JUFOF - Issue 234 - 2017 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'jufof', Journal für UFO-Forschung (Journal for UFO Research), is Volume 38, Issue 234, dated May 2017. Published by GEP e.V., it is priced at 4.50 Euro and has an ISSN of 0723-7766. The cover prominently features a black and white photograph of a disc-shaped UFO and the headline "Was über UFOs erwiesen ist" (What is proven about UFOs), with a subtitle "Die Sichtweise von Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos" (The perspective of Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos). Another section on the cover is dedicated to "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Sightings), with sub-headings "Sichtungen - Dokumentationen - Beurteilungen" (Sightings - Documentations - Appraisals).

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Liebe Leser" (Dear Readers), by Danny Ammon, highlights the content of this issue. It includes a documentation of a UFO case investigated by Natale Guido Cincinnati and Johannes Dudek, which they classify as unexplained due to its anomalous characteristics and single witness. The editorial also mentions the translation of an essay by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, a renowned UFO researcher known for his critical stance on theories involving extraterrestrial intelligence as the cause of UFO phenomena. Ammon emphasizes the importance of case investigation, regardless of whether the object is identified or not, as it provides insights into the behavior of aerial objects and human observers. He notes that while 100% certainty in UFO case explanations may be elusive, giving up is not an option. The next issue will feature a comparison of Ballester Olmos's views with those of Thomas E. Bullard. The editorial concludes by mentioning two book reviews, including one of Alexander Knörr's "Die Wahrheit über Deutschlands UFO-Akten" (The Truth about Germany's UFO Files).

An erratum is included, correcting a symbol in a previous documentation (Fall 19810000 D, jufof Nr. 233, S. 130-135).

UFO-Beobachtungen: Nahbegegnung bei Frimmersdorf

This section details a close encounter case (FALLNUMMER: 20131200 A) that occurred in Grevenbroich-Frimmersdorf, Germany, during the second week of December 2013, around 9:00 PM. The witness, Herr G.W. (born 1954), classified the object as a "GOOD UFO." The initial report was filed on July 3, 2016, with investigations conducted by Natale Guido Cincinnati and Johannes Dudek. The witness, Herr G.W., recounts seeing a UFO not high in the sky, but only a few meters away, while walking his dog in December 2010. He describes it as a "saucer" with an unusual shape and a rough, uneven surface, not like typical descriptions. The object hovered motionless, emitting a faint noise and causing slight wind in its immediate vicinity (30-40 meters). The witness initially considered a laser projection explanation but dismissed it due to the object's size and the lack of sound or wind associated with such technology. He observed the object from different angles and noted that it seemed to be illuminated by the nearby power plant. The object's camouflage appeared to be malfunctioning, as it would periodically disappear and reappear. The witness estimated its size to be about 20-30 meters in diameter and 4-6 meters in height. He found the object's ability to maneuver between high-voltage power lines without collision particularly noteworthy.

Later, the object ascended vertically from the area of the power lines and, while in flight, changed its shape from a round, flat form to an elongated, stylized bird-like shape, resembling a modern aircraft. It briefly hovered again over a central high-voltage mast before accelerating skyward and disappearing without a trace.

The witness expressed his conviction that the object was not a hallucination and speculated about its advanced technology, possibly involving a mixture of gas and material, and an energy storage system recharged by the power plant. He believes the object's advanced capabilities suggest a superior intelligence that could easily overpower humanity if it wished, leading him to theorize that they might be here to help humanity develop.

Further details from a personal interview on July 21, 2017, conducted by the author (GEP/DEGUFO) and Johannes Dudek (DEGUFO), refined the initial report. The sighting date was narrowed down to a weekday in the second week of December 2013, and the duration was corrected to approximately 15-20 minutes, starting around 9:00 PM. The witness's dog showed no reaction to the object. The object's surface was described as ochre-yellow/beige/sandstone with dark, possibly olive-green seams, which disappeared during a later phase of the sighting when the object changed shape. A faint, slightly louder rushing sound accompanied by a softer hum was noted, along with a slight wind. No smell was detected. The following day, the witness observed fallen leaves on a path near where the object had hovered, suggesting a possible physical interaction with the environment. The witness also reported a peculiar optical phenomenon where the stars appeared to rotate, which he attributed to a possible force field.

Herr G.W., aged 59 at the time of the sighting, wore glasses and initially hesitated to report the event due to his wife's skepticism. He was motivated to report after seeing a UFO documentary. His personal interview helped him find closure regarding the event. He has not had any other UFO sightings and believes the observed object was extraterrestrial in origin.

