JUFOF - Issue 223 - 2016 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Jufof
Issue: 01-2016
Volume: 37
Date: January 2016
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0723-7766
Price: 4,50 Euro

This issue of the "Jufof" journal for UFO research, published by GEP e.V., marks the beginning of 2016 with several significant developments and investigations in the German-speaking UFO research community. The editorial highlights the progress made in the GEP's "GOOD UFO" project and the preparatory work for its successor, "PROBLEMATIC UFO." The issue features contributions from André Kramer, who analyzes the "GOOD UFO" project's discussions and the Hendry classification system, suggesting potential improvements for case investigation.

Key Articles and Features

Editorial

Danny Ammon's editorial welcomes the new year, noting exciting developments in UFO research. He introduces the "PROBLEMATIC UFO" project, building on "GOOD UFO," and highlights André Kramer's critical analysis of UFO classification methods. Ammon also points to the growing cooperation between UFO organizations, including the launch of a joint website for the German UFO Research Cooperation Initiative. The editorial emphasizes the ongoing need for improvement and development in UFO investigation techniques, drawing from the GEP's over 30 years of activity.

UFO Sightings: Documentations and Assessments

This section presents several UFO sighting reports with detailed analysis:

• Riesiges Objekt am Himmel über Emmendingen fotografiert? (Huge object photographed in the sky over Emmendingen?) (Fall Number: 20151226 A) A witness submitted selfie photos showing a large, white, round object resembling a spaceship. Investigator Hans-Werner Peiniger concluded it was a hoax, identified as an effect from the "Camera360" smartphone app, specifically the "Endwar" filter. The app allows users to create fake UFO photos.

• UFO-Foto »aus vertraulicher Quelle« (UFO Photo from a confidential source) (Fall Number: 20160100 A) A photo allegedly from a confidential source depicted a large, white, round spaceship. Peiniger identified this as another hoax, similar to the Emmendingen case, likely produced by a camera app.

• Grünliches Objekt nahe der Sonne fotografiert (Greenish object photographed near the sun) (Fall Number: 20141121 A) Three photos showed a greenish, round object near the sun. The investigation concluded it was a lens reflection, not a UFO. The article notes that such reflections are common with certain Samsung phone models.

UFO-Alarm am Georgenberg (UFO Alarm at Georgenberg)

(Author: Hans-Werner Peiniger)

On January 17, 2016, police in Pfullingen and Reutlingen received reports of multiple lights hovering over Georgenberg. A police patrol discovered a 21-year-old man with a large kite equipped with hundreds of meters of LED lights, which had caused the "UFO alarm." The article notes that LED-equipped kites have previously been mistaken for UFOs, citing an example from Borghorst in 2001.

Dreiecks-UFO über Kassel nur CGI-Effekt (Triangular UFO over Kassel just CGI effect)

(Author: Hans-Werner Peiniger)

This article addresses a video circulating online since June 26, 2014, purportedly showing a triangular flying object over Kassel. Peiniger argues that the video is a CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) product. He points to the YouTube channel "UFOTheater," which specializes in exposing CGI videos, and highlights specific errors in the Kassel video, such as the object passing in front of a chimney and obscuring tree branches, indicating it was digitally inserted into real footage. The article warns that creating such videos is becoming increasingly accessible with readily available software and smartphone apps.

Projekt PROBLEMATIC UFO

This section delves into the "Projekt PROBLEMATIC UFO," which aims to establish a more refined classification system for investigated UFO cases. The project builds upon previous work and seeks to improve the methodology for analyzing and categorizing UFO reports.

UFO-Bericht der Argentinischen Luftwaffe (UFO Report of the Argentine Air Force)

This feature discusses the UFO report released by the Argentine Air Force. German UFO researchers provide their commentary and analysis of the report, which was translated and made available online by the Exopolitik-Initiative.

Literatur (Literature)

This section includes reviews of recent books related to UFO phenomena:

• "Marspyramiden und Mondruinen" (Mars Pyramids and Moon Ruins)
• "Magischer Mittelrhein" (Magical Middle Rhine)
• "Im Inneren der wahren Area 51" (Inside the Real Area 51)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical analysis of UFO evidence, the identification of hoaxes and misidentifications (often involving modern technology like smartphone apps and LED kites), and the ongoing effort to improve UFO investigation methodologies. The GEP e.V. maintains a rigorous approach, emphasizing evidence-based research and debunking false claims while acknowledging the complexity and continued interest in the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of diligent research, open discussion, and a commitment to advancing the field of UFO studies through cooperation and critical assessment.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Issue 1-2016, Number 223, focuses on the launch of a new collaborative website and a critical review of an official UFO report.

