JUFOF - Issue 235 - 2018 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of jufof (Journal für UFO-Forschung), Volume 39, Number 235, dated January 2018, is published by GEP e.V. and priced at 4.50 Euro. The cover prominently features the headline "Viertausendste UFO-Meldung" (The Four Thousandth UFO Report), indicating that GEP has investigated over 45 years of UFO cases. Other cover elements include "Was über UFOs erwiesen ist" (What is Proven About UFOs) by Thomas E. Bullard, and a section on literature reviews.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, begins by apologizing for publication delays and explains that this issue is being sent out concurrently with another to catch up. Peiniger discusses a peculiar case involving a music producer named Sören Schnabel, who claimed to have encountered aliens in Hamburg. Initially, Schnabel's story was presented as a series of short videos on YouTube, which Peiniger found unconvincing and amateurish. These videos have since been removed. Schnabel later claimed to have found alien clothing remnants. Peiniger contrasts this with a more serious discussion of UFO phenomena, presenting the second part of a comparison of viewpoints from Thomas E. Bullard and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos. Bullard's assessment of evidence for extraterrestrial visitation is noted as being less critical than Olmos'. The editorial also mentions GEP's broader research questions, which extend beyond mere visitation.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Alien-Begegnung in Hamburg

This section details the investigation into Sören Schnabel's reported encounter on November 19, 2017, in Hamburg-Niendorf. Schnabel, a music producer, claimed to have met two beings resembling aliens in a LIDL parking lot. He described them as having elongated heads, being extremely slender, and wearing unusual clothing. The beings reportedly spoke about topics related to Schnabel's former professional activities, which he found deeply unsettling and indicative of their non-human origin. The investigator, Hans-Werner Peiniger, notes that Schnabel provided images that he claimed depicted the beings. Schnabel stated that the communication was one-sided, with the beings seeming to know everything about him, yet he was not directly addressed or acknowledged by them.

Diskussion und Beurteilung (Discussion and Assessment)

Peiniger expresses his initial impression that the case was grotesque and the witness "strange." His investigation involved researching Schnabel's YouTube channel, which featured numerous videos on various topics. Peiniger infers from these videos that Schnabel exhibits traits such as overestimation of self, egocentrism, and a need for attention. He suggests that Schnabel's videos are often titled sensationally to attract clicks and revenue, but the content is frequently disappointing. The Hamburg alien encounter was presented by Schnabel in a YouTube video titled "Lidl Chef bestätigt: Es waren Aliens!" (Lidl Chef Confirms: It Was Aliens!). This video, and subsequent episodes in a series titled "Aliens in Hamburg," were produced with the apparent aim of generating income. Peiniger notes that Schnabel even brought in a German UFO researcher based in Portugal, Dr. Frank Stein, to be convinced of his claims, though Stein adopted a skeptical role.

Peiniger concludes that the evidence does not support the presence of aliens, extraterrestrial intelligence, or any exotic cause. He believes Schnabel likely experienced a mundane event, such as a sales pitch for internet contracts, which he then deliberately misinterpreted and "marketed" as an alien encounter. The investigator dismisses the case as a "Hoax."

GEP nahm die viertausendste UFO-Meldung entgegen

This article by Hans-Werner Peiniger details the process by which GEP records and manages UFO reports, coinciding with the intake of the 4000th case. Peiniger explains the importance of collecting essential data such as date, time, and location for each sighting. He outlines the various channels through which witnesses can report incidents, including email, phone, fax, postal mail, the GEP website's contact form, a dedicated UFO sighting database, and Facebook. The intake process involves verifying that all necessary information is present, and if not, requesting it from the witness. An acknowledgment of receipt is always provided. The data is then recorded in three systems: a Word document protocol, a case list, and the sighting database. The protocol includes witness contact details and a summary of their original report, which is often published on the GEP website and Facebook, as well as entered into the sighting database.

Literatur

This section includes reviews of current books related to UFOs, occultism, and mysteries, as well as a specific mention of "Belgium In UFO Photographs."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and analysis of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on critical evaluation and evidence-based conclusions. The GEP's stance, as articulated by Peiniger, is one of thorough investigation, aiming to distinguish between genuine sightings and hoaxes or misinterpretations. The editorial highlights the challenges of UFO research, including publication delays and the need to address public interest, often fueled by media platforms like YouTube. The magazine also engages with different theoretical perspectives within the UFO community, presenting contrasting viewpoints on the evidence for extraterrestrial visitation. The overall editorial stance is one of rigorous, scientific inquiry, prioritizing verifiable data and logical deduction over speculation.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 1-2018 and numbered 235, focuses on the meticulous processes and critical perspectives within UFO investigation. It details the operational procedures of the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Geschehens), including case management, data archiving, and the challenges of scientific analysis in the field.

Case Management and Documentation

The journal outlines the detailed steps involved in processing UFO sightings. A witness report from Michael Kxxxxxxxx near Frankfurt describes a bright white light observed in the morning sky. The GEP's internal procedures are explained, starting with logging the report, verifying details, and creating an electronic case file. This includes checking flight traffic, weather conditions, and astronomical data. The process of creating a protocol for each case is described, noting the communication with the witness, the inclusion of photos or videos, and the initial measures taken, such as astronomical reconstruction and flight path verification.

