JUFOF - Issue 226 - 2016 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'jufof' (Journal für UFO-Forschung), issue number 226 from April 2016, is published by GEP e.V. and costs 4,50 Euro. The cover prominently features the 'Betty und Barney Hill revisited' case, exploring the most famous UFO abduction and its connection to the US military. Another significant article covers 'The Saucer Year 1954 in Germany,' presenting additional notes on German-language reports from that year. The magazine also includes a literature section with reviews of current DVDs and books.

Editorial: Documentation and Archiving

The editorial, written by Danny Ammon, stresses the critical importance of documentation in UFO research. It defines documentation as the creation and management of documents, encompassing the collection, organization, and preservation of information for later use. Ammon highlights the responsibility researchers have towards UFO witnesses and fellow researchers to meticulously record their work. This commitment to scientific standards necessitates thorough documentation, whether in paper or electronic format. The GEP's own archive in Lüdenscheid houses extensive documentation, including case files and German-language publications. The 'jufof' itself is presented as a part of this documentation effort. Ammon also mentions the establishment of the 'Archiv für Fachveröffentlichungen zu ungewöhnlichen Himmelsphänomenen und Grenzwissenschaften' by German UFO research associations, which evolved from the former DEGUFO archive. GEP members benefit from free remote access to the GEP archive and digitized older publications. The editorial encourages readers to share any UFO-related material they may possess. It notes that articles in this issue, such as Ulrich Magin's piece on 1954 cases and Roland M. Horn's analysis of the Betty and Barney Hill case, would not have been possible without access to underlying sources and archives.

UFO Sightings: Documentations – Appraisals

This section details several UFO sighting reports:

Triangular Object over Wolfstein (1989)

A witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounts an experience from 1989 involving a large, silent, triangular object observed while walking with her children and dog near a railway crossing in Wolfstein. The object, described as having a Teflon-like surface and a shape resembling an iron, hovered silently and slowly over the railway tracks. The witness, living near Ramstein Air Base, expresses skepticism towards conventional explanations. She also recalls seeing orange lights on the mountain on subsequent evenings. The investigator, Hans-Werner Peiniger, notes that the case was reported late and anonymously, and initial checks for similar reports from that period were negative. Due to insufficient data, the case is classified as having insufficient data (CE I) and identification as none.

"Bright Glowing Thing" Seen in Daylight (2015)

Janina E. reported a bright, light-reflecting object seen in the sky on May 2, 2015, in Remscheid-Lüttringhausen. The investigator, Hans-Werner Peiniger, suspected a foil balloon. Upon analyzing photos provided by the witness's husband, Peiniger identified the object as a Bugs Bunny foil balloon. He explains that rotating the image by 180 degrees made the identification clear. This case is classified as IFO/V1 (Identified Flying Object / Version 1), with the identification being a foil balloon.

Unknown Object on Landscape Photo (2016)

Sylvia G. photographed an object on June 19, 2016, near Köln-Weiler. While walking in a forest clearing, she took several photos of a wheat field. Upon reviewing the images later, she noticed a dark, roundish object with a reddish center and a gray rod-like structure above the trees in one photo. The investigator, Hans-Werner Peiniger, suggests the object is likely an insect, possibly a bumblebee, that flew through the frame during the exposure. The movement caused it to appear as an unfocused oval structure. The 'antenna' described by the witness is likely a folded wing pair. This case is classified as IFO/V2 (Identified Flying Object / Version 2), with the identification being an insect or possibly a bird.

Literature

This section includes reviews of current DVDs and book titles related to UFOs and related topics. One review mentions 'Die echten Men in Black' (The Real Men in Black), with a page number of 126.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of famous historical UFO cases (Betty and Barney Hill, 1954 German sightings), the importance of rigorous documentation and archiving in ufology, and the identification of misidentified flying objects (IFO). The editorial stance, as expressed by Danny Ammon, strongly advocates for thorough documentation and scientific standards in UFO research, while also acknowledging the value of historical cases and the need for critical analysis of reports. The magazine appears to be a platform for detailed case studies, research updates, and literature reviews within the German ufological community.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2016, Nr. 226, published by GEP, focuses on a recent UFO sighting in Essen, Germany, and provides an extensive historical review of UFO cases from 1954 in German-speaking countries. It also announces the availability of digitized UFO archives.

