JUFOF - Issue 219 - 2015 03

Magazine Overview

Title: jufof
Issue: 03-2015, Jg. 36, Nr. 219
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Date: March 2015

This issue of the German UFO research journal 'jufof' presents a variety of articles, including detailed case investigations, analyses of historical UFO evidence, and discussions on research methodologies. The cover prominently features the controversial "Roswell Slides" as a case study for flawed investigation techniques.

Editorial

In his editorial, Danny Ammon welcomes readers to a diverse issue, highlighting the ongoing case investigations, including a new look at the "GOOD-UFO-Fall Comiso" with fresh internet research by Hans-Werner Peiniger. A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to the "Roswell Slides," which are presented as a cautionary tale of how UFO evidence can be mishandled. Ammon questions whether improved cooperation and research principles within the German UFO community can prevent similar "negative examples" in the future. He also briefly mentions a report on media reactions to laws concerning potential extraterrestrial landings and a review of a book on Swiss Air Force UFO files. The editorial concludes with wishes for an interesting read and a pleasant summer.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Observations)

Objekt in der Mondscheibe fotografiert (Object photographed in the moon's disc)

This section details a sighting from April 6, 2015, in Mögglingen, Germany. The witness, Wolfgang B. (55), photographed an object moving in the moon's disc. Through a multi-step analysis involving astronomical software (Stellarium), flight tracking portals (planefinder.net), and Google Earth, the object was identified as the contrail of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The analysis determined the aircraft's altitude (approx. 10,550 meters), speed (approx. 933 km/h), and distance (approx. 108.77 km). The article meticulously reconstructs the position of the moon and the aircraft, comparing the visual evidence with known flight data and providing detailed steps for the analysis, including visual comparisons with other contrail photos.

"Cosmisches Ereignis" am Nachthimmel beobachtet ("Cosmic Event" observed in the night sky)

This report from April 12, 2015, in Malsch, Germany, describes a witness, Jörg S. (51), observing a point-like, bright object in the northern sky, near Polaris. The object was described as not twinkling like a star, appearing suddenly, and moving very slowly or appearing stationary. The witness initially considered possibilities like the ISS, a nova, or a supernova but found no supporting astronomical data. The investigation explored several hypotheses: Iridium flares (ruled out), geostationary satellites (ruled out due to location and lack of flare capability), and weather balloons. Through detailed analysis using astronomical software (RedShift 8) and satellite tracking websites (calsky.com), the object was identified as a weather balloon launched by the German Weather Service. The analysis included plotting the balloon's trajectory and comparing it with the witness's observation time and direction, concluding that the observed object's position and characteristics matched those of the weather balloon.

Weitere Meldungen im Überblick (Further Reports at a Glance)

This section, titled "Teil 15" (Part 15), likely continues a series of shorter reports or updates on various UFO-related news and findings, though specific details are not provided in the scanned pages.

Kurz notiert (Briefly Noted)

This section, "Aktuelle Meldungen" (Current Reports), presumably contains brief summaries of recent UFO news or events, but the content is not detailed in the provided scans.

Ist eine Neubeurteilung im... (Is a Re-evaluation Necessary...)

This section begins with a question about the "GOOD-UFO-Fall Comiso" (Fall 19870619 A), suggesting a re-evaluation is needed. The editorial confirms that Hans-Werner Peiniger is examining new internet information related to this case.

Rückblick auf die »Roswell-Dias« (Looking Back at the "Roswell Slides")

This is the first part of a two-part article, presented as a "Negativbeispiel für UFO-Forschung" (Negative Example for UFO Research). The article aims to reconstruct the events surrounding the "Roswell Slides," analyze the fundamental errors in their investigation and presentation, and suggest how such mistakes can be prevented in the future. The editorial highlights this as a significant historical case that has long circulated within the UFO community.

Literatur (Literature)

This section features "Rezensionen aktueller Buchtitel" (Reviews of Current Book Titles). One specific review mentioned is of Luc Bürgin's new book on UFO files from the Swiss Air Force.

