JUFOF - Issue 212 - 2014 02

Magazine Overview

Title: jufof
Subtitle: journal für ufo-forschung
Issue: 02-2014, Jg. 35, Nr. 212
Date: February 2014
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Price: 4,50 Euro
ISSN: 0723-7766

Editorial

By Danny Ammon

The editorial introduces the third part of an overview of suspected landing traces of unknown objects in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, compiled by Ulrich Magin. A significant role in many historical cases is played by the so-called 'Gallertmeteore' (gelatinous meteors), which were considered a great mystery in the 19th century, with the belief that shooting stars might land as a gelatinous mass. The editorial explores the origins of this belief and why it is rarely discussed today, referencing Wikipedia and the term 'star jelly'. It explains that 'star jelly' can refer to biological matter regurgitated by predators, such as amphibian spawn, or to algae and slime molds. Historically, it was believed that these substances rained down during meteor showers. The editorial also notes that modern pop culture has created its own representations of such materials. Beyond historical cases, this issue includes new contributions, a problematic UFO case, other sightings in an overview, a description of an unusual helmet, international news, and software/literature reviews.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

>>Scharfkantig weiße« Lichtkugeln über Riesa

• Case Number: 20140130 A
• Date: January 30, 2014
• Time: 17:00 MEZ (16:00 UTC)
• Location: Riesa, Germany (PLZ 01589)
• Witness: Annerose L. (56), school secretary
• Classification: DD (Problematic UFO)
• Investigator: Jutta Behne

Summary:

Annerose L. observed two sharp-edged, white light spheres in the sky near the Riesa hospital. The larger sphere was described as grapefruit-sized, and a smaller one, about 4 cm away, was walnut-sized. The object(s) moved at a speed comparable to her walking pace for about 5 seconds before disappearing instantly. She noted the unusual whiteness and sharp edges of the light, with no corona effect. She searched online for similar sightings but found none matching the description. She had previously engaged with UFO literature around the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall but not since. During the investigation, she appeared normal and consistent. The investigator concluded that she had seen something unusual, but no conventional explanation fit perfectly. The case was classified as a 'Problematic UFO'.

Diskussion und Beurteilung:

Investigator Jutta Behne found the witness credible. Explanations like a reflection or balloons were considered but rejected. The case was classified as a 'Problematic UFO' due to the lack of a satisfactory conventional explanation.

Weitere Meldungen im Überblick – Teil 10

• Case Number: 20140320 A
• Date: March 20, 2014
• Time: 20:02 MEZ (19:02 UTC)
• Location: Gonderingen, Luxembourg (PLZ 618?)
• Witness: Thierry S.
• Classification: NL (IFO / V1)
• Investigator: Hans-Werner Peiniger

Summary:

Thierry S. submitted a photograph showing the flight path of a triangular aircraft. The object was reportedly illuminated on its underside and flew silently in a north-northeasterly direction. The photo was a 60-second long exposure. The witness described the object as flying at medium speed, very low and close, and completely silent. It had rounded, 'sanded' edges. He stated that the airspace in Luxembourg is not cleared for such low-flying aircraft. The investigator noted that the photographed flight path strongly resembled that of a conventional aircraft, with light nodes typical of long-exposure photography of blinking or steady position lights. However, the witness's description did not align with a typical aircraft, and he was 99% certain it was not one. The investigator, Hans-Werner Peiniger, conducted an analysis using flight tracking data. The analysis revealed that the photographed flight path corresponded to a registered aircraft. Specifically, the composite image shows the witness's photo combined with an astronomical reconstruction of flight paths. The left mast in the image aligns with the north direction. The analysis identified three flight paths, two of which were in the middle of the image near the horizon and one descending from the upper right. All three were attributed to aircraft. The investigator concluded that the witness's sighting was of a Boeing 777 cargo plane from 'Quatar Airways Cargo', which was descending at an altitude of approximately 1400 meters and flying at 570 km/h, initiating a curve to land at Luxembourg Airport. The witness was surprised by this identification, as he had never considered it could be an aircraft, especially given its low altitude and silent operation. The investigator acknowledges that certain lighting on aircraft, combined with specific observation perspectives and weather conditions, can lead to misidentification.