"White-Yellow Glowing Sphere" Photographed Over Essen

The lead article details a sighting on May 16, 2016, at 23:38 MESZ (21:38 UTC) in Essen-Kray, Germany. The witness, Alina P., describes a blinding, white-yellow glowing point with distinct, colorful radiations that appeared to move. Her boyfriend initially noticed the object. Alina P. took two photos with her Samsung Galaxy S6 at 23:39, which captured the object as a white-yellow glowing sphere. However, she states the actual object was different, appearing as a bright sphere from which strong radiations emanated, blinding the eye. She also noted that the object began to slowly expand and grow larger, causing her to feel panicked. She observed that despite the bright light, the surroundings were not illuminated as they would be by a bright moon. The investigation, led by Hans-Werner Peiniger, classified the sighting as IFO/V1 (Identified Flying Object / Version 1) and identified it as an aircraft.

The accompanying reconstruction from flightradar24.com shows an Airbus A320 (flight AB64533) on its landing approach to Düsseldorf Airport at approximately 21:41 on May 15, 2016, flying over the Essen-Kray area at an altitude of about 1,730 meters. The report explains that the aircraft's landing lights, shining directly into the witnesses' eyes due to the low altitude and approach angle, caused the blinding effect. The witness's description of a "black heptagon" was attributed to the aircraft's silhouette seen from the side as it moved away, with the lights from the front and rear. The engine noise was consistent with that of an aircraft. The blinking position lights were likely obscured by the brighter landing lights.

A Few Notes on the "Saucer Year" 1954 in Germany

This section, authored by Ulrich Magin, compiles UFO reports from 1954 in German-speaking countries, drawing from previous issues of the journal and other databases. The author notes that German reports from this period were less sensational than those from neighboring France, where numerous landings and sightings of humanoids were reported. He suggests that the French wave might have been a cultural artifact.

Reports from Austria

Several Austrian sightings from 1954 are detailed:

• June 7, 1954, Hallein, Salzburg: A businessman reported a red, shimmering object that moved vertically and horizontally for two hours.
• August 3, 1954, Admont, Obersteiermark: Photographer Erich Kaiser observed strange metallic discs flying silently at about 700m altitude.
• August 31/September 1, 1954, Andelsbuch bei Bregenz, Vorarlberg: Retired school director Friederike Edelmüller reported six disc-shaped objects with bluish emissions that disappeared vertically.
• September 1, 1954, Hoerbranz and Bings, Vorarlberg: Further sightings in the Vorarlberg region.
• September 1, 1954, Innsbruck, Tirol: A UFO was observed for over an hour by five witnesses.
• September 5, 1954, Graz, Steiermark: A policeman saw a round, glowing object, followed by a second similar object.
• September 11, 1954, Vienna: A report of telepathic contact with the crew of a flying saucer.
• October 2, 1954, Ried, Oberösterreich: A sighting mentioned by Vallée, with database entries listing multiple dates in early October.
• October 25, 1954, Vienna, Graz, and Burgenland: Thousands witnessed strange objects appearing and disappearing at high altitude.
• November 2, 1954, Anif, Hallein etc., Salzburg: Hundreds reported sightings, initially investigated by a reconnaissance aircraft which identified them as balloons.