Impressum (Imprint)

The imprint details the publisher as Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., founded in 1972. Contact information, including postal address, phone, fax, and email ([email protected]), is provided. The editorial team responsible for press law is Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon. The journal is published on a non-commercial basis every two months, with contributions being honorarium-free. Information for authors is available on the GEP website. Subscription details are provided: €27.00 per year (6 issues) plus postage. Advertising prices are available upon request, with small ads being free for subscribers and members under certain conditions. Reprinting requires written permission from GEP e.V. The journal is printed by bis500 Druck in Ilmenau. The copyright is held by GEP e.V. for 2015.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around rigorous UFO case analysis, the importance of sound research methodology, and the critical examination of evidence. The editorial stance, as indicated by the focus on the "Roswell Slides" as a "negative example," emphasizes a cautious and evidence-based approach to UFO research, advocating for transparency and avoiding inter-factional disputes within the UFO community. The journal appears committed to providing detailed, step-by-step investigations and analyses, as demonstrated by the thorough breakdown of the Mögglingen and Malsch sightings.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 3-2015, Nr. 219, published in March 2015, focuses on the investigation and analysis of various unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) cases. The journal is published by the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Geschehens) and is primarily in German.

Investigated Cases and Analyses

Weather Balloon Sighting (Page 73)

The first article details an investigation into a potential UAP sighting. Using astronomical software like Stellarium and data from www.calsky.com, the author, Hans-Werner Peiniger, attempts to correlate a witness report with the trajectory of a weather balloon launched on April 15, 2015. The witness reported seeing a bright object in the northern sky. The analysis suggests that the observed object's altitude, azimuth, and brightness (comparable to Venus) are consistent with the predicted path and visibility of the weather balloon. The report notes that the calsky.com data only considers balloon trajectories up to 27 km and ignores further ascent or descent. The witness's description of the object's declination angle being slightly lower than Polaris is also considered. The article concludes that the observed phenomenon was very likely the weather balloon launched at 18:43 MESZ.

Photographic Anomaly: Street Lamp or UFO? (Pages 74-75)

This section presents a case (Fallnummer: 20150205 A) from Handewitt-Haurup, Germany, dated February 5, 2015. A 34-year-old witness, Mark, attempted to photograph a plane with a bright light in the sky using his iPhone. Upon reviewing the photos, he noticed an additional bright light phenomenon. Initially, he thought it might be a plane with a contrail. However, further investigation, including a request for a daylight overview photo of the area, revealed the presence of street lamps on poles. The witness had not noticed the object during the actual photography, only upon reviewing the images later. The conclusion is that the object was an IFO (Identified Flying Object), specifically a street lamp, and the case was closed.

Lens Flare and Window Reflection (Pages 75-76)

Another case (Fallnummer: 20150228 A) from Haimhausen, Germany, dated February 28, 2015, involves a witness, Robert H., who photographed the sunrise from an airplane. While reviewing the photos, he discovered an unusual phenomenon which he described as '3 objects with windows'. The investigation, led by Hans-Werner Peiniger, identified this as a combination of lens reflection within the camera's objective and a reflection of the camera's own lettering on the airplane's window. The bright light causing the lens flare was the sun. The 'windows' were parts of the camera's text that were reflected. This case was presented to the GEP and DEGUFO, with confirmation from other investigators. The conclusion is that the phenomenon was a mundane photographic artifact.

Unreleased Case from GEP Archive: Ball Lightning or UFO? (Pages 77-80)

This extensive report details a case (Fallnummer: 20030419 A) from Zwönitz, Germany, dated April 19, 2003. Thomas F. filmed a peculiar object with a webcam during a thunderstorm. The object, described as white-yellow, appeared for about two seconds and moved erratically upwards. The witness and his family did not see the object directly at the time of filming, only discovering it later in the video. The investigation, involving Hans-Werner Peiniger, Rudolf Henke, and Alexander Keul, explored the possibility of it being ball lightning. While initial observations suggested characteristics that differed from typical ball lightning, further analysis by Dr. Alexander Keul, a ball lightning expert, indicated a possible explanation as a pyrotechnic projectile, such as a flare or signal rocket, launched from a nearby playground. The analysis considered the object's angular velocity and trajectory. Although the possibility of a hoax was not entirely ruled out, the evidence pointed towards a pyrotechnic event rather than a conventional UFO. The case is classified as NEAR IFO (Near Identified Flying Object), leaning towards a ball lightning phenomenon.