The report highlights several anomalous characteristics, including the object's shape, its ability to hover motionless, change form, and its silent, rapid ascent. The witness's description of the object's surface as a composite material and its potential interaction with the power grid are also noted as significant.

Literatur

This section includes reviews of books related to UFOs. One review is of "Die Wahrheit über Deutschlands UFO-Akten" (The Truth about Germany's UFO Files) by Alexander Knörr, described as the latest book from the long-time DEGUFO chairman. Another book mentioned is "The Essential Guide to UFO Sightings."

Impressum

The "Impressum" section provides details about the publisher, Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., founded in 1972. It lists their address in Lüdenscheid, contact phone and fax numbers, and email address ([email protected]). Bank details for Postbank NL Dortmund are provided. The editorial responsibility lies with Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon. The publication states that articles with specific attributions do not necessarily reflect the views of GEP, and unsolicited manuscripts are not liable. 'jufof' is published on a non-commercial basis every two months, with contributions being honorarium-free. Information for authors is available on their website. The subscription price is 27.00 € per year (6 issues) plus postage. GEP members receive the journal as part of their membership. Advertisements are accepted, and small ads are free for subscribers and members under certain conditions. Reprints require written permission from GEP. The journal is printed by bis500 Druck in Ilmenau. The copyright is held by GEP e.V. for 2017.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UFO phenomena, detailed documentation of specific sightings, and the review of UFO-related literature. The editorial stance, as expressed by Danny Ammon, emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and data collection, even when faced with unexplained cases. There is a clear distinction made between speculative theories (e.g., extraterrestrial visitation) and the empirical process of case investigation. The journal appears to maintain a scientific and research-oriented approach, valuing critical assessment and evidence-based conclusions, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO reports.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 6-2017, NR. 234, published by GEP e.V., focuses on UFO phenomena with a critical and analytical approach. The cover prominently features sketches of unidentified objects and the headline "Merkwürdiges Objekt am Silvesterhimmel fotografiert" (Strange Object Photographed on New Year's Eve Sky).

Article 1: Analysis of a Witness Report (Pages 169-170)

This section details a witness account of an object that exhibited invisibility (possibly through flickering) and a significant change in form and surface (disappearance of seams) during a positional shift. The object's disappearance was described as instantaneous, accompanied by a bright flash from its rear. The witness also reported a noticeable draft of air near the object, though this could be attributed to conventional aircraft. A particularly difficult aspect for the witness to articulate was the perceived material composition of the object, described as anomalous (possibly metal, stone, or gas). The witness also noted unusual changes in the night sky, such as a rotating effect, two days after the sighting. The analysis acknowledges a significant time gap of over two years between the sighting and the initial report, but deems the witness's detailed and precise account credible. The intensity of the sighting, proximity to the object (CE I), duration, and its strangeness led the witness to speculate about its origin and purpose, but these speculations were clearly separated from the direct observations. The object is classified as "unidentified" due to its anomalous characteristics, which are deemed unlikely to occur with conventional aircraft, even under extreme conditions. The case is rated as a "GOOD UFO" with a tendency towards "BEST UFO" according to the HENDRY classification.

Article 2: "Strange Object" Photographed on New Year's Eve Sky (Pages 171)

This case report (Fallnummer: 20171231 B) describes an object observed during New Year's fireworks on December 31, 2017, at 23:59 MEZ in Marl, Germany. The witness, Uwe R., filmed the object with his mobile phone. The object was described as weakly luminous and having changed position rapidly upwards multiple times. The witness stated it was neither an airplane, helicopter, nor a balloon. The investigation, conducted by Hans-Werner Peiniger, concluded that the object's optical appearance and dynamic behavior showed no anomalous characteristics, thus not justifying a UFO classification. The assessment suggests with high probability that the object was a drone (quadrocopter/multicopter), commonly used for filming fireworks. The report notes that drones used for this purpose often hover or move minimally, with positional changes made for different perspectives. The observed characteristics are consistent with the hypothesis of a drone, and therefore, it is not considered a UFO in the strict sense.

Article 3: What is Proven About UFOs: Two Perspectives (Pages 172-178)

This extensive article, translated by Danny Ammon, presents two essays by UFO researchers Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Thomas Eddie Bullard, reflecting on 70 years of UFO history since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. The authors aim to summarize findings and critically examine the quality of UFO research.