Fallnummer: 20140310 A

• Date: March 10, 2014
• Time: 5:25 MEZ (4:25 UTC)
• Location: Kronberg, Germany (PLZ 61476)
• Witness: Daniela C. (37)
• Classification: NL (IFO / V1)
• Investigator: Hans-Werner Peiniger

Summary:

Daniela C. observed an unusual flying object coming from the direction of Oberursel and flying towards Frankfurt. It had various blinking lights and appeared to rock slightly. She described it as having four 'wings' arranged like a swimming turtle, with a bright green light on the left and a red light on the right. The object moved slowly and rocked, making a slight noise. The most striking feature was the blinking red lights in the front center, resembling pyramid-shaped triangles, which flashed at approximately 1-second intervals. She noted that she is familiar with low-flying aircraft due to living in the flight path of Frankfurt Airport (FRA) but stated this object was different. She described the object as very large, possibly the size of a football field, with the blinking red triangles estimated to be the size of a mid-sized car. It moved slowly, rocked, and made a quiet sound, like a soft vacuum cleaner. She also speculated that the object might have attempted contact with her toddler. The investigator confirmed through flight tracking data that a Boeing 777 was indeed flying over the witness's location at the time of the sighting. The aircraft was descending at an altitude of approximately 3500 meters and traveling at around 560 km/h, preparing to land at Frankfurt Airport. The investigator reiterates that aircraft lighting, combined with observation conditions, can lead to misidentification.

Diskussion und Beurteilung:

Despite the witness's initial conviction that it was not an aircraft, the investigation successfully identified a Boeing 777 as the likely cause of the sighting. The witness confirmed the investigator's plotted flight path. The investigator emphasizes that aircraft lighting and unique observation circumstances can lead to unusual perceptions, causing even familiar objects like airplanes to be misinterpreted.

"Kontaktaufnahme mit meinem Kleinkind"

This section addresses the witness's speculation about contact with her toddler. The investigator views this as an example of how unrelated events can be linked by witnesses. The witness elaborated that her toddler had been restless during the nights around the sighting, which she interpreted as a reaction to the object. The investigator notes this as an interesting, though likely coincidental, aspect of the case.

UFO-Literatur

This section contains reviews of current UFO literature.

• UFOs, Prophezeihungen, Licht- und andere Phänomene (UFOs, Prophecies, Light, and Other Phenomena) - Reviewed on page 60.
• John A. Keel und der Stein der Weisen (John A. Keel and the Philosopher's Stone) - Reviewed on page 61.
• UFOs und Bibel (UFOs and the Bible) - Reviewed on page 65.

Impressum

• Publisher: Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e. V., founded in 1972.
• Address: Postfach 2361, D-58473 Lüdenscheid, Germany.
• Contact: Phone: (02351) 23377, Fax: (02351) 23335, Email: [email protected].
• Editor and Responsible Person: Hans-Werner Peiniger, Danny Ammon.
• Publication: Published bimonthly on a non-commercial basis; contributions are unpaid.
• Subscription Price: 1 year (6 issues): €27.00 plus postage (€7.00 within Germany, €20.00 abroad). Membership in GEP includes subscription.
• Advertising: Price list available upon request. Small ads are free for subscribers (up to six lines) and members (up to ten lines).
• Reprinting: Only with written permission from GEP e.V. and with a copy of the publication.
• Printing: bis500 Druck, 98693 Ilmenau.
• Copyright: © 2014 GEP e.V.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO landing traces, the analysis of specific sightings, and the identification of conventional explanations for perceived anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the case analyses, is one of rigorous investigation, seeking factual evidence, and prioritizing conventional explanations when possible, while still acknowledging 'problematic UFO' cases that defy easy classification. The magazine also engages with historical UFO phenomena and contemporary UFO literature, indicating a broad interest in the field. The emphasis on detailed case documentation and investigator reports suggests a commitment to a scientific or quasi-scientific approach to UFO research.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 2-2014, Nr. 212, published in Germany, delves into various UFO and unexplained phenomena cases. The cover prominently features a flight tracking map with a specific position highlighted over Kronberg at 5:25 AM CET, suggesting an analysis of aerial events.

Case Studies and Investigations

Freital Case (20130901 A)

Investigated by Thomas Mertens, this case involves witness Knut S. reporting an object appearing out of nowhere from the west, flying horizontally at high speed over a construction site, and disappearing towards the east. The object was described as green-fluorescent, approximately 1 meter long, with a flat elevation at the rear resembling a 'cockpit' and leaving a 3-4 meter long condensation trail. It flew silently at an estimated altitude of 15-20 meters above ground, at a distance of about 20 meters from the witness. The witness described it as a cylinder, 1-2 meters long, with pointed front, two jagged stub-like wings in the front third, and a dome-like structure at the rear. It emitted a pale green condensation trail and had sharp outlines with self-luminescence. The witness, employed in security, was visibly agitated. The investigator, Hans-Werner Peiniger, initially suggests a pyrotechnic device like a flare or fire ball, but the witness insists it was not, citing its maneuverability and the potential for collision with hills if it were a standard flare. The investigator notes the witness's perception of proximity and speed, suggesting the witness might have been tired or startled, and that no confirmed fireball reports matched. Despite the witness's strong conviction, the conclusion leans towards a pyrotechnic object or a fireball due to its dynamic flight behavior.