Re-evaluation of the Comiso Case (19870619 A) (Pages 82-83)

This article revisits the Comiso, Sicily, case from June 19, 1987. The witness, Mr. L., an Italian bricklayer living in Germany, was documenting the construction of his house when he noticed a flying object. Using a Polaroid camera, he took six instant photos of the object, which appeared as a dark spot and moved relatively quickly. The witness was excited and stumbled while trying to keep the object in frame. The article presents one of the photos where the object is clearly visible. The investigation suggests that the object's behavior and appearance are consistent with a pyrotechnic body, such as a flare or signal rocket, possibly launched from a nearby location. The article notes that while similar pyrotechnic devices produce visible smoke, this particular case did not show significant smoke in the photos. The re-evaluation suggests that the phenomenon could be explained by such mundane sources, although the possibility of a more unusual explanation is not entirely dismissed.

Current News and Brief Reports

Extraterrestrials as a State Matter (Page 81)

This section discusses a commentary by journalist Martin Schulte in the Schleswig-Holsteinische Landeszeitung regarding the legal jurisdiction for potential extraterrestrial contact in Germany. The Interior Ministry responded that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the federal states. The police in Schleswig-Holstein would approach a contact scenario with caution, cordoning off the area, and conducting an investigation. Schulte notes that 300 UFO sightings have been reported in Schleswig-Holstein, and currently, 112 out of 3,207 GEP-registered sightings are from this region. The article touches upon the complexity of classifying sightings and the difference between an unexplained sighting and evidence of extraterrestrial visitors.

GEP Insider (Page 81)

This is a brief announcement for members about the latest issue of the GEP-Insider (Nr. 90), which includes an interview with Ulrich Magin and a report on the GEP office.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the Journal für UFO-Forschung demonstrates a consistent editorial stance focused on rigorous investigation and the identification of mundane explanations for reported UAP sightings. The journal emphasizes the importance of witness testimony, photographic and video analysis, and scientific methodology. Cases are thoroughly examined, with a preference for identifying phenomena as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) or NEAR IFOs, such as weather balloons, photographic artifacts (lens flares, reflections), or natural phenomena like ball lightning. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases, the journal prioritizes a scientific approach to debunking or explaining sightings, often drawing parallels between UFO investigation and other scientific fields like meteorology. The publication also highlights the ongoing efforts of organizations like the GEP in collecting and analyzing UFO-related data.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 219 from 2015, delves into two significant and controversial topics within the UFO community: a specific sighting case near Comiso, Italy, and an in-depth analysis of the "Roswell Dias."

Comiso Sighting Case

The issue begins by detailing a UFO sighting reported by a witness who photographed an object near a NATO base in Comiso, Italy, in June 1987. The witness did not report any sounds from the object, which was observed flying towards a NATO base approximately 1 kilometer away. Initially, the witness contacted CENAP, but later broke off contact after CENAP's leader, Werner Walter, dismissively called the photos "funny," and a CENAP-affiliated individual, Klaus Webner, threatened legal action.

The witness was interviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck, who found the witness to be credible and their account consistent, with no significant contradictions. The witness themselves speculated that the object might be a "military thing" rather than extraterrestrial.

Later, Hansjürgen Köhler from CENAP proposed that the object was a BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile, citing its deployment at the Comiso Air Base as part of the NATO Double Decision. This hypothesis was supported by the presence of protests against the missile deployment, which allegedly included the launch of balloons.

The article then systematically refutes Köhler's hypothesis by examining several points:

1. Manöver (Maneuvers): Köhler suggested the sighting occurred during a NATO exercise. However, research indicates that the "Dragon Hammer 87" exercise, which might have involved cruise missiles, concluded on May 15, 1987, before the June sighting. The article cites several sources to support this timeline.
2. Geräuschlosigkeit (Soundlessness): The article argues that a Tomahawk missile, equipped with a turbofan engine, would produce a noticeable "saw-like" noise, which contradicts the witness's report of no sound.
3. Geschwindigkeit (Speed): The witness managed to take multiple clear photographs of the object. The article questions how this would be possible if the object were a Tomahawk missile traveling at speeds of 600-900 km/h, suggesting that at such speeds, it would be a blur or a small dot in a Polaroid photo taken with a relatively slow shutter speed.
4. Richtungswechsel (Change of Direction): The witness's report and flight reconstruction suggest the object made a turn or curve. The article questions whether a cruise missile flying at low altitude could execute such a maneuver.
5. Testgebiet (Test Area): The article argues that it would be politically risky to test low-flying cruise missiles over populated areas near Comiso, given the significant protests against the NATO base and missile deployment.
6. Ansicht des Objekts (View of the Object): Köhler claimed the photos showed the rear view of a Tomahawk missile. However, the author compares the witness's photos with various images and 3D models of Tomahawk missiles and concludes that there is no resemblance, particularly regarding the sharpness of the object in the witness's photos compared to blurry images of missiles taken from a distance.