New Website for the German Cooperation Initiative UFO Research

An article by Danny Ammon introduces the new website for the "Deutsche Kooperationsinitiative UFO-Forschung" (German Cooperation Initiative UFO Research), a coalition formed in August 2015 by the DEGUFO, GEP, and MUFON-CES organizations. The website, launched to enhance collaboration and transparency, is bilingual (German and English) and features information about the initiative and a blog with news and updates. The goal is to make the work of these organizations visible to the broader European and international UFO research community and to engage in a more extensive discourse. The blog's initial content includes a contribution on a joint UFO database.

The article highlights the website's address: http://www.german-ufo-research.org. It also showcases screenshots of the German and English versions of the website's homepage, featuring sections like "Aktuelles" (News), "Über Uns" (About Us), and "Kontakt/Impressum" (Contact/Imprint).

Two specific articles from the website are presented:

• "Die gemeinsame UFO-Sichtungsdatenbank" (The Common UFO Sightings Database) (Dated 07.02.2016): This database serves as a central archive for documented UFO sightings in German-speaking countries, aiming to facilitate electronic documentation.
• "Zusammenarbeit zwischen DEGUFO, GEP und MUFON-CES vereinbart" (DEGUFO, GEP and MUFON-CES agree to cooperate) (Dated 04.01.2016): This entry details a meeting on June 27, 2015, at the Hachenberg barracks where board members agreed to cooperate on various projects.

Argentine Air Force Publishes UFO Investigation Report

An article by Hans-Werner Peiniger critically examines the first UFO investigation report released by the Argentine Air Force. The commission for "Luftraumphänomene" (Airspace Phenomena) was announced in 2011, and its first report, published in December 2015, is a mere twelve pages long and covers only ten cases. The report was translated by exopolitik.org and submitted to German UFO researchers for comment.

Peiniger notes that the structure of the UFO reports investigated by the Argentine Air Force is similar to those received by the GEP, and their investigation methods appear comparable. The software used, such as Stellarium for astronomical reconstruction, is also largely identical. However, he points out that the Argentine report only includes conclusions, omitting detailed explanations of the methods and witness testimonies, which he finds makes it difficult for the reader to follow the investigative steps. He contrasts this with the GEP's approach, which typically publishes the full witness report to allow for better understanding.

The Argentine Air Force's report states that identifications were made based on "perfect agreement with the observed quadrant and date, time, as well as the witness's geographical location." Peiniger questions this, as the reader cannot verify these claims from the report itself.

A key difference highlighted is the Argentine Air Force's requirement for "proof" (photo, video, or material evidence), whereas the GEP also accepts witness testimonies without photographic or video evidence. Peiniger argues that witness accounts, despite their potential for subjective inaccuracies due to human perception and interpretation, are crucial for UFO research.

He also notes that the Argentine report's cases are not particularly spectacular and would not pose a significant challenge for GEP investigators. The limited number of cases suggests that the investigation might not be a full-time effort for an Air Force employee, unlike the volume of cases handled by civilian organizations in their limited free time.

The Stalling of Project PROBLEMATIC UFO and the Need for a Better Defined Classification of Investigated UFO Cases in the GEP

André Kramer discusses the "PROBLEMATIC UFO" cases within the GEP, which are those that remain unexplained after investigation. Following the publication of the "Projekt GOOD UFO" (which analyzed similarities and differences in GEP's GOOD UFO cases), the next step was to include the "PROBLEMATIC UFO" cases to expand the dataset and gain further insights. However, progress has been slow due to a fundamental hurdle that Kramer aims to address.

Kramer addresses criticism from Bernhard Pröschold, who reviewed the GEP's work in the "Zeitschrift für Anomalistik." Pröschold questioned the use of qualitative heuristics for investigating UFOs, arguing that it's a hermeneutic method aimed at understanding texts rather than discovering objective facts about UFOs. He suggested that the GEP should have provided more extensive justification for using this method and cited relevant literature.