Part 1: Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos (Pages 172-173)

Olmos begins by recounting Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, which initiated the "flying saucer" phenomenon and led to a surge in media interest, followed by a rapid decline. This event prompted the US Air Force to investigate UFO reports. Over seven decades, numerous facts, stories, military and civilian initiatives, and public representations of UFOs have emerged. Olmos criticizes self-proclaimed investigators and journalists who, in his view, preserve rather than solve mysteries. He notes a historical shift from viewing strange aerial phenomena as omens to scientific investigation, but argues that science fiction has negatively impacted eyewitnesses' critical judgment. He asserts that each UFO case is unique and that attempts to find commonalities are often based on collective imagination. Olmos points out that many cases once considered mysterious are now explained conventionally. He cites the example of Soviet UFO research, which was initially praised but later found to be related to military space activities (Fractional Orbital Bombardment System, FOBS). He also mentions modern imaging systems on military aircraft, suggesting that if UFOs were as common as reported, they would be frequently captured on film.

Part 2: Thomas Eddie Bullard (Pages 173-178)

Bullard discusses the historical context of UFO research, noting that classic UFO organizations founded in the 1950s often disbanded without proving the existence of flying saucers. He observes a decline in private UFO research centers. He mentions an organization in Sweden dedicated to preserving UFO archives and a US-based organization founded in 2000 with the premise that UFOs could pose an aviation hazard, a premise later refuted by its scientific director. Bullard questions why, if extraterrestrial visitors exist, they haven't been formally presented to the public. He criticizes the UFO research community for not submitting extraordinary findings to peer-reviewed journals and for often relying on anecdotal evidence. He highlights how cases of alleged alien abductions are often explained by psychological factors like sleep paralysis, and notes the paradox of a Harvard psychiatrist being a major proponent of the physical reality of alien abductions. Bullard describes UFO research as a "vicious cycle" where seemingly solid cases eventually fall apart, only to be replaced by new, supposedly unsolvable mysteries. He points to the reuse of old images of lens flares or contrails as evidence, and the acceptance of IFF signals from the 1950s and 60s as proof of UFOs, despite more logical explanations like transponders of unrecognized aircraft.

The ETT (Extraterrestrial Theory) (Pages 175-176)

The theory that flying saucers are extraterrestrial visitors quickly gained traction, particularly among sensationalist authors. Bullard argues that the idea of extraterrestrial visitation predates many of the UFO landing cases and encounters used as evidence. He suggests that the widespread acceptance of the ETT was facilitated by a constant stream of new, often absurd, UFO experiences fueled by magazines, books, films, and documentaries. He notes that the myth developed differently in various countries, with Brazil having a particularly high number of UFO landing reports and humanoid encounters. A Brazilian historian attributed the idea of aliens visiting Earth to a combination of sensationalist journalism and fear of nuclear conflict.

Different Attitudes (Pages 177-178)

Bullard categorizes UFO investigators into skeptics and radical believers, with various intermediate positions. He notes that skeptics are often labeled negatively (e.g., "Pelikanisten," debunkers). He observes that even seemingly strong UFO cases often unravel, and proponents quickly latch onto new mysteries. He discusses the declassification of approximately 15,000 UFO cases (around 150,000 pages) by the US Air Force and an additional 12,000 pages from various US government agencies. However, he concludes that neither the Air Force, the government, nor intelligence agencies have drawn any significant conclusions or found opportunities for scientific or technological advancement from these reports. He questions whether this represents incompetence or a missed opportunity. Bullard finds the claim of hidden information in secret US government vaults questionable, given the lack of substantial findings from publicly released resources.

The Government (Pages 178)

This section reiterates the declassification of UFO files by the US government. It states that despite the release of extensive documentation, no meaningful lessons have been learned, nor has any progress in science or technology been made, which is attributed to a lack of "reverse engineering" or scientific exploitation of the data. The author questions if this is due to incompetence or a deliberate overlooking of a potential scientific goldmine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the analysis of witness testimony, and a strong skepticism towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The journal consistently emphasizes the need for scientific rigor, conventional explanations, and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach, questioning the validity of many UFO reports and the methodologies employed by some UFO researchers. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual observation and speculative interpretation, and on the role of psychological and societal factors in shaping beliefs about UFOs.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated Ausgabe 6-2017, Nr. 234, focuses on the topic of UFO documentation and government transparency, particularly concerning Germany. The publication delves into the history and current state of UFO investigations, the release of official files, and the epistemological challenges inherent in studying the phenomenon.

Government UFO Archives and Disclosure

The article begins by discussing the widespread release of UFO-related documents by governments worldwide. It notes that countries like Great Britain, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Brazil, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Norway, Denmark, and Finland have made extensive archives publicly available, totaling around 100,000 pages and over 25,000 reports. While many governments have closed their dedicated UFO investigation units, they have generally released their findings, stating that no significant security risks or scientific discoveries were made.