The author concludes that the Tomahawk missile explanation is "absurd" and sees no reason to reclassify the case.

The Roswell Dias Case

The second major part of the issue focuses on the "Roswell Dias," a set of photographs that gained significant attention in the UFO community starting in 2013. These photos purportedly show an "alien corpse" from the alleged 1947 Roswell crash.

Phase 1: Formation and Dissolution of the "Dream Team"

In mid-2011, UFO researchers Kevin Randle, Donald R. Schmitt, and Thomas J. Carey began investigating the Roswell crash further, aiming to publish a new book. They formed an "Investigation Team" or "Dream Team," which later included David Rudiak, Rich Reynolds, Anthony Bragalia, and Chris Rutkowski.

Some members of the team learned of a "material trace" related to the Roswell case, but details were kept secret under a non-disclosure agreement. Despite this, rumors spread within the US UFO community.

In February 2013, Rich Reynolds revealed on his blog that "new revelations" were imminent, specifically mentioning the discovery of slides showing what was speculated to be the "exposed bodies of extraterrestrials," allegedly photographed in Roswell in 1947 by an "unknown geologist" who worked for Silas Newton.

This announcement generated widespread discussion, but the dias were not immediately released to the public. The "Dream Team" attempted to get CNN to broadcast the dias, but this failed as CNN reportedly did not take the "Roswell Crash proponents" seriously. Efforts were made to verify the 1947 date of the photos. The intense focus on the dias led to the abandonment of the original Roswell book project and increased internal conflicts within the team.

Phase 2: Facts and Discussions

The story of the "Roswell Dias" is traced back to 1988 and the death of Hilda Blair Ray, the widow of geologist Bernard A. Ray. Her house in Sedona, Arizona, was being cleared out by Catherine "Cat" Beason, who discovered a large collection of slides. Two of these slides were found separately in an envelope and were kept by Beason for ten years. In 2008, she showed them to her brother, Joseph Beason, who then contacted filmmaker Adam Dew. Dew decided to make a documentary and sought collaboration with UFO experts, contacting Tom Carey and Don Schmitt from the "Dream Team."

This led to the clarification of the dias's backstory. Details began to "leak" to other "Dream Team" members like Kevin Randle and eventually to other researchers like Nick Redfern. Rich Reynolds and Tony Bragalia also contributed to these leaks through their blogs. At least one paper copy of a dia was shown to UFO researcher David Rudiak.

Critical voices emerged early on, questioning the authenticity of the dias and suggesting they were not being shown publicly because they were questionable. The dia investigators attempted to quell these rumors and prevent further criticism from figures like Tim Printy and Paul Kimball.

Rich Reynolds' blog, "UFO Iconoclasts" (later "UFO Conjectures"), and Paul Kimball's blog were central to these discussions. Anthony Bragalia initially dismissed a story about the dias as "nonsense" but later confirmed it.

The investigators claimed that Bernard A. Ray, president of the West Texas Geological Society, was in Roswell in 1947 and took the photos. This suggested that the dias showed the "long-suspected 'alien corpses'" recovered during a secret operation after the Roswell crash.

In early 2014, Rich Reynolds added details, stating that the dias showed a single alien corpse inside a building, with an unreadable text panel. He promised a major press conference in Mexico City in 2014, facilitated by Mexican UFO researcher Jamie Maussan.

However, by July 2014, Rich Reynolds reported "legal problems" with the dias. A person named "Larry" claimed to have seen the dias and described them as photos taken from a low angle, with poor lighting, and showing no connection to Roswell. Anthony Bragalia, however, remained enthusiastic, believing the dias showed a bipedal being.

The article notes that the "Dream Team" eventually fractured due to these disputes and differing interpretations, with some members believing the dias showed aliens and others, like Kevin Randle, disagreeing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a critical approach to UFO research, emphasizing rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. The authors meticulously dissect claims, presenting counter-arguments and questioning the validity of evidence presented without proper verification or public access. The editorial stance appears to favor skepticism towards sensational claims and highlights the importance of transparency and sound methodology in UFO research. The case studies presented serve as cautionary tales about the pitfalls of speculation, misinformation, and internal conflicts within the research community.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Issue 3-2015, NR. 219) delves into two significant areas of UFO research: the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged Roswell slides and a review of Luc Bürgin's book on the Swiss Air Force's UFO files. The publication is from GEP e.V., a German UFO research organization.