Reports from Switzerland (German-speaking area)

• Spring 1954, Kloten: A green-blue, star-sized light was observed.
• August 1, 1954, Kloten: A brother and sister observed a bright, white-yellow point of light that moved vertically and horizontally with great speed.
• August 7, 1954, Zürich: A lieutenant reported on flying objects.
• August 13, 1954, Bodensee and Saentis: Five mysterious flying objects were reported in formation.
• August 13, 1954, Chur: Residents reported similar phenomena over three consecutive evenings, with objects glittering at an altitude of about 3,000 meters.
• August 18, 1954, Stein-Säckingen: A "reddish-yellow disc" was observed for 12 minutes.
• Early September 1954, Basel: Reports of "flying saucers" were attributed to pranks involving hot air balloons.
• September 1954, Winterthur: A mechanic submitted photos of "flying saucers" which were later exposed as sophisticated fakes.
• October 2, 1954, Jungfrau: A saucer sighting was reported.

The author notes a total of 36 reports from German-speaking Switzerland in 1954, with sightings beginning in August.

The German Press: A Brief Overview

Ulrich Magin discusses how the German press covered the 1954 UFO wave. He notes that reports were less sensational than in France and that newspapers near the border, like the one in Rastatt, provided detailed accounts of sightings in neighboring countries. He lists various German newspapers and the UFO-related articles they published, including reports on "Mars canals," "sun dwellers," UFO crashes, and specific sightings.

Short Notes: Current Events

Numerous Older UFO Journals Available for Download

In a collaboration between UFO researcher Isaac Koi and the Swedish library Archives for the Unexplained (AFU), numerous older UFO journals, newsletters, and materials have been scanned and are available for download. These include "The New Ufologist," "UFO Magazine," and "YUFOS Journal." Members of GEP also have access to a free electronic archive of German-language UFO publications, which is continuously expanded.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" demonstrates a commitment to both investigating contemporary UFO/UAP reports with a critical eye (as seen in the Essen case, which was identified as an aircraft) and meticulously documenting historical UFO phenomena. The journal appears to adopt a balanced approach, presenting evidence, witness testimony, and investigative findings, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification and hoaxes. The extensive historical review of 1954 cases highlights the long-standing interest in the subject and the challenges of verifying older reports. The emphasis on archival work and making historical documents accessible underscores the journal's role in preserving UFO research material.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Issue 4-2016, Nr. 226) features an in-depth article titled "Betty und Barney Hill revisited" by Roland M. Horn. The article critically examines the famous Betty and Barney Hill UFO abduction case, re-evaluating the evidence and witness testimonies in light of new information, particularly from John G. Fuller's book "Die unterbrochene Reise" (The Interrupted Journey).

The Hill Case Revisited

The article begins by recounting the initial sighting on September 19, 1961, when Betty and Barney Hill, a mixed-race couple, observed a bright, star-like object while driving through the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The object displayed unusual movements, prompting them to stop and observe it more closely. Betty used binoculars, and Barney noted the object's unpredictable maneuvers, ruling out conventional aircraft.

As the object approached, it became clearer that it was not a star. Barney estimated its height and described it as a large, glowing pancake with a double row of windows. The object performed sudden turns and hovered near their car. Barney stopped the car, and the object descended to a low altitude, revealing figures within the windows.

Barney's account includes being drawn out of the car towards the object, experiencing a sense of being levitated, and encountering beings. He described one as a 'leader' with slanted eyes, wearing a uniform. The experience was terrifying, and he felt compelled to return to the car.

Hypnosis and Memory Recovery

The article details the subsequent efforts to recover the lost time and memories. Betty experienced vivid dreams that mirrored aspects of the alleged abduction. The Hills consulted with Dr. Duncan Stevens and were eventually referred to Dr. Benjamin Simon, a psychiatrist and neurologist, who conducted hypnosis sessions starting in December 1963.

Under hypnosis, Barney recounted being taken aboard a craft, encountering beings, and undergoing examinations. He described the beings' uniforms and the 'leader' figure. Betty also underwent hypnosis, describing the craft's appearance and the examination process, including a 'pregnancy test' and the use of strange instruments.

Analysis and Interpretation

Roland M. Horn critically analyzes the case, particularly the reliance on hypnosis. He questions whether hypnosis is a suitable tool for uncovering truth, suggesting it can lead to confabulation or the implantation of memories. Horn points out that Barney recalled aspects of the sighting before hypnosis, but questions the extent to which the 'emotional drama' could have escalated without hypnotic influence.