Kramer defends the use of qualitative heuristics, explaining that it is a method for discovering new connections and understanding social objects. He clarifies that "social objects" encompass not only human societies and interactions but also all perceived and conceptualized things, including those from nature. Therefore, UFO sightings can be considered social objects accessible to qualitative social research.

He argues that classifying UFO sightings as researchable for ontological questions does not render UFO case investigation meaningless. Kramer differentiates between phenomena amenable to instrumental analysis (like those in Hessdalen, Norway) and spontaneous, location-unbound sightings investigated by the GEP. He suggests that instrumental investigation might not be feasible for all UFO sightings, and that different types of phenomena might be involved.

While acknowledging that UFO sightings are subjective and influenced by human perception and verbalization, Kramer asserts that the GEP's cases are not mere anecdotes. They are critically examined cases that have resisted simple explanations. He addresses Pröschold's criticism regarding the use of natural science and psychological terms (e.g., "cause," "stimuli," "population," "correlation," "unconscious"), stating that these terms are used within the context of qualitative analysis and are not necessarily indicative of a purely natural science approach.

Kramer explains that the GEP's approach is inductive, generating general statements from specific cases, rather than deductive, which starts with hypotheses. He acknowledges that while their approach doesn't build hypotheses to be tested, it doesn't reject the possibility of unidentified phenomena.

He then discusses a podcast from UFO-Talk (www.ufo-information.de) where UFO researchers discussed the "Projekt GOOD UFO." Dennis Kirstein initiated the discussion, and Hans-Jürgen Köhler expressed concern about the time spent on cases that might have simpler explanations, noting that older, unexplained cases were sometimes resolved later.

Roland Gerhardt commented that the investigation is not bad in principle but lacks sufficient data. He emphasized the need for more, well-investigated, unexplained cases, which are scarce.

Marius Kettmann, the first chairman of DEGUFO, reviewed the first volume of the GEP's work. He stressed the importance of advancing theoretical research in UFO studies. Kettmann noted that the GEP's annals contain 10 "GOOD-UFO" cases, with 4 from the 1970s, 4 from the 1980s, and 2 from the 1990s. He found it surprising that there were only two such cases during the 1990s UFO boom in Germany and noted the absence of any such cases in the new millennium.

Kettmann concludes that the GEP's approach is sound but needs refinement, particularly concerning the data material. He suggests a more thorough review of cases to ensure the accuracy of their classification, as new findings might help explain cases previously deemed unexplainable. The larger corpus of "PROBLEMATIC UFO" cases presents a wide spectrum of phenomena, some of which might be better classified as "GOOD UFO" or "NEAR IFO."

Case Examples from the GEP's "PROBLEMATIC UFO" Category

To illustrate the challenges in classification, three cases are presented:

• 19290509A, Pöllau (Austria): The oldest case in the GEP files, reported in 1989 by an 81-year-old witness. During a pilgrimage in -35°C weather at 1,600 meters altitude, the group witnessed a large, bluish, segmented sphere illuminating the snow. The phenomenon lasted about 15 minutes. Hans-Werner Peiniger classified it as PROBLEMATIC UFO, considering a ball lightning or bolide explanation unlikely.
• 20080111, Gadebusch (Germany): Investigated by Christian Czech, this case involved students observing a phenomenon described as a "windhose" in the sky. It appeared gray, then developed a glow at the top. The students photographed it, and it remained visible for at least 20 minutes. Czech considered a contrail, chimney exhaust, or burning object unlikely, suggesting a natural phenomenon.
• 19960900C, Rovinj (Croatia): This is described as the most recent "GOOD UFO" case, reported in October 2015 but occurring in 1996. Three witnesses observed three blue-green, flickering lights forming a triangle that moved slowly and silently towards a hill. The lights were described as being very low-flying.

Classification According to Hendry in the GEP and Problems in its Handling

The article briefly introduces the classification system proposed by Hans-Werner Peiniger in 1988 and adopted by the GEP since 1990. UFO sightings are categorized after investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in UFO research, the critical evaluation of official reports, and the ongoing development of robust methodologies for case analysis and classification. The journal appears to advocate for a thorough, evidence-based approach, while also acknowledging the value of witness testimony and the complexities inherent in studying unexplained phenomena. There is a clear stance on the need for transparency and rigorous scientific inquiry within the UFO research community.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 1-2016, Nr. 223, delves into the classification of UFO sightings and reviews several books related to UFO phenomena, ancient astronauts, and regional mysteries. The magazine explores the nuances of identifying and categorizing UFO reports, the historical context of such phenomena, and their intersection with science fiction and speculative theories.