The Roswell Slides Controversy

The article discusses the persistent lack of public release of the alleged Roswell slides, suggesting that the investigators fear that their conventional explanation might be uncovered. It notes the routine analysis of UFO photos found on blogs, which often reveal mundane origins. Despite a promised press conference in 2014, it was postponed to 2015. The situation escalated with the hacking of team members' email accounts, leading to accusations against US intelligence agencies.

Further speculation arose in November 2014 with the release of a trailer for Adam Dew's documentary "Kodachrome," which briefly showed one of the slides. This image was quickly disseminated online, becoming a focal point for discussion. Some researchers, like Gilles Fernandez, suggested the image might depict a human mummy, challenging the narrative of a Roswell alien.

In response to the lack of transparency from the slide proponents, a group of critical researchers, including José Antonio Caravaca, Isaac Koi, and Tim Printy, formed the "Roswell Slides Research Group." They established a website and planned to present their findings after the official press conference.

Tim Printy's analysis, published in his online journal "SUNlite," cast doubt on the purported photographer, Bernard A. Ray, and his wife Hilda Ray. Printy's research indicated that while Bernard A. Ray was a geologist who worked in Roswell in 1947, the man depicted alongside Dwight D. Eisenhower on one of the slides did not strongly resemble Ray from that period. Furthermore, the claims of high-ranking acquaintances and connections to politics or intelligence agencies were found to lack substantiation. Printy also suggested that not all 100 slides found in the Ray household were actually taken by the Rays, implying that some might have originated from Kansas or New Mexico.

Despite the controversy, Anthony Bragalia announced in February 2015 that the slides would be shown at a press conference in Mexico City on May 5, 2015, with a worldwide livestream. However, the article implies that the proponents were reluctant to share further details before this event.

Review: Luc Bürgin's "Geheimdossier UFOs"

The journal also features a review of Luc Bürgin's book, "Geheimdossier UFOs: Die Akten der Schweizer Luftwaffe" (UFO Dossier: The Files of the Swiss Air Force). Bürgin, editor-in-chief of MYSTERIES magazine, investigated what the Swiss military knows about the UFO phenomenon and how it has been handled within the Swiss Air Force.

His research was significantly aided by a deceased informant who had worked in the Swiss Air Force's radar division for decades, collecting UFO-related radar data and reports instead of destroying them as ordered. This informant provided Bürgin with valuable tips, leading to the documentation of UFO sightings by military pilots and radar data that MUFON-CES attempted to analyze.

The review highlights that the Swiss Air Force has indeed compiled UFO files. Bürgin's findings suggest that while there wasn't a single, centralized UFO office, various departments and individuals had to deal with UFO-related incidents. The book presents evidence such as letters, memos, witness testimonies, and radar charts.

The review explains that the term "UFO" in these military contexts refers to observations by military personnel that are not easily distinguishable from civilian sightings, often involving unusual behavior, erratic movements, or chaotic flight paths, with visual confirmation being rare.

It is noted that Switzerland's military air traffic control system has changed significantly since 2001, with Skyguide now managing civilian and military operations. The review touches upon the challenges faced by air traffic controllers, particularly regarding the low staffing levels during quiet periods, which could lead to the filtering out of non-standard signals.

Despite these changes, the review concludes that Bürgin's work demonstrates the existence of UFO files within the Swiss Air Force and suggests that such documentation likely continues to exist in Switzerland and elsewhere.

Other Content

The issue also includes advertisements for two books by André Kramer: "Vorsicht Verschwörung!" (Caution Conspiracy!) which discusses conspiracy theories, UFOs, Atlantis, and Paleo-SETI in the context of right-wing extremism, and "UFOs – Phänomen oder Phantomphänomen?" (UFOs – Phenomenon or Phantom Phenomenon?), a comprehensive report on unexplained UFO cases investigated by the GEP.

The journal also provides contact information for the GEP and the "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), including website addresses, email, and a hotline for reporting UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic and documentary material, and the investigation into official and military involvement with the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims, favoring rigorous research, data analysis, and the verification of sources, as evidenced by the detailed critique of the Roswell slides and the thorough review of the Swiss Air Force's UFO documentation. The journal emphasizes a scientific and methodical approach to ufology.