Kefenrod Case (20071212 A)

Investigated by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this case involves witness Stefan S. who provided several night-vision camera recordings from his surveillance camera between 5:00 and 7:00 AM. He described a 'strange, bright, luminous object' that moved in a wavy pattern, briefly disappeared, and reappeared near a staircase, covering approximately 300 meters in about 2 seconds. The object appeared smaller when closer to the staircase compared to its appearance on a field path, suggesting spatial movement. The investigator notes the quality of the night-vision recordings. A composite of 21 images shows a large bright object that did not move, identified as a reflection in a house window. A smaller light was observed near a tree (Pos. 1) and later near the house (Pos. 2), with no smooth transition between the two points. The investigator dismisses the idea of the light 'jumping' or 'dematerializing'. The smaller light's behavior on a field path suggests it could be an animal's eyes reflecting light, like a cat with a collar, or a piece of reflective material. The investigator concludes that further resources are not warranted for this case, ruling out exotic explanations.

Riefensberg Case (20050629 A)

Investigated by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this case involves witness Antje K. who submitted a photo of a 'disc-shaped object with a dark tail' in the sky. The photo was taken during a storm, with the intention of capturing the weather. The object was discovered upon later review of the photo on a PC. The EXIF data indicates a 1/60 second exposure time with a flash. The investigator suggests the object is likely a small item in close proximity to the camera, illuminated by the flash, possibly an insect, a piece of paper, a leaf, or similar, which was blown by the wind during the exposure. The flash synchronization is noted as being at the beginning of the exposure, causing the illuminated object to appear shifted upwards and to the left in the photo.

Historical Cases (Part 3 of a series)

Ulrich Magin presents the third part of a series on 'Landespuren' (ground traces) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This section details 17 new cases, including historical accounts:

• 1125, near Braunschweig: "The fiery man." A man seen at midnight between two hills, burning like a torch, who moved from one birch tree to another and burned them. This occurred for three nights.
• 1721, Braunschweig: A burning slime was found on the ground that could not be extinguished by water or stirring.
• 1796, Lausitz: After a fireball, a sticky mass was found that had the consistency, color, and smell of a brown dry varnish.
• 1800, Süchteln: A fiery sphere fell to the ground, leaving a gelatinous ball the size of a child's head. It became slower and brighter as it fell.
• 1805, Dessau: A large fireball flew over the father's house, and an uncolored gelatinous mass fell onto the ducal palace roof.
• 1811, July: A fleeting fiery mass moved upwards rapidly, then burst and fell as a pillar of fire. A foamy, torn mass was found the next morning.
• 1811, Heidelberg: A gelatinous mass resulted from the bursting of a luminous meteor.
• 1811, unspecified location: Two travelers in an open wagon were hit by an oncoming fireball and covered in slime.
• September 6, 1835, Gotha: A meteorite left a gelatinous mass on the ground.
• October 8, 1844, Koblenz: A gelatinous meteorite was observed falling, leaving a gray, gelatinous mass.
• October 18, 1848, Mauschwitz: A report mentions a sample from a fiery sphere that was analyzed microscopically and found to be a decomposed resinous mass with plant remnants.

News and Notes

Dr. Roger Leir Obituary

Dr. Roger Leir, a foot surgeon known for operating on individuals who claimed alien abduction and for his books "The Aliens and the Scalpel" and "UFO Crash in Brazil," passed away on March 14, 2014, at the age of 80. His work remains controversial, with proponents seeing evidence of alien technology and critics pointing to similarities with glass or metal fragments.

Austrian UFO Press Archive

The Austrian DEGUFO.at has made an extensive press archive of UFO-related articles from 1960-1980 publicly available online. This archive was part of the collection of Austrian UFO researcher Felix Robert Maschek.

Socorro UFO: Archive Photo Reinforces Hoax Hypothesis?

Anthony Bragalia suggests that the famous 1964 Socorro UFO sighting by Lonnie Zamora might have been a hoax orchestrated by students from New Mexico Tech using a balloon. A photo of a balloon from New Mexico Tech reportedly matches the described object, though critics like David Rudiak question the wind conditions.

Exhibition on Alleged Alien Find in GDR

An exhibition titled "Geheimsache Red Alien" (Top Secret Red Alien) at Galileo-Park (May 2014 - February 2015) explores an alleged alien find in East Germany (GDR) in the 1950s. The exhibition features artist Ommo Wille's creations based on a fabricated story of a crashed alien.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently investigates UFO sightings with a methodical approach, often concluding with conventional explanations while acknowledging the persistent mystery in some cases. There's a strong emphasis on witness credibility, photographic analysis, and historical research. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations but not entirely dismissing the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of historical cases and news updates on UFO research archives and exhibitions indicates a broad scope within the field.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 2-2014, Nr. 212, published by GEP-Archiv, covers a diverse range of topics related to UFO phenomena, historical anomalies, and related fields. The issue features articles on historical sightings, unusual artifacts, and software reviews.

Historical Sightings and Anomalies

The magazine presents several historical accounts of unusual phenomena. An entry from 1848 describes a luminous mass seen in Mauschwitz that turned into a gelatinous substance. Another report from 1860 details a gelatinous mass found in the snow near Freiburg after a meteor sighting. The issue also revisits the phenomenon of 'Gallertmeteore' (gelatinous meteors), which were a puzzle in the 19th century, with observations by figures like Chladni.

UFO-Angst im Vringsveedel (Köln, 1991)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "UFO-Angst im Vringsveedel" incident in Köln on April 12, 1991. Residents of an old people's home in the Vringsveedel district reported mysterious markings appearing overnight in their garden: a five-meter diameter circle with a cross and an arrow, resembling a helicopter landing site. Residents believed UFOs had landed, causing fear. The article notes that the Köln gardening authority suggested it might be a prank involving fertilizer. The Kölner Express reported it as a UFO landing site.

Wörsdorfer Rapsfeld (Wiesbaden, 1991)

Another crop circle incident is detailed from May 26, 1991, in Wösdorf near Wiesbaden. A 'rapeseed circle' with an outer ring appeared, and the Wiesbadener Tagblatt speculated it was a UFO landing site. However, investigator Josef Garcia found numerous indications of human involvement.

Braunschweig Sighting (1993)

On the night of March 8-9, 1993, in Braunschweig, witness Erwin Lohre reported seeing a bright, round light object hovering about 10 meters above a birch tree, described as resembling an Adamski-type saucer. The next day, he found two round skin markings on his back. The case was later investigated by Dr. Peter Hattwig of DEGUFO.

Nieder-Rodenbach Incident (1993)

On June 21, 1993, in Nieder-Rodenbach, an unknown flying object (UFO) reportedly damaged a house facade. Neighbors found a 500-gram, disc-shaped object, described as cast-iron, which had slightly damaged the gutter and facade. The police suspected a part of an aircraft, and the Federal Office for Aviation Safety was involved.

Labuttendorf Encounter (1960)

On March 2, 1960, near Labuttendorf, Austria, journalist Herr Schedelbauer experienced a 12-second close encounter with a round, glowing, noisy flying object. He managed to take a photo of the UFO but suffered severe burns to his face and hands from the craft.

Pforzheim Dragon (1543)

An older report from May 4, 1543, in Zessenhausen near Pforzheim, describes a 'fiery dragon' descending on a stream and drying it up. This event is referenced in the context of historical anomalies and potentially interpreted as a UFO-related phenomenon.

Historical Artifact: The Savoyardenhelm

An article by Gerd H. Hövelmann discusses the "Savoyardenhelm," a unique historical artifact. This helmet, a variant of the mantel helmet from the late 16th century, is known for its distinct features, including an egg-shaped bell, a neck guard, and an elaborate visor, sometimes earning it the name "skull helmet." The article notes that while many Savoyardenhelms exist, the specific example shown has unusually prominent oval eyelets and an egg-shaped bell, giving it an almost "alien-like" appearance. The author cautions against using analogy-based reasoning ('looks like, therefore it is') in research.

Software Review: Redshift 8 Premium

The issue includes a review of "Redshift 8 Premium," a planetarium software by USM. The software is praised for its detailed and intuitive interface, allowing users to explore the night sky, planets, moons, asteroids, and more. It features a comprehensive sky calendar for planning observations and can control telescopes. The review highlights its extensive database of stars and celestial objects, including 3D fly-throughs, interactive tours, and an astronomy lexicon. The software is deemed valuable for both amateur astronomers and UFO investigators needing to reconstruct astronomical data for their research.