UFO Classification System

The central article on pages 1-3 discusses the classification of reported UFO sightings, presenting a flowchart based on the system developed by Hendry and refined by Peiniger. The system aims to categorize sightings into "IFO" (Identified Flying Object), "NEAR IFO" (Near Identified Flying Object), "PROBLEMATIC UFO," "GOOD UFO," and "BEST UFO." The flowchart guides the user through a series of questions to determine the level of anomaly and the likelihood of a conventional explanation. The article highlights the subjectivity involved in evaluating anomalous characteristics and the need for clearer definitions to make case assessments more objective and intersubjectively comprehensible. It suggests that defining categories more sharply, possibly with quantitative measures for anomalous characteristics, and creating a catalog of recurring anomalous characteristics could improve future case evaluations. The author also proposes a re-evaluation of past GEP (German UFO Study Group) cases to enhance the validity of UFO assessments.

Book Reviews

Marspyramiden und Mondruinen by Christian Brachthäuser

Pages 4-6 feature a review of Christian Brachthäuser's book, "Marspyramiden und Mondruinen." The book examines the concept of discovering relics on Mars and the moon, linking it to early science fiction authors like Edmond Hamilton, H.P. Lovecraft, and Clark Ashton Smith. Brachthäuser explores the theme of SETA (Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts) and discusses how science fiction narratives have influenced or paralleled speculative theories about ancient astronauts. The review notes that Brachthäuser often presents Paleo-SETI claims as equally valid as scientific findings, sometimes translating cautious statements with more certainty. The book's core focuses on the literary contributions of Hamilton, Lovecraft, and Smith, analyzing their works in relation to archaeological speculations, including the "Face on Mars" and theories about ancient civilizations.

Magischer Mittelrhein by Ulrich Magin

Pages 6-9 review Ulrich Magin's book, "Magischer Mittelrhein: Mystische Orte und unheimliche Ereignisse am Rhein zwischen Mainz und Köln." Magin, a known UFO researcher, presents a collection of unusual events and stories from the Middle Rhine region. The book covers a wide range of phenomena, including UFO sightings, legends of mythical creatures (dragons, sea monsters, werewolves), ghosts, and unexplained occurrences. Magin emphasizes the need for named witnesses and specific dates in his accounts, avoiding vague "wandering tales." The review highlights chapters dedicated to UFOs in the region, including "Foo Fighter" reports from World War II and other unexplained aerial phenomena. It also touches upon pre-astronautic themes, examining alleged ancient artifacts like the "Iron Man" and the "Hohlstein," and discusses the connection of certain locations to Ley lines. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable resource for UFO researchers interested in regional phenomena, despite some sources being less detailed than desired.

Im Inneren der wahren Area 51 by Thomas J. Carey & Donald R. Schmitt

Pages 10 and 28-29 review the German translation of "Im Inneren der wahren Area 51" by Thomas J. Carey and Donald R. Schmitt. The book, spanning 336 pages, covers the history of Wright-Patterson AFB, the alleged "Hangar 18," and the Roswell incident. It includes details about reverse engineering of materials, witness testimonies, and government secrecy. The review notes the book's presentation with minimal illustrations and on coarse paper. Chapters cover topics like the early days of aviation, the Roswell crash, alleged alien bodies, and "Foo Fighter" sightings during WWII. The book also includes accounts from individuals like Senator Barry Goldwater and a secretary named June Crain, who allegedly had access to highly classified information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with speculative theories, science fiction, and regional folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to objectively analyze and classify UFO reports while acknowledging the speculative nature of many related theories, such as Paleo-SETI. The journal encourages rigorous research and detailed case analysis, as evidenced by the discussion on improving UFO classification. There's a clear interest in documenting and understanding UFO sightings within specific geographical contexts and historical periods, while also critically examining the evidence and potential explanations, including conventional ones and those rooted in fiction and myth.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, identified as AUSGABE 1-2016 NR.223, published by Kopp Verlag, focuses on UFO phenomena with a particular emphasis on the Roswell incident and the historical context of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Area 51. The magazine is in German and was published in 2016.

Book Reviews and Content Analysis

The issue features several reviews and analyses of books related to UFOs and conspiracy theories.

Review of "Inside the Real Area 51: The Secret History of Wright-Patterson"

The primary focus is on the book "Inside the Real Area 51" by Thomas J. Carey & Donald R. Schmitt. The review highlights that the book aims to uncover the secrets of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and its connection to the Roswell incident, which the authors describe as a synonym for "cover-up and deception" and a matter of higher secrecy than the US presidents. The book promises to present evidence sufficient to win any courtroom. The review notes the authors' use of suggestive phrasing, such as describing Building 18 at Wright-Patterson as a place where "recovered UFO wreckage was stored for years." The book is criticized for its lack of clear sourcing and what the reviewer calls "unscientific craftsmanship," making it difficult to verify claims. The reviewer also points out inconsistencies in witness accounts regarding the number and condition of alleged alien bodies.

Chapter Summaries from "Inside the Real Area 51"

The magazine provides a breakdown of chapters from the book, touching upon various aspects:

• Chapter 9-12: Discuss projects like "Sign," "Grudge," and "Stork," and the "absolute insignificance" of Project Blue Book, suggesting no new aspects are revealed.
• Chapter 13: Features Brigadier General Arthur E. Exon discussing the Air Force's true plans.
• Chapter 14: Covers the Condon Report and the Air Force's attempt to "wash itself clean."
• Chapter 15: Examines Dr. J. Allen Hynek's role as either a "deceived" or "accomplice," quoting him saying, "They are making us the scapegoat again!"
• Chapter 16: Mentions episodes of downplaying UFO reports, including Hynek's dilemma.
• Chapter 17: Recounts Chester W. Lytle's experience of a UFO alarm at Wright-Patterson in the late 1950s.
• Chapter 18: Discusses attempts to influence witnesses, potentially to the point of a heart attack, referencing Colonel Hunter G. Penn and the fear Michelle had of him as an alcoholic and violent man who might have intimidated Roswell witnesses.
• Chapter 19: Explores Leonard Stringfield's work on "little green men" and includes a report about Dr. Lejeune Forster possibly flying to Washington D.C. for investigations on a survivor (alien).
• Chapter 20: Details John Mosgrove's analysis of a jawbone in Dayton, Ohio, in October 1979, which he believed had Martian characteristics. The casting of this bone was featured in the NBC documentary "Inside Secret Government Warehouses."
• Chapter 21: Touches upon the Aviation Museum at Wright-Patterson, its UFO exhibit, and the Air Force's relationship with NBC, noting a lack of filming permissions.

Additional Book Reviews

• "Vorsicht Verschwörung!" by André Kramer: This book, published in 2015, is described as an updated presentation and refutation of right-wing extremist conspiracy theories, including those related to UFOs, Atlantis, and Paleo-SETI. It questions whether Nazis were behind UFOs and abductions, if ancient gods were "Aryan astronauts," and the origins of "Reichsflugscheiben" (Nazi flying saucers).
• "GOOD UFO" by Sebastian Hartmann: This book, a Bachelor's thesis, presents interesting cases of unidentified flying objects using witness reports, sketches, images, and information from UFO research groups. It draws material from the GEP archive and offers a visually appealing compilation.

Editorial Stance and Journal Information

The journal itself, "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), has been critically documenting the UFO phenomenon since 1980. It serves as the publication organ for the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), the largest scientific UFO research association in Germany. The GEP uses special questionnaires, on-site interviews, and in-depth background research, supported by various authorities and institutions. The journal publishes case documentation, classifications, and investigation reports, alongside scientific articles and analyses. It also includes a section for reviews and reader letters.

A definition of a UFO is provided: it is the perceived observation of an object or light in the sky or on land whose appearance, trajectory, and behavior are not explainable by conventional means and remain mysterious to those involved, even after technical examination and logical reasoning.

Readers are encouraged to report UFO sightings via phone (02351-23377), email ([email protected]), or through the GEP websites (www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy, alleged cover-ups of UFO incidents (particularly Roswell), the role of individuals like Dr. J. Allen Hynek in UFO research, and the critical examination of UFO phenomena. The journal's stance is scientific and critical, aiming to provide factual documentation and analysis while also debunking unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, as seen in the review of André Kramer's book. The emphasis on rigorous research methods and verifiable evidence is evident in the critique of "Inside the Real Area 51."