He revisits earlier theories, including one that suggested the 'objects' might have been astronomical phenomena like Jupiter and Saturn, obscured by clouds. However, he dismisses this, noting that the observed object's behavior was inconsistent with planetary movements and that the Hills' descriptions did not align with astronomical observations.

Horn also discusses the 'map' drawn by Betty Hill, which was later interpreted by amateur astronomer Majore Fish as a star map potentially indicating Zeta Reticuli. He acknowledges that coincidental similarities in star patterns are possible given the vastness of space and the ability to view from any angle.

Critiques of the 'Alien Abduction' Narrative

The article highlights that the classic 'little grey alien' narrative does not fully fit the Hill case. Barney described men in uniforms and a 'leader' with slanted eyes, while Betty mentioned men of normal size and others around 1.20 meters tall. The author notes that the beings' skin color was difficult to describe, with Betty initially thinking they might be 'Orientals or Asians,' but then clarifying they were smaller.

Andrew B. Colvin's critique, cited by Raab, suggests that Dr. Simon, an Army psychiatrist unfamiliar with UFO lore, may have mishandled the case, potentially leading to confabulation. Colvin posits that the 'remembered experience' was a fiction created to explain the physical existence of the abductors.

Author's Stance and Conclusion

Roland M. Horn concludes by suggesting that the Hill case might be better understood as a subjective experience, influenced by pre-existing sensitivities, environmental factors, personal anxieties, and societal influences, rather than a literal alien abduction. He refers to Fuller's framework of a 'chain of precursors' (pre-existing condition, environment, personal anxieties, global anxieties, and the trigger) as a potential explanation for such experiences. He argues that the descriptions of the beings do not align with the typical 'little grey aliens' and that the case may have been influenced by psychological factors and the suggestive nature of hypnosis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article reflects a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, particularly abduction cases. It emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing witness testimony, the limitations of hypnosis as a memory retrieval tool, and the potential for psychological and environmental factors to shape perceptions and recollections. The editorial stance appears to lean towards a skeptical interpretation of literal alien abductions, favoring psychological explanations and the possibility of confabulation or subjective experiences, while still acknowledging the intriguing nature of the reported events.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Volume 4-2016, Issue Nr. 226, published by GEP e.V. in Germany, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon and related topics.

Article: The Hill-Fall and MKULTRA

The issue begins by examining the Hill-UFO case, suggesting that the event might have been compared to German soldiers or Navy personnel, possibly linked to American military circles and the covert MKULTRA program, which involved mind control experiments using hallucinogenic drugs during the Cold War.

Jacques Vallée is cited, providing information from his book "Dimensions." A report (Nr. 100-1-61) from the 100th Bomb Group at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, by Major Paul W. Henderson, is mentioned. This report includes a detail not previously known to Dr. Simon or John Fuller: the object observed by the Hills was also detected by military radar.

A conversation from September 22, 1961, between Major Gardiner B. Reynolds and Captain Robert o. Daughaday, both from Pease Air Force Base, confirmed an unusual incident on September 20th at 2:41 AM local time. The visual report from Mr. and Mrs. Hill describes them seeing a strange object in the sky near Lincoln, NH, moving south, noting its shape and a bright beam that stood out against the stars. The weather was clear.

The article contrasts this with the idea of a dissolving cloud bank revealing Jupiter, emphasizing the clarity of the sky. It then explores Keel's hypothesis of "induced hallucination" caused by ultraterrestrials interacting with human thoughts, suggesting Betty Hill's repeated UFO sightings might indicate an ability to perceive beyond normal human awareness.

Vallée's "control mechanism" theory is also considered, proposing that controllers might have staged the Hill-Fall encounter to study human reactions to the abduction phenomenon or to establish a cult around "alien abductions."