The situation in the former Soviet Union and present-day Russia and Ukraine is described as less public but significant, with researchers gaining access to over 3,000 reports from the Academy of Sciences and other government institutions. An additional 2,500 cases are expected to be released in the coming years.

In Europe, France is highlighted as maintaining a state UFO program through its space agency CNES. Since 2007, GEIPAN has published over 2,500 sighting reports online. The article suggests that France's continued involvement is influenced by long-standing interest from high-ranking officials and scientists, possibly due to figures like Aimé Michel. GEIPAN reports that about 2% of cases remain unidentified, but there's no indication of theoretical or technological gains from these investigations.

Latin American countries like Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Uruguay conduct modest UFO studies, often as a political response to public demand for transparency. The article observes a tendency towards a "will to believe" or an overly credulous approach in some military circles when dealing with UFO matters.

The US Government and UFO Secrecy

The long-standing theory that the US government is hiding revolutionary secrets about the origin of UFOs is discussed. Official statements, such as one from the White House in November 2011, have consistently denied possessing evidence of extraterrestrial contact or concealing such information. The author dismisses the idea that the US is the sole source of knowledge about alien technology as "nationalist madness."

Epistemological Questions in UFO Research

The article critically examines the nature of UFO research from a scientific and epistemological standpoint. It defines the subject matter as negatively defined – collecting what cannot be identified – leading to an infinite number of potential study objects. The author argues that UFOs cannot be replicated in experiments, making statistical analysis difficult. Unlike scientific anomalies that lead to theories like relativity, UFO phenomena lack constants and predictive power. The core issue raised is the falsifiability of UFO theories; a hypothesis must be disprovable, which the author suggests is rarely the case with UFO claims, unless a flying saucer lands on the White House lawn.

The author posits that unexplained cases often stem from limitations in human perception, judgment errors, lack of data, or biases. These events, he argues, do not form a coherent phenomenon pointing to a new class of physical entities or alien intelligence. Instead, explanations are likely found in eyewitness psychology or atmospheric physics. Without precise data, genuine investigation is challenging, and the reliability of witness perception is often compromised.

The article contends that the statistical "characteristics" of purported UFOs are indistinguishable from those of identified flying objects (IFOs). This indistinguishability suggests a common origin, implying that UFOs originate from "within our own space" rather than from extraterrestrial sources. The author views even the most compelling UFO cases as "illusions" lacking substance, and that skeptical explanations often provide plausible counter-arguments.

Critiques of UFO Research and the "ET Hypothesis"

The author expresses skepticism towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), suggesting that 70 years of UFO research have yielded little substantial evidence to support it. He criticizes the tendency of UFO proponents to cling to the ETH, often dismissing conventional explanations and engaging in conspiracy theories when challenged. The article suggests that while the cultural perception of UFOs will persist, academic interest will likely focus on the sociological aspects rather than validating the ETH.

Book Review: "Die Wahrheit über Deutschlands UFO-Akten" by Alexander Knörr

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a review of Alexander Knörr's book, "Die Wahrheit über Deutschlands UFO-Akten" (The Truth about Germany's UFO Files). The review highlights that the book, while ostensibly about German UFO files, also covers the author's personal journey in UFO research and related fringe science topics. The book is structured into three parts, with only the first focusing specifically on German UFO file releases.

The review notes that Knörr's book discusses the international release of UFO files, asserting that the most interesting cases remain classified. It examines the Oskar Linke sighting case from 1950 as an example, referencing a flawed CIA file from 1952 without considering later findings. Knörr's premise for examining German UFO files is that "Germany doesn't throw anything in the trash can! So there MUST be German UFO files!" The review details DEGUFO's inquiries to German Interior Ministries regarding UFO reports and the responses received, which often indicated that such reports were filed under "Miscellaneous" and destroyed after 15 years.

The review points out that Knörr's assertion that the National Center for Airspace Security (NLFZ) is involved in UFO research is questioned, as its primary role relates to counter-terrorism and airspace security. The article suggests that Knörr's interpretation of "UFO files" conflates genuinely unexplained sightings with objects that are simply unidentified, potentially including conventional aircraft. The review also touches upon Frank Reitemeyer's legal challenge to obtain reports from the German Bundestag's scientific services concerning UFOs and extraterrestrial life, noting that these reports were found to be compilations of publicly available information rather than evidence of secret government investigations.

