement: An international conference celebrating the 20th anniversary of the German-speaking UFO research society DEGUFO e.V. is announced for November 16-17, 2013, in Frechen, Germany. The event will feature lectures by international UFO researchers, including Maurizio Baiata, Natale Guido Cincinnati, Lars A. Fischinger, and others. A special offer is available for new members joining DEGUFO e.V. before October 31, 2013.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal maintains a factual and critical stance towards UFO phenomena, as evidenced by its review of Nick Pope's book. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research and rigorous analysis of evidence. The journal also serves as a platform for documenting and investigating UFO reports, classifying them, and publishing competent, scientifically-methodical reports and analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, critical inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing between established facts, hypotheses, and speculative theories. The inclusion of the DEGUFO conference announcement highlights the journal's connection to the broader UFO research community in Germany.