JUFOF - Issue 208 - 2013 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of jufof (Journal für UFO-Forschung), Volume 34, Number 208, dated April 2013, is published by GEP e.V. and priced at 4.50 Euro. The cover prominently features the "Die Fotos des Paul Trent" (The Photos of Paul Trent) with the subtitle "Doch echt? McMinnville revisited, Teil 1" (Really? McMinnville revisited, Part 1). Another significant cover story is "Schädeldeformation als Götterimitation" (Skull Deformation as Divine Imitation), subtitled "Untersuchung einer Paläo-SETI-These, Teil 1" (Investigation of a Paleo-SETI Thesis, Part 1). The issue also includes a section on "UFO-Literatur" (UFO Literature) featuring reviews of current books.

Editorial

In the editorial, "Liebe Leser," (Dear Readers), Hans-Werner Peiniger, the editor-in-chief, highlights two GEP internet portals: the GEP-Internet-Shop for ordering literature and older jufof issues, and an Amazon shop for purchasing reviewed literature. He introduces the current issue's content, including the revisit of the Paul Trent photos from McMinnville, Oregon, USA, from 1950, analyzed by Roland M. Horn. Peiniger also mentions the article on skull deformation as divine imitation, investigated by André Kramer, which offers a sobering conclusion. The issue presents two processed UFO reports from incoming UFO messages, emphasizing that even after over 40 years of work and 2,500 cases, not all causes of UFO reports are known, and each case presents a unique challenge. He also touches upon the critical assessment of conspiracy theories, specifically Chemtrails, with a review by Danny Ammon.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred on November 18, 2012, at 1:15 AM in Hamm, Germany (Case File: 20121118 A). The witness, Julian d.F. (a student), described an unusual light phenomenon. Initially, the object was seen about 300-400 meters away at a height of approximately 4 meters. It then suddenly reappeared about 20 meters from the witness's window. The object was described as a pink/lilac sphere (orb) about 1 meter in diameter, with at least two smaller blue spheres attached, moving in an opposite and somewhat 'nervous' up-and-down pattern. The entire phenomenon lasted about 10 seconds before disappearing. The witness was certain the object was real as it illuminated the surrounding area. The classification is CE I, with the identification being a reflection on the windowpane, and the assessment IFO / V2 (Identified Flying Object / Version 2).

Further investigation into the Hamm sighting revealed that the witness had contacted the GEP, other organizations, and the police. Werner Walter from CENAP initially suggested it might be a remotely controlled model aircraft with LED lighting, but the witness refuted this. The witness also filed a report with MUFON. The GEP investigator, Hans-Werner Peiniger, explored the possibility of a helicopter, particularly a rescue helicopter from the nearby Evangelisches Krankenhaus. However, an inquiry with ADAC (Christoph 8 and Christoph Westfalen) and the hospital confirmed that no helicopter operations occurred at that time, ruling out this explanation. The article includes a map showing the witness's location relative to the hospital's helipad and discusses the possibility of light reflections from the 'luventas' rehabilitation center, where a party was taking place on the night of the sighting.

Subsequent articles detail the investigation into the Hamm sighting. A local newspaper, the Westfälische Anzeiger, reported on the incident, prompting a response from the public. Jochen Heimann, managing director of Trust-Music, confirmed that the lights were from a party held at the 'luventas' building, where they had provided the lighting system. The pink and lilac colors, combined with the reflective glass facade and the blinking lights synchronized with the music, created the 'UFO effect.' DJ Matthias Scheinhütte and Carsten Röder, managing director of luventas, corroborated this explanation. However, the article notes that not all mysteries were solved, as some party guests reported seeing a strange white light beam over the city center, suggesting a potential new case for the GEP.

The investigation involved a site visit to determine the line of sight between the witness's window and the 'luventas' center. It was confirmed that a direct line of sight existed. The article includes diagrams and photos illustrating the witness's perspective, the 'luventas' building, and the condition of the window glass, suggesting that reflections and light scattering could have contributed to the perceived phenomenon.

Schädeldeformation als Götterimitation

This section delves into a Paleo-SETI thesis, investigating the theory that certain ancient skull deformations were imitations of extraterrestrial beings ('gods'). André Kramer examines various aspects of this theory, presenting a critical and somewhat sobering outcome. The article suggests that some authors in the Paleo-SETI scene propose that specific early historical skull shapes were influenced by extraterrestrial visitors.