Epilogue and Future of UFO Research

The epilogue reiterates the author's skepticism about the extraterrestrial hypothesis, stating that 70 years of UFO incidents have not provided sufficient evidence for alien visits. The author believes that the "myth of the flying saucer" will endure due to its cultural impact, while conventional explanations are considered less interesting. He predicts that academic research will increasingly view UFO phenomena as a sociological construct.

However, the article concludes by encouraging future researchers to apply scientific methods to UFO investigations, emphasizing the importance of documenting cases and exploring various academic disciplines such as history, folklore, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and epistemology. The work of Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and his FOTOCAT project, a database of UFO and IFO sightings, is mentioned as an example of such research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government transparency regarding UFOs, the scientific validity of UFO research, and the critical examination of the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The editorial stance appears to be skeptical, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific methodology, the limitations of current evidence, and the potential for conventional explanations for many UFO sightings. The publication encourages a more grounded, evidence-based approach to the study of unexplained aerial phenomena, while acknowledging the enduring cultural fascination with the topic.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, Volume 6, Issue 234, dated June 2017, is published by GEP and focuses on UFO research and historical phenomena. The price for the book is 16.95 € and for the eBook 4.99 €.

Book Reviews

"Die Wahrheit über Deutschlands UFO-Akten" by Alexander Knörr

Reviewed by Danny Ammon, this book is described as a review of attempts to access German government UFO files. Ammon criticizes Knörr's approach, suggesting it is more about sensationalism and personal narratives than rigorous scientific research. Knörr's departure from the DEGUFO is attributed to his perceived focus on sensational stories and a lack of interest in scientific methodology. Ammon notes that Knörr's work is more suited for those interested in his personal journey and position within fringe science rather than an overview of the current state of UFO research in Germany, concluding that the book looks backward, ending with the idea of an imminent official first contact.

"The Essential Guide to UFO Sightings Since 1945" by Frank Schwede

Reviewed by Hans-Werner Peiniger, this book is presented as a general overview of the UFO phenomenon, suitable for beginners. While it provides a factual insight into popular UFO topics and mentions German cases like Bremen and Greifswald, it lacks deeper analysis, with information seemingly drawn from a few books and the internet. Peiniger points out critical flaws, particularly the uncritical use of images. For instance, a photo presented as a crashed saucer from Roswell is identified as a staged image from a 1950 German magazine, and another image is revealed to be from a Twilight Zone episode. Peiniger states that Schwede's journalistic work is not 'clean' in these examples, but acknowledges that the book might spark interest in the topic for an uninitiated reader, despite its weaknesses.

"Luftschiffe und Aeronauten: Eine historische Betrachtung des Luftschiffphänomens 1896 bis 1915" (Edited by Ulrich Magin)

This section reviews a collection of essays edited by Ulrich Magin, focusing on airship sightings between 1896 and 1915, particularly on the American West Coast. The book explores the speculation surrounding these sightings, ranging from social panic to theories of secret inventors and even extraterrestrial craft. The contributors, including Jerome Clark, Loren E. Gross, Nigel Watson, and Ulrich Magin himself, examine these historical events and their potential connection to the modern UFO phenomenon. The review highlights that a significant portion of UFO researchers believe these historical observations are linked to contemporary UFO sightings. The book is described as a historical examination of the airship phenomenon, with contributions translated from English, and includes an appendix on airship sightings in Germany from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is published by GEP and available for 10.00 € (8.00 € for members).

GEP and Journal Information

The GEP is described as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research, employing interdisciplinary methods and supported by various authorities and institutions. The Journal für UFO-Forschung (jufof), the publication organ of the GEP, has critically covered the UFO phenomenon since 1980. Each issue includes documentation of reported sightings, their classification, and case investigations, alongside scientific articles on UFO phenomena, case studies, and international reports. The journal also features reviews and reader letters.

UFO Definition and Reporting

A UFO is defined as a perceived object or light whose appearance, trajectory, and behavior cannot be conventionally explained and remains unidentifiable after thorough investigation. The journal provides contact information for reporting UFO sightings, including a 24/7 hotline (02351-23377), email ([email protected]), and websites (www.ufo-forschung.de, www.jufof.de).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical reviews of UFO literature, emphasizing the importance of scientific methodology and rigorous research. The journal appears to advocate for transparency and cooperation within the UFO research community, contrasting with the perceived sensationalism and ego-driven approaches of some individuals. The historical context of UFO sightings, particularly the airship era, is presented as a significant area of study, with an emphasis on its potential connection to modern UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of critical, scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon.