JUFOF - Issue 225 - 2016 03

Magazine Overview

Title: jufof
Issue: Nr. 225
Volume: Jg. 37
Date: 03-2016 (March 2016)
Publisher: GEP e.V. (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens)
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0723-7766
Price: 4,50 Euro

Editorial

The editorial, written by Danny Ammon, reflects on the cooperative UFO research efforts in Germany during the summer of 2016, where case investigators from various organizations are collaborating. It highlights that this issue features reports on sightings recently examined by GEP. A particularly interesting case involves a young witness who claims to possess paranormal abilities and reported a sighting. The editorial also mentions ongoing exchanges between members of DEGUFO, GEP, and MUFON-CES, suggesting potential future project groups focusing on specific aspects of UFO research. Members are encouraged to get involved. An announcement is made about upcoming member meetings for DEGUFO and GEP in the fall.

The editorial also introduces the continuation of the series "UFOs and Aliens in Everyday Life," curated by Hans-Werner Peiniger. This series examines everyday objects like clothing, gifts, toys, and advertisements that feature UFOs, spaceships, or alien motifs. The article posits that the pervasive presence of these themes in popular culture may influence public perception and expectations regarding UFOs, making it difficult to find witnesses without pre-existing 'thematic biases.' The author notes that even witnesses often associate unusual aerial phenomena with UFOs, leading them to contact research organizations.

UFO-Beobachtungen (UFO Sightings)

Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen (Documentations – Assessments)

Spektakulärer Fall entpuppt sich als Schwindel (Spectacular Case Revealed as Hoax)

• Case Number: 20151118 A
• Date: 18.11.2015
• Time: 19:28 MEZ (18:28 UTC)
• Location: Rehling, Germany
• Witness: B. M. (17, student)
• Classification: CE III
• Assessment: IFO / V1 (Identified as False Object / Hoax)
• Identification: Hoax
• Investigator: Hans-Werner Peiniger

This report details a sighting reported by a 17-year-old student, B. M., who provided a link to a YouTube video. His father also submitted a report. The incident occurred on November 18, 2015, around 19:30, when B. M. and a friend (13) were exploring a wooded area near Rehling. They were equipped with a camcorder and a 'Trifieldmeter' as they were searching for paranormal phenomena. They observed a round, disc-shaped object with a complex structure, approximately 30-50 meters above the treetops. The object reportedly had numerous lights on its underside and windows from which a blue light emanated. The witness estimated its diameter to be about 20 meters. The object was described as having a disc-shaped lower part, a middle section with windows, and a domed upper surface. A tower-like structure with blue/violet lights was also observed. The object moved silently and then drifted northeast, disappearing over the forest. The witness managed to film the object.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the video footage provided by the witness was not original. Through Google image search and further internet research, it was confirmed that the footage was taken from videos uploaded by a YouTube user named 'Ed' (channel 'InFocusUFOs') in September/October 2015. 'Ed' claims to be an anonymous contactee who has had experiences with extraterrestrials for 30 years. The investigation concluded that the witness had presented 'Ed's' footage as his own, thus the case was identified as a hoax.

Ungewöhnliche Objekte am Himmel über Ahlen auf Foto entdeckt (Unusual Objects in the Sky over Ahlen Discovered on Photo)

• Case Number: 20160402 B
• Date: 02.04.2016
• Time: 09:54 MESZ (07:54 UTC)
• Location: Ahlen, Germany
• Witness: Andreas A. (53)
• Classification: DD
• Assessment: IFO / V1 (Identified as False Object / Hoax)
• Identification: Aircraft
• Investigator: Hans-Werner Peiniger

The witness, Andreas A. (53), was observing the sun with a Meade C8 telescope and taking photos/videos with a Nikon D5500 DSLR camera. He noticed an object flying in front of a wide contrail in the sky. He filmed and photographed it, and later, upon enlarging the image on his laptop, he found it did not resemble an aircraft.

In the discussion and assessment, the investigator initially assumed the objects were two aircraft creating contrails. However, upon reviewing flight paths, while two aircraft were present in the airspace around Ahlen, they appeared too far apart to explain the observed proximity of the objects in the photograph. The unusual appearance was attributed to extreme magnification and atmospheric distortion. The investigator contacted the German Ministry of Defence for further information.

Kurz notiert (Briefly Noted)

This section contains several short news items:

• The departing head of GEIPAN shares his views.
• A report on "The Cube of Salzburg."
• Introduction of a new internet magazine.
• A sighting of a "humming flying object."
• A report of an "unknown object" crashing.

UFOs und Aliens im Alltag (UFOs and Aliens in Everyday Life)

This section is a continuation of a series, presenting everyday items decorated with UFO and alien motifs. The article discusses how these cultural representations might shape public perception and expectations regarding UFO phenomena.

Literatur (Literature)

This section includes reviews of:

• A DVD titled "An Interview with Dr. Axel Stoll."
• A book titled "What I have kept silent for decades."
• A book titled "Free Energy – or why do UFOs fly?"

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

Includes a letter from Uli Thieme.

Impressum (Imprint)

• Publisher: Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., founded in 1972.
• Address: Postfach 2361, 58473 Lüdenscheid.
• Contact: Phone: (02351) 23377, Fax: (02351) 2 33 35, Email: [email protected].
• Editors responsible for press law: Hans-Werner Peiniger, Danny Ammon.
• Publication details: The magazine is published bimonthly on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being voluntary.
• Subscription Price: €27.00 per year (6 issues) plus postage.
• Advertising prices: Available upon request.
• Reprints: Allowed only with written permission from GEP e.V.
• Printing: bis500 Druck, 98693 Ilmenau.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of evidence (including photographic and video material), and the critical assessment of cases, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes. The magazine also delves into the cultural impact of UFO and alien imagery on society. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation and a commitment to presenting factual findings, even when they reveal hoaxes. There is an emphasis on cooperative research and open communication with readers and members.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 3-2016, issue number 225, delves into various UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) cases, with a strong emphasis on identifying mundane explanations.

Air Traffic Analysis Around Ahlen

The lead article discusses an investigation into a sighting near Ahlen, Germany. The witness provided a video, and the journal obtained an air traffic control image (Luftlagebild) to analyze the situation. The analysis revealed two passenger jets, an Airbus A-319 from Czech Airlines and a Boeing 767 from Air Canada, flying in the vicinity. The Airbus was approximately 10 kilometers away at an altitude of about 10 kilometers, while the Boeing was about 40 kilometers away at an altitude of 11.3 kilometers. Despite the significant distance, the image showed them appearing optically close and parallel in a southeasterly direction. The journal explains that this perception was due to the planes flying at different altitudes and the perspective of the witness. The meteorological conditions at the time likely contributed to the formation of persistent contrails. The article concludes that the observed phenomenon was not a UFO but rather a result of aircraft activity and visual perception.

Case Investigations by Hans-Werner Peiniger

Several individual cases are presented and analyzed, primarily by Hans-Werner Peiniger, with most being identified as misidentifications (IFO - Identified Flying Object, V1/V2 - classification of the misidentification).

Fischingen Case (20160328 A)

A photograph from Fischingen, Germany, showed an oval object in the sky. The witness, Felix L., had taken probe shots and discovered the object later. The investigation concluded it was likely a bird captured with motion blur, with wing structures and a tail tip being discernible upon closer inspection.

Duisburg-Homberg Case (20160313 A)

Uwe A. submitted a photo taken with his Samsung mobile phone of his daughter flying a kite. Upon reviewing the photos, he noticed a "strange small sphere." The analysis identified this as a lens reflection, a common artifact in mobile phone photography.

Mötschwil Case (20160305 A)

Another case involving Uwe A. (likely the same witness as the previous case, given the name and context) presented a photo taken by his 12-year-old son with an iPhone. The photo showed a "hovering flying object" near a street. The witness claimed to have seen the object during a car ride. The investigation concluded this was a lens reflection, characteristic of certain Samsung phone types (specifically mentioning the Galaxy S5 used here), caused by the sun's glare. The article notes that such reflections can be enhanced by image editing.

Lagos Case (20090305 A)

Thomas B. from Lagos, Portugal, submitted a photo showing "unexplained points of light" in the night sky over a city. These lights were noticed upon later examination of the photo. The analysis determined these to be lens reflections caused by street lamps. The long exposure time of the photograph (30 seconds) made the lamps appear very bright, leading to the reflections.

Oberasbach Case (20160605 C)

Witness M.K. reported seeing an "S"-shaped flying object moving from east to southwest, silently, with constant speed and altitude, for about 3-5 minutes. His wife suggested it might have been a '2' or a '5'. The investigation identified it as a foil balloon, likely in the shape of a number '5' (which can resemble an 'S'), often used for events like children's birthdays. The witness disagreed, citing the object's straight flight path, constant rotation at high altitude (over 1000m), and size as contradictory to a balloon. The article counters that witnesses often misjudge size and distance without reference points.

Survey Aircraft Incident (St. Georgen, Schönwald, Furtwangen area)

Between April 10-11, 2016, a loud, humming flying object was reported in the area of St. Georgen, Schönwald, and Furtwangen. Initial investigations by the police helicopter unit suggested it was an unmanned propeller aircraft conducting officially registered night-time survey work. Further investigation by a reader identified the object using flight tracking data (www.flightradar24.com) as a small aircraft performing survey flights.

Xavier Passot and GEIPAN

Ulrich Magin reports on the retirement of Xavier Passot, the former head of the official French UFO research group GEIPAN (Groupe d'études et d'informations sur les phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés), which is affiliated with CNES. Passot, who joined CNES in 1983 as an IT specialist, led GEIPAN from July 2011. Despite not finding secret documents, he made significant contributions, including ensuring all sightings, not just unexplained ones, were processed and restructuring the network of local investigators. He also organized a conference with both government representatives and civilian UFO researchers like Jacques Vallee. Passot plans to write a book about UFOs. His message to UFO investigators is to not only focus on unidentified phenomena but to thoroughly examine identified reports, which sharpens the ability to analyze truly unknown cases. The article notes that Passot sees no evidence of extraterrestrial visitors in the reports he reviewed, often describing them as "just small lights far away with (in most cases) a single witness."

The "Wolfsegg Iron" Artifact

The article revisits the historical case of the "Wolfsegg Iron," an object described as a near-perfect cube with a groove, found in Austrian lignite. Initially described by Friedrich Adolf Gurlt as a fossil meteorite in 1886, it was later re-examined. By 1908, investigations by Dr. Aristides Brezina suggested it was a man-made artifact, possibly slag. The article cites a Wikipedia entry and other sources, concluding that the object was likely industrial slag, not a meteorite or an extraterrestrial artifact.

New Italian UFO E-Zine

A new Italian online magazine, "Cielo Insolito" (Unusual Sky), is introduced. Founded by researchers Giuseppe Stilo and Maurizio Verga, it focuses on the history of UFOs and ufology. The first issue covered UFO headlines from 1947 and the 1950 Italian UFO wave. The e-zine is available for free download, though currently primarily in Italian.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO reports, with a strong emphasis on identifying mundane explanations through rigorous investigation, data analysis (including air traffic control records and flight tracking), and understanding common visual artifacts and misperceptions. The journal consistently favors rational explanations over extraordinary ones, identifying birds, lens flares, atmospheric phenomena, and conventional aircraft as the causes for most reported sightings. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards extraterrestrial hypotheses, advocating for a thorough analysis of all data, including the most common sightings, to better understand the truly anomalous cases.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 3-2016, Nr. 225, delves into the pervasive presence of UFO and alien themes in everyday life, alongside critical reviews and discussions on prominent figures and historical cases in ufology.

Article: UFOs and Aliens in Everyday Life

Authored by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this section explores how motifs of the "extraterrestrial" are integrated into daily life, often subconsciously. Peiniger questions whether this cultural saturation influences our understanding of UFOs and aliens, and how it might affect witness accounts. The article presents numerous examples of consumer products featuring UFO and alien designs, including school notebooks, mobile craft kits, airbrush stencils, sticker sets, children's clothing, snacks, and even emoji pendants. These examples, found in various stores and online platforms like eBay and Aldi, highlight the commercialization and widespread dissemination of these themes.

Article: "Unknown Object" Crashed from the Sky

This report details an incident on June 10, 2016, where a citizen reported an object crashing near "Breitholz." Police investigations, aided by a helicopter, revealed the object to be a large agricultural tarp used for crop protection. The tarp had apparently detached due to strong winds, ascended, and landed in treetops. The article notes that this is not an isolated case, with similar "UFO alarms" previously caused by such agricultural covers.

Review: "Ein Interview mit Dr. Axel Stoll" DVD

This review by T. A. Günter examines the DVD release of a documentary featuring conspiracy theorist Dr. Axel Stoll. While the film itself is considered a valuable interview, the reviewer notes that the DVD version, like the initial digital release, lacks a proper introduction to Stoll, making it potentially difficult for new viewers to contextualize him. The reviewer highlights that the DVD's primary added value lies in its bonus material, which includes a book reading, a making-of documentary, interviews with the filmmakers, and a discussion panel from the film's premiere. The Q&A session with the audience and experts is particularly praised for its depth and engagement, addressing topics like the future of Stoll's online forum and psychological explanations for his worldview.

Discussion: Roswell Incident and Nick Redfern

Uli Thieme contributes a letter discussing Nick Redfern's theories about the Roswell incident. Redfern suggests that the crashed object might have been a balloon carrying Japanese prisoners of war or an experimental aircraft, possibly affected by radioactivity. Thieme notes that Redfern's ideas, published in his book "Body Snatchers in the Desert," echo his own earlier speculations from 1995. However, Thieme critically examines the credibility of key Roswell witnesses like Glenn Dennis, Jim Ragsdale, and Frank Kaufmann, concluding that their testimonies have been proven false and are unbelievable. He argues that any attempt to positively interpret these accounts is doomed to fail, as the facts of the 1947 incident speak for themselves. Thieme also touches upon Redfern's warning that an overemphasis on the extraterrestrial explanation for Roswell could lead to skepticism about the entire UFO phenomenon.

Article: Erich von Däniken - What I Have Kept Silent About for Decades

This article reviews Erich von Däniken's latest book, which addresses criticisms of his repetitive arguments. Däniken explains that his repetitions are intentional, aimed at new readers unfamiliar with his extensive body of work. The review highlights a new aspect in the book: Däniken's personal meeting with Kenju Terauchi, the pilot of Flight 1628, who encountered a UFO in 1986. The article details the pilot's account of the encounter, the subsequent debriefing by authorities, and the return of the film containing photographic evidence without the film itself. Däniken explains his delay in publishing this information was due to a promise made to Terauchi, who has since passed away.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with popular culture, consumerism, and historical events. It maintains a critical yet open stance, engaging with various theories and evidence while also scrutinizing witness accounts and the credibility of sources. The editorial approach emphasizes thorough research, critical analysis, and the presentation of diverse perspectives within the ufological community. There is a clear focus on debunking unsubstantiated claims while acknowledging the enduring fascination and complexity of the UFO subject.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 225 from Ausgabe 3-2016, published by Kopp Verlag, focuses on the UFO phenomenon and related topics. The cover prominently features Erich von Däniken and his book "Was ich jahrzehntelang verschwiegen habe" (What I kept silent for decades), promising spectacular eyewitness accounts and insider information.

Review of Erich von Däniken's "Was ich jahrzehntelang verschwiegen habe"

The review, penned by Peter Kauert, delves into the contents of Erich von Däniken's latest book. Kauert notes that Däniken, until 1992, did not fundamentally engage with the UFO theme in his books. The review highlights two CE-III cases: the "Hickson & Parker" case and the "Betty & Barney Hill" abduction. Kauert points out discrepancies between Däniken's account of the Hickson & Parker case and that of Michael Hesemann, particularly regarding the location where the abduction occurred (pier vs. fishing). A key detail in Däniken's version is the presence of two police officers who allegedly witnessed the event from a nearby bridge, a detail Kauert suggests might be intended to enhance credibility.

The review then discusses the famous Betty and Barney Hill case, emphasizing the significance of the star map drawn by Betty Hill. It notes the claim that this map depicts planets unknown at the time of the abduction, serving as proof of its authenticity. However, the review clarifies that the system (Gliese Catalogue) was only added in 1969, after the event.

Chapter 2, "Märchen für die Christenheit" (Fairy Tales for Christianity), explores the conflict between religion and church doctrine. It begins with a 1974 letter from India, referencing a letter from a "Chief of Archives," Prof. Dr. F. M. Hassnain from Kashmir, who points to a tomb in Srinagar claimed to be Jesus's grave. This suggests a narrative of Jesus not resurrecting but fleeing to India, a concept considered scandalous by Christians. The review notes that this story, though intriguing, is not new and was already published in 1981, with similar images presented in Däniken's new book.

Chapter 3, "Ägyptische Verbindungen" (Egyptian Connections), revisits Däniken's themes from his book on the pharaohs. A notable inclusion is a black-and-white photo of a 19-year-old Däniken on a camel during his first visit to Egypt. His account of an unexplained incident from that time is described as revealing a personal side that makes him sympathetic. The review mentions Däniken's recurring observation about the presence of sticky tar-like masses with animal bone fragments in stone sarcophagi. The Gantenbrink story concerning the mini-robot exploring the shafts of the Cheops Pyramid is also briefly recounted, with Däniken characterizing the entire affair as a conspiracy full of lies and deception. The review states that the discovered doors were drilled, and further speculation is noted from a National Geographic Society investigation.

Chapter 4, "Belogen – betrogen – missbraucht" (Lied to – deceived – abused), focuses on the story of Günther Hauck, who identified himself as Tatunca Nara, a chief in the Brazilian jungle. Hauck claimed to have evidence of god-astronauts in the Amazon. Däniken reportedly organized a helicopter expedition, which was canceled by Nara. Däniken eventually distrusted Nara, despite investing significant time and money. The review notes that Däniken presents evidence of Nara's deception through tape transcriptions. This chapter is considered the most substantial, raising questions about alleged murder cases linked to Nara.

Chapter 5 discusses Däniken's interactions with NASA and astronauts, finding them to be engaging. The impression given is that these circles are open to the ideas of god-astronauts and UFOs, though not always as overtly as in the case of astronaut Edgar Mitchell.

The final chapter addresses Däniken's complaints about the distortion of source texts, a theme present in many of his books, including the Bible. Kauert concludes that Däniken's latest work, like many of his recent books, contains much old material alongside some new information. He believes fans will read it regardless, and new readers will gain some knowledge, while others will find nothing new.

Review of Adolf and Inge Schneider's "FREIE ENERGIE – ODER WARUM FLIEGEN UFOS?"

This review, by Hans-Werner Peiniger, discusses the book by Adolf and Inge Schneider, who were previously known UFO researchers. After the 1980s, they shifted their focus to alternative energies and non-conventional propulsion systems, publishing the "NET-Journal" and organizing conferences. The book aims to explain how UFOs might function using unconventional propulsion, potentially leading to technologies that could solve environmental problems.

Adolf Schneider's UFO research reportedly led him to believe that influencing gravitational fields is possible, often observed in abrupt maneuvers of unknown flying objects. The authors trace these ideas back to historical accounts of flying objects across cultures.

Peiniger expresses difficulty following the book's central thread, which weaves together unusual inventions, theoretical foundations, historical UFO sightings, and contactee narratives. He suggests treating each chapter as a separate contribution. The book covers topics like Viktor Schauberger's flying machines, the Biefeld-Brown effect, and the Searl effect, introducing the reader to the subject. It also includes an overview of Bob Lazar's claims about working on propulsion systems in Area S-4 from 1988 to 1989.

Peiniger is critical of the book's claim to have investigated UFO propulsion systems and found practical solutions. He feels the book lacks depth and substance, and that it fails to provide a clear answer to the question of how UFOs truly fly, despite the question being posed on the book's jacket.

Review of André Kramer's "Vorsicht Verschwörung!"

This review covers André Kramer's book, which analyzes and refutes right-wing extremist conspiracy theories, particularly those related to UFOs, Atlantis, and Paleo-SETI. The book examines questions such as whether UFOs and abductions are part of a Nazi "breeding program," if ancient gods were "Aryan astronauts," the nature of "Reichsflugscheiben" (Nazi flying discs), and the persistence of World War II ideologies. It also explores the reasons behind the success of such conspiracy theories.

The book is described as an updated presentation and refutation of these theories within the context of right-wing extremist infiltration. It is 188 pages, paperback, DIN A5, with 39 color illustrations, and costs €15.00 (€12.00 for GEP members).

Review of Sebastian Hartmann's "GOOD UFO"

Sebastian Hartmann, a GEP member and media design student, authored "GOOD UFO" as his bachelor's thesis. The book presents interesting cases of unidentified flying objects, drawing from eyewitness reports, sketches, images, and analyses from UFO research groups. It includes material from the GEP archive, obtained through extensive communication and a personal visit to their office in Lüdenscheid.

The book is 170 pages plus 31 appendices, printed in five colors, with a limited edition of 300 copies. It costs €39.95 including shipping and can be ordered via www.goodufo.de.

GEP and JUFOF Information

The journal also provides information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), described as the largest recognized non-profit scientific association in Germany dedicated to UFO research. The GEP uses questionnaires, on-site interviews, and background information analysis, working interdisciplinarily with support from authorities and scientific institutions.

The "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (jufof) has been published since 1980, offering factual and critical coverage of the UFO phenomenon. It serves as the GEP's publication organ, with one part dedicated to documenting and classifying sighting reports and case investigations, and the other featuring scientific and methodical reports, international case studies, and analyses. It also includes a review and reader letter section.

The definition of a UFO is provided: a perceived object or light whose appearance, trajectory, and dynamic behavior cannot be logically or conventionally explained, remaining unidentifiable after thorough investigation by technically competent individuals.

Information is given on how to report a UFO sighting to the GEP's reporting center, including a phone number (02351-23377) and email address ([email protected]), as well as website access for online reporting and interaction in forums and chats.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, ancient astronaut theories, conspiracy theories, and alternative energy. The journal maintains a critical and scientific approach to UFO research, as evidenced by its detailed reviews and the information provided about the GEP's methodology. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, distinguishing between credible evidence and unsubstantiated claims, while also acknowledging the public's interest in these subjects.