The article is attributed to Roland M. Horn, referencing his book "UFOs - The Final Countdown."

Literature Reviews

Review: "The Real Men in Black" by Nick Redfern

This section reviews Nick Redfern's book "Die echten Men in Black" (The Real Men in Black), published in German by Kopp-Verlag in October 2015. The book, with a subtitle "Objective Evidence, Famous Cases, and True Stories of These Mysterious Men and Their Connection to the UFO Phenomenon," spans 256 pages and is divided into two parts.

The first part, "The Case Files" (pp. 13-140), covers numerous MIB cases chronologically from 1945 to the 2000s, including a chapter on "Women in Black." The second part, "The Theories" (pp. 141-234), explores various explanations for the MIB phenomenon in eight chapters.

The reviewer notes that while many cases are well-known, Redfern's extensive correspondence with involved parties provides new insights. The book highlights the creative network formed by Albert Bender, Gray Barker, and John A. Keel, who shaped the modern concept of MIBs. Redfern also presents lesser-known, more recent MIB cases. However, some cases are deemed simplistic and less significant.

A key observation is that the MIB phenomenon has shown little development over the past 70 years, with black suits, Cadillacs, and an unsettling demeanor remaining consistent characteristics.

The reviewer critiques Redfern's focus on the Anglo-American sphere, omitting significant cases from other regions like Sweden. The historical dimension of the phenomenon is also noted as underdeveloped, with a lack of discussion on earlier encounters.

Redfern's writing style is described as occasionally sensationalistic, with some speculative statements bordering on dramatic. The reviewer points out the contrast between an extensive bibliography (172 titles) and a limited number of endnotes (57) for 229 pages of text.

Despite these criticisms, the book is considered a valuable contribution to understanding the MIB phenomenon.

Review: "Vorsicht Verschwörung!" by André Kramer

This review covers André Kramer's book "Vorsicht Verschwörung!" (Beware Conspiracy!), which examines conspiracy theories, UFOs, Atlantis, and Paleo-SETI in the context of right-wing extremist infiltration. The book, 188 pages long, addresses questions such as whether UFOs and abductions are part of a Nazi breeding program, if ancient gods were "Aryan astronauts," and the origins of "Reichsflugscheiben" (Nazi flying saucers).

Review: "GOOD UFO" by Sebastian Hartmann

Sebastian Hartmann's book "GOOD UFO" is presented as an observation of interesting, unidentifiable flying objects. Hartmann, a GEP member and media design student, created this book as part of his bachelor's thesis. It features the most interesting UFO cases presented attractively with witness accounts, sketches, images, infographics, and analyses from UFO research groups. The material is drawn from the GEP archive.

The book is 170 pages plus 31 appendices, with 300 copies printed in a limited edition.

Film Connection: Fritz Lang's "Liliom" (1934)

This section explores whether Fritz Lang's 1934 film "Liliom" presents an early motif for the Men in Black phenomenon. The film tells the story of Liliom, a carousel worker who faces a tribunal in the afterlife. He is lifted into the sky by two "angels" who bear a striking resemblance to the later descriptions of Men in Black, described as an "alien abduction story."

GEP and JUFOF Information

The journal also includes information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), describing it as Germany's largest non-profit scientific association dedicated to UFO research. It details the GEP's methods, including questionnaires, on-site interviews, and background research, and notes their support from various authorities and institutions.

The "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung) is presented as a publication that has critically examined the UFO phenomenon since 1980. Each issue contains documentation of sightings, classifications, and case studies, along with scientific and methodical expert reports. It also includes a review and letters section.

Information is provided on how to report UFO sightings, including a hotline number (02351-23377), an email address ([email protected]), and website addresses (www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the Men in Black phenomenon, the analysis of specific UFO cases like the Hill-Fall, and the exploration of various theories and potential connections to conspiracy theories, government programs (like MKULTRA), and even historical or fictional narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical, scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, as evidenced by the journal's long-standing publication history and its affiliation with the GEP, a scientific research organization.