UFO-Literatur

This part of the magazine features reviews of current books related to UFOs. One review is for "Das Chemtrailhandbuch" (The Chemtrail Handbook) by Danny Ammon, which addresses the Chemtrails conspiracy theory.

Leserbriefe

This section contains letters from readers, including contributions from Marius Kettmann and Gerd H. Hövelmann.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical analysis of UFO evidence, particularly photographic evidence like the Paul Trent case, and the detailed documentation and investigation of contemporary UFO sightings. The magazine maintains a stance of thorough investigation, acknowledging the unknown aspects of UFO phenomena while also seeking rational explanations, such as light reflections or misidentifications. The GEP e.V. positions itself as a research organization focused on documentation and information rather than commercial gain. The issue also touches upon the critical examination of conspiracy theories and the ongoing challenge of understanding the UFO phenomenon after decades of research.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2013, Nr. 208, published in April 2013, focuses on two significant UFO-related cases. The cover story, "Trapezförmiges Objekt nahe Frankenthal fotografiert" (Trapezoidal Object Photographed Near Frankenthal), details a sighting and photographic evidence from June 15, 2012. The second major article, "Die Fotos des Paul Trent – doch echt? McMinnville revisited – Teil 1" (The Photos of Paul Trent – Really? McMinnville Revisited – Part 1), is an excerpt from a book by Roland M. Horn, examining the controversial 1950 McMinnville UFO photographs.

Trapezoidal Object Near Frankenthal Photographed

The article details a sighting by witness Christoph L. on June 15, 2012, at approximately 10:45 MESZ (8:45 UTC) near Frankenthal, Germany, along the A61 highway. The witness observed a sharply outlined, trapezoidal object hovering at a low altitude, which he estimated to be about 100-200 meters above the ground, though he notes this estimate is dependent on the perceived distance. The object was partially obscured by trees and forest strips as the witness drove. After stopping his car, he was able to observe and photograph the object with his Canon digital camera. He described it as standing in a north-westerly direction, possibly towards Schwätzingen, Heidelberg, or Dossenheim, and noted it was slowly moving north. He ruled out conventional explanations such as a kite, hot air balloon, or advertising banner towed by an aircraft due to its size, slow movement, and lack of a visible aircraft.

Subsequent investigations by Hans-Werner Peiniger revealed that the object was indeed an advertising banner towed by a helicopter. The helicopter itself was not visible due to distance and camouflage with the sky. The company "HeliJet Charter GmbH" from Langenfeld confirmed that their helicopter was used for aerial advertising with a large banner in that area between 10:00 and 15:00 on the day of the sighting. The banner was described as having a surface area of 5000 m² and being readable from up to 10 kilometers away. The article includes references to YouTube videos showcasing similar helicopter banner advertising.

The Photos of Paul Trent – Really? McMinnville Revisited – Part 1

This section, written by Roland M. Horn, presents an excerpt from his book "John A. Keel und der Stein der Weisen – Auf dem Weg zur Lösung des UFO-Phänomens" (John A. Keel and the Philosopher's Stone – On the Way to Solving the UFO Phenomenon). It focuses on the famous 1950 UFO photographs taken by farmer Paul Trent in McMinnville, Oregon, USA.

The incident occurred on May 11, 1950, around 19:30. Evelyn Trent, while feeding rabbits in her backyard, saw a fast-moving, metallic, disc-shaped object flying from the northeast. She called her husband, Paul Trent, who came out and observed the object for a few moments before retrieving his camera. He took a photograph, rewound the film, and took a second one. The object was estimated to be 20-30 feet (about eight meters) in diameter and then turned west, increasing its speed. Mrs. Trent also saw her father-in-law and mother-in-law on the terrace, who initially did not seem to notice the object. Paul Trent briefly saw the object disappear in the western sky.

The object was described as a flat-bottomed disc with some substructure, resembling a large parachute without suspension lines, silvery-bright mixed with bronze. One photo showed the object tilted, revealing its underside. The witnesses felt a gust of air coinciding with the object's tilt. UFO investigator William Hartmann noted that this case was one of the few where all factors were examined geometrically, psychologically, and physically.

The article then delves into the controversy surrounding the photos, particularly the efforts by debunkers Phil Klass and Robert Sheaffer to discredit the Trents and the investigation by Bruce Maccabee. Klass and Sheaffer questioned the consistency of witness testimonies and the investigation process. They highlighted discrepancies in the reported timeline and details of the sighting, particularly concerning other potential witnesses like Mrs. Worth and Mrs. Chaplin.

Maccabee's investigation, as presented by Klass, involved extensive interviews with Mrs. Trent over several years. Klass criticized Maccabee for not being able to locate Mrs. Worth, the last surviving witness, and for relying on Mrs. Trent's accounts, which he argued were inconsistent or modified over time. Klass also pointed out that Mrs. Trent initially reported that no neighbors saw the object, but later mentioned Mrs. Chaplin and Mrs. Worth as potential witnesses, whose testimonies were obtained indirectly or after their deaths.

The debunkers also attempted to discredit the photos themselves. Robert Sheaffer suggested the object could have been a mirror from an old truck. Both Klass and Sheaffer argued that the lighting in the photos was inconsistent with an evening sighting, suggesting it was more typical of a morning light caused by bright clouds reflecting the sun. However, they noted that U.S. Weather Bureau data indicated no clouds on the evening of the sighting.

Maccabee countered these claims by explaining that the meteorological symbol for "clear" could indicate less than 10% cloud cover, allowing for some clouds. He also presented comparative photographs taken in Maryland in 1977, showing shadows cast by clouds. Maccabee argued that it was physically possible for a cloud to cast diffuse shadows on the garage, similar to those seen in the Trent photos, even if the cloud itself was not particularly bright. He conducted experiments by observing and photographing shadows cast by clouds at sunset, suggesting that the shadows in the Trent photos could be explained by atmospheric conditions and light reflection from clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores UFO sightings, photographic evidence, and the investigations surrounding them. It appears to present a balanced approach, featuring both detailed accounts of sightings and the critical analysis and debunking efforts by various researchers and writers. The editorial stance seems to favor thorough investigation and open discussion of different interpretations, acknowledging the complexities and controversies inherent in UFO research. The inclusion of both detailed witness reports and the counterarguments from debunkers highlights the ongoing debate within the field.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, Ausgabe 4-2013, NR. 208, published by JMB-Verlag, focuses on two primary topics: the phenomenon of skull deformation and a review of a book concerning chemtrails. The magazine features articles and discussions that blend historical research, anthropological inquiry, and critical analysis of fringe theories.

Article 1: Schädeldeformationen als Götterimitation? – Teil 1 (Skull Deformations as Imitation of Gods? – Part 1)

Authored by André Kramer, this extensive article delves into the practice of skull deformation, a deliberate alteration of the human skull observed in various cultures throughout history. The article explores the Paläo-SETI (Paleo-SETic) hypothesis, which posits that these deformations were an attempt by ancient humans to mimic the appearance of extraterrestrials who they believed had visited Earth and were revered as gods.

Kramer begins by introducing the concept of skull deformation as a form of 'body adornment' that has captured the attention of Paläo-SETI researchers. He notes that the resulting altered head shapes, often elongated and with high foreheads, can appear strikingly alien, reminiscent of fictional characters like those in 'The Coneheads.' The core of the Paläo-SETI argument is that these practices were not merely aesthetic but a form of imitation of perceived alien beings.

The article then systematically examines various aspects to test this hypothesis. It questions whether skull deformations arose independently across different cultures and if they share common characteristics. It also considers whether these deformations served to denote social status, a common practice in many societies.

Kramer discusses the global distribution of skull deformation, noting its presence in Australia, Oceania, Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas. The earliest evidence dates back to 6000-8000 BCE in Ethiopia, with later occurrences in Iraq (7000 BCE) and Europe (4000 BCE). The practice spread to Europe with the Huns in the 5th and 6th centuries CE. The article presents evidence from various regions, including Germany (64 finds), Switzerland (15 finds), and France (43 finds). It also highlights findings in Oceania, with documented practices continuing into the 20th century, possibly originating from Polynesia. Examples include over-modeled skulls from Vanuatu, displayed in museums.

In Egypt, while some depictions of figures like Akhenaten and his family show elongated skulls, it is debated whether this was due to artificial deformation or a hereditary condition like hydrocephalus (macrocephaly). The article notes that artistic representations can sometimes be exaggerations.

The practice is also widespread in the Americas, potentially linked to Asian influences during the peopling of the continent. South America, particularly the Andean region, shows the oldest finds dating back to 7000-6000 BCE. Specific cultures like the Colla and the Maya practiced skull deformation, with historical accounts from chroniclers like Pedro de Cieza de Leon describing the methods used, such as binding infants' heads to achieve a desired shape.

Kramer concludes that while skull deformation is a global phenomenon, it did not always arise independently. Its spread suggests cultural diffusion, particularly in regions with close proximity between different groups. The article acknowledges that while the Paläo-SETI hypothesis is intriguing, the evidence also points to natural causes and artistic conventions that could explain some of the observed skull shapes.

Article 2: Book Review – Das Chemtrailhandbuch (The Chemtrail Handbook)

This section features a review by Danny Ammon of Jörg Lorenz's book, 'Das Chemtrailhandbuch: Was sich wirklich über unseren Köpfen abspielt' (The Chemtrail Handbook: What is Really Happening Above Our Heads). The book, published by JMB-Verlag, addresses the conspiracy theory surrounding 'chemtrails' – the belief that military and civilian aircraft are deliberately spraying chemicals, bacteria, or viruses to alter the climate or harm populations.

Ammon describes Lorenz's book as an attempt to clarify the facts surrounding the chemtrail phenomenon and to debunk the conspiracy theories. Lorenz, a software developer with interests in aviation and photography, argues against the chemtrail claims, often citing his extensive engagement with proponents of the theory online. The review notes that Lorenz's work is often polemical, particularly in his strong stance against certain groups, such as the 'Bürgerinitiative Sauberer Himmel' (Clean Sky Initiative).

The book reportedly covers the origins of contrails, atmospheric effects, and the 'chemtrail scene' in Germany, linking proponents to right-wing esoteric circles. It includes contributions from professional pilots, former chemtrail believers, and meteorologist Jörg Kachelmann, who wrote the foreword and has publicly criticized chemtrail theories.

Ammon points out that while Lorenz effectively gathers facts to question the chemtrail claims, the book's structure is not entirely systematic. Some details are repeated from Lorenz's online writings, and the book's 'insider perspective' might make it less accessible to a general audience. The review also notes the lack of a comprehensive index, which hinders its utility as a reference work. The black-and-white images are often small and sourced from the internet, with the text often repeated in the main body.

Despite these criticisms, Ammon concludes that the book offers a unique collection of details about the chemtrail belief system and its adherents in Germany. Lorenz's call for proponents to provide evidence is highlighted as a significant part of his argument, challenging them to substantiate their claims.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

Anmerkungen zum Artikel: >>Ein Airship-Absturz bei Potsdam 1913: Eine Spurensuche« (Comments on the Article: 'An Airship Crash near Potsdam 1913: A Search for Traces')

Authored by Marius Kettmann, this letter responds to a previous article about an airship crash near Potsdam in 1913. Kettmann expresses surprise at not having heard of this incident before, despite his extensive research into the military history of the region. He thanks the authors for bringing the case to light and for their thorough analysis.

Kettmann provides additional historical context regarding the military presence in the Jüterbog area. He notes that airship battalions were stationed there from 1901, supported by a detachment of the Flying Battalion No. 1 from 1912. The airfield at Altes Lager served as a central airship port from 1912-1914, while a flying/observer school operated at the Jüterbog Damm airfield from 1913-1916. He also mentions the presence of infantry, foot, and field artillery units and their training facilities, including a field artillery shooting school.

Of particular interest to the article's subject, Kettmann highlights that since 1913, a bomb dropping range for airships was operated in the vicinity of Kloster Zinna. He lists several nearby locations (Caputh, Jüterbog, Neuheim, Forst Zinna, Luckenwalde, Frankenförde, and Pechüle) and calculates an average air-line distance of 34 km to Caputh, suggesting this was the likely location for the airship maneuver mentioned in the article.

Kettmann concludes by discussing the military history of Jüterbog and its influence on military aviation, suggesting that the historical context provided adds depth to the understanding of the airship incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of unexplained phenomena, historical research, and critical analysis of fringe theories. The journal consistently explores topics related to UFOs, ancient mysteries, and conspiracy theories, but with an emphasis on rigorous investigation and evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry combined with a healthy skepticism, aiming to debunk unsubstantiated claims while exploring genuine enigmas. The review of the chemtrail book, in particular, demonstrates a commitment to fact-checking and presenting well-researched counterarguments to popular conspiracy narratives. The inclusion of reader letters suggests an engagement with the community and a willingness to incorporate diverse perspectives and historical details into the ongoing discourse.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, Volume 4-2013, Issue NR.208, focuses on historical UFO cases and research methodologies. The primary article, "Keine Zeppelin-Havarie 1913 bei Caputh" (No Zeppelin Crash in 1913 near Caputh) by Gerd H. Hövelmann, critically examines a purported airship crash near Potsdam on March 12, 1913. The journal is published by GEP e.V., a German UFO research organization.

Main Article: 'Keine Zeppelin-Havarie 1913 bei Caputh'

Gerd H. Hövelmann's article delves into a case previously investigated by Ulrich Magins and Hans-Jörg Vogels, which suggested an airship crash near Potsdam in March 1913. Hövelmann expresses his appreciation for detailed historical research but strongly disputes the conclusion of a Zeppelin or military airship incident. He asserts that the history of German airships, including Zeppelins, is exceptionally well-documented, with extensive records of their flights, accidents, and fates.

Hövelmann meticulously lists numerous German airships (L.Z.1 through L.Z.16) that were in service or under construction around March 1913. He provides specific dates for their flights, accidents, or decommissioning, demonstrating that none could have been involved in the alleged Caputh incident. For instance, L.Z.3 had a documented flight on April 20, 1913, ruling it out for a crash on March 12. L.Z.11 'Viktoria Luise' had flights on March 4 and March 31, 1913. L.Z.14 crashed in September 1913, and L.Z.15 made a forced landing near Karlsruhe in March 1913, but not at Caputh. The maiden flight of L.Z.16 was on March 14, 1913, two days after the alleged event.

The article emphasizes that the detailed cataloging and available photographic evidence (including images of crashed airships) make it highly improbable that any such event could have been concealed or misrepresented. Hövelmann concludes that whatever fell from the sky near Caputh on that evening, it was definitively not a civilian or military German airship.

Historical Context: Jüterbog and Military Aviation

The article also touches upon the historical significance of the Jüterbog area as a center for military aviation. It notes that the area was extensively used for military exercises, including those involving observation balloons. The presence of numerous flying objects, including airships, balloons, and kites, was common. The article references historical accounts of balloon incidents and the military's involvement in investigating them, suggesting that the military might have had reasons to investigate or even conceal certain events.

It mentions Marius Kettmann, a historian and sociologist specializing in the military history of the Warsaw Pact armies, whose work includes research on the Jüterbog garrison. Kettmann's academic thesis focused on Soviet military art using the Jüterbog garrison as a case study.

Other Content

Publications and GEP

The issue also includes advertisements and information about GEP's publications. One is "Unidentifizierte Flugobjekte über Großbritannien: Die UFOs des MoD Eine Dokumentation Teil 1," which translates and presents UFO sightings from 1981-1985 from declassified UK Ministry of Defence files. Another is "UFO-Forschung und Wissenschaft: Beiträge zur GEP-Fachtagung, 2.-3. Mai 2009, Hösbach," a collection of papers from a GEP conference covering topics like subjective UFO research, mass media, and stigma.

Journal Information

Information is provided about the "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), which has been published since 1980. It serves as the official publication of GEP, featuring documentation of sighting reports, case classifications, and investigations in its first part, and scientifically written reports, case studies, and analyses in its second part. It also includes a review and reader letter section.

UFO Definition and Reporting

The journal defines a UFO as the perceived appearance of an object or light in the sky or on land whose characteristics suggest it is not a conventional object and remains unidentifiable after thorough investigation. It provides contact information for reporting UFO sightings, including a telephone number (02351-23377), an email address ([email protected]), and website addresses for GEP and jufof.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are rigorous historical research, critical analysis of UFO cases, and the importance of thorough documentation. The editorial stance, as exemplified by Hövelmann's article, is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a strong reliance on verifiable historical evidence. The journal promotes interdisciplinary research and aims to provide a factual, critical, and scientific approach to the UFO phenomenon.