Literature Reviews

The "Literatur Rezensionen" section reviews Hugo Ruoss's book "UFOs, Prophezeiungen, Licht- und andere Phänomene." The book is described as a large, extensively illustrated volume that compiles various phenomena, including UFO sightings, crop circles, and prophecies, aiming to convey messages from 'higher beings.' The reviewer notes that the book draws from a wide range of sources and sometimes feels like a return to the style of 1950s contactees. The photographic section is considered interesting, showcasing how various images can be interpreted as UFOs, sometimes ignoring conventional explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, both contemporary and historical. There is a focus on detailed case studies, often including witness accounts, photographic evidence, and attempts at scientific or investigative analysis. The magazine also explores historical artifacts and phenomena that might have connections to UFO lore or unusual events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, historical mysteries, and the intersection of these with scientific and pseudoscientific fields, while also maintaining a critical perspective on interpretation and methodology, as exemplified by the discussion of the Savoyardenhelm and the review of Ruoss's book.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" ( Ausgabe 2-2014, Nr. 212) features several articles and book reviews related to UFO phenomena and related research. The magazine is published by Argo-Verlag and is in German.

Review: Hugo Rouss's "Phänomene an Wallfahrtsorten und in Gebetsräumen"

Hans-Werner Peiniger reviews a book by Hugo Rouss, which he describes as a photo-heavy work (over 250 pages) focusing on phenomena at pilgrimage sites and prayer rooms. Peiniger is critical of Rouss's interpretations, suggesting that some phenomena attributed to UFOs or divine revelations might be lens reflections or fingers in photos. He finds the book "impressive" due to its many pictures but believes it lacks substantial content and offers little new insight for serious UFO research, suggesting it might only appeal to those with a "quirky worldview."

Review: Roland M. Horn's "John A. Keel und der Stein der Weisen"

Roland Horn, a long-time researcher and author, presents his latest work focusing on the theories of American UFO researcher John A. Keel. Keel, who became interested in UFOs in the 1960s, is known for books like "UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse" and "The Mothman Prophecies." Horn's book aims to introduce the German-speaking audience to Keel's "Ultraterrestrial" hypothesis, which posits that UFO phenomena are caused by non-corporeal beings existing in a different spectrum of reality, rather than extraterrestrials. Horn builds upon the work of Charles Fort, who collected anomalous events not explainable by conventional means. The review notes that Keel's UFO books were largely untranslated into German, making Horn's work significant in bridging this gap. Horn also explores Keel's ideas about an "electromagnetic spectrum" or "superspectrum" and the concept of "window locations" where phenomena are more likely to occur. The review highlights Horn's critical approach and his inclusion of German cases, as well as his discussion of DMT studies suggesting a link between high DMT concentrations in the brain and abduction experiences. Horn also finds parallels between Keel's theories and the work of Grazyna Fosar and Franz Bludorf on "Interconnected Intelligence."

Review: Michael Kotsch's "UFOs und Bibel"

Michael Kotsch's work is reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger. Kotsch, a theologian, critically examines the Pre-Astronautics theories, particularly those of Erich von Däniken, which interpret biblical accounts as evidence of ancient alien visitation. Kotsch argues that these interpretations often ignore the broader context of biblical texts and scientific knowledge, selectively using passages to support their claims. He points out the lack of tangible alien artifacts and questions the logic of assuming advanced alien intervention without considering its impact on historical development. Kotsch believes that Pre-Astronautics relies on the limited knowledge of its followers and fails to acknowledge conventional archaeological and religious scholarship. The review suggests that Kotsch's work is a well-reasoned argument against the superficiality of many Pre-Astronautics claims, and that for the field to maintain credibility, it must focus on hard facts.

New Publications from GEP

The magazine also features information on new publications from the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens). One is a comprehensive report from a 2012 study titled "UFOs - Phänomen oder Phantomphänomen?" which analyzes unexplained GOOD-UFO cases to identify patterns and causes. Another is a collection of papers from the "UFO-Forschung und Wissenschaft" conference held in Hösbach in May 2009, covering topics such as subjective UFO research, mass media influence, and discourse analysis.

GEP and UFO Reporting

The journal "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung) is described as a publication that has critically documented the UFO phenomenon since 1980. It serves as an organ for GEP, publishing sighting reports, classifications, and case studies, alongside scientific articles and international reports. The magazine also includes a review section and reader letters. Information is provided on how to report UFO sightings to GEP, including a hotline, email address, and website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical analysis of UFO phenomena, exploring alternative hypotheses beyond the traditional extraterrestrial explanation, and scrutinizing popular theories like Pre-Astronautics. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based research, as evidenced by the critical reviews of Rouss's and von Däniken's works, and the promotion of GEP's methodical approach to UFO investigation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between speculative theories and scientifically verifiable findings.