The Fall-Liste and Database Systems

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the GEP's data management systems. The "Fall-Liste" is an Excel table containing all fundamental data about a case, including witness information and assessment. This list serves as a reference file and includes features like conditional formatting to identify repeat witnesses. The journal explains that this list has evolved over decades, expanding from a few columns to 69. The GEP also maintains a public UFO database (www.ufo-db.com), which provides basic case information and thumbnail images for guests, while GEP members have extended access to full reports and media.

Case Studies

Several specific UFO cases are presented as examples:

• Fall Nr. 1 (19940702 A, Vienna, Austria): A witness reported a round, star-shaped, reddish light, possibly a model hot-air balloon.
• Fall Nr. 1.000 (20060915 A, Schashagen - Merkendorf, Germany): A witness observed and photographed a silent object with lights that blinked or moved in a circle.
• Fall Nr. 2.000 (20090919 B, Edemissen, Germany): A bright light was seen to stop, move erratically, and then disappear at high speed.
• Fall Nr. 3.000 (20141027 A, Siegburg, Germany): A witness described a slightly reddish object moving horizontally at high speed for a few seconds.
• Fall Nr. 4.000 (20170602 A, Scherzingen, Switzerland): A witness reported a black, round flying object with a central ring, resembling two superimposed plates.

Critical Perspectives on UFO Research

Two articles by Thomas E. Bullard and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos offer a critical assessment of UFO research. They argue that despite decades of investigation, there is a lack of convincing evidence for extraterrestrial spacecraft. The researchers suggest that UFO phenomena may be largely rooted in human psychology, mythology, and the tendency to interpret ambiguous observations within pre-existing frameworks. They contend that the collected evidence often falls short of scientific standards due to anecdotal nature, human observational errors, and the impossibility of controlled experiments or replications.

Current Events and Future Outlook

The issue also includes a brief note on a Pentagon program called the "Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program" (AATIP), which investigated UFO sightings. The article mentions that the published material is fragmented and that conventional explanations are being explored. The GEP expresses its commitment to professional and transparent UFO case handling, aiming to establish a standardized sighting management system for future generations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous methodology of UFO investigation, the importance of robust data management, and a critical, scientific approach to evaluating evidence. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding the extraterrestrial hypothesis, emphasizing the need for empirical proof and acknowledging the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to the UFO phenomenon. The journal advocates for a scientific approach, even while recognizing the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding UFOs.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, dated 1-2018 (NR. 235), is a German-language publication focused on UFO research. It explores the complex interplay between UFO phenomena, human perception, myth, and skepticism. The magazine features articles discussing the challenges of objective observation, the influence of preconceived notions, and the scientific community's reluctance to engage with the topic. It also includes a review of Roland M. Horn's book 'UFOs, Okkultismus und Mysterien: Heute und im Dritten Reich,' which examines the connections between UFOs, occultism, and historical events.

The Nature of UFO Observation and Myth

The lead article posits that our understanding of UFOs is invariably shaped by myth, making it impossible to observe the phenomenon in a purely unbiased manner. It argues that while many UFO sightings may involve conventional objects, the interpretation is often distorted by the observer's expectations and the need to categorize the unknown into familiar 'UFO' forms. This creates a dangerous entanglement of observation and interpretation, particularly when official explanations are perceived as insufficient, allowing unofficial versions to gain traction.

The text highlights extreme distortions, such as the 1968 satellite re-entry case where multiple witnesses reported seeing an object at treetop level, which was actually flaming rock fragments. However, it also notes that many observers accurately described the objects, regardless of their identification, suggesting that anomalous observations do not automatically negate objectivity. The article references historical accounts, like that of a 12th-century monk describing a meteor, as examples of clear, unbiased reporting of unknown phenomena.

It acknowledges that UFOs are, in a sense, a myth, and human biases constantly threaten observations. The human effort to make sense of experiences influences the reality of the objects we perceive. These complications are seen as unavoidable but not necessarily fatal, akin to understanding a disease from different perspectives (pathogens, bodily imbalances, or witchcraft) while the underlying illness remains real.

Unexplained Cases and Skepticism

The issue emphasizes that the fundamental unit of UFO argumentation is the individual sighting. It discusses the challenge of finding truly unexplained cases, noting that many reports are either easily explained or fall into a 'grey zone' where they cannot be proven or disproven. This leads to a sense of disappointment and even despair for researchers when faced with the lack of definitive evidence, a sentiment echoed by Ballester Olmos.

Despite the difficulties, the publication asserts that UFO research possesses a significant collection of unsolved cases that are not trivial. These cases are characterized by detailed accounts, resistance to conventional explanations, and have withstood skeptical scrutiny. Examples include the 1947 sighting of a white, rounded object by Lincoln La Paz and others, which differed in behavior from conventional aircraft, and a 1968 incident involving a B-52 detecting a large object near Minot Air Force Base.

Another case described is the 2006 sighting near O'Hare Airport of a disc-shaped object ascending from below clouds and creating a hole, suggesting a powerful energy source. The article points out that such cases involve multiple trained witnesses and instrumental measurements, providing a basis for scientific investigation of unusual phenomena.

Ballester Olmos concedes that unsolved UFO cases exist but expresses concern that they may eventually be explained conventionally. The article notes that even seemingly watertight cases, like the 1996 'Gigantic Mothership' in Yukon and the 1997 'Phoenix Lights,' were later explained by skeptics as satellite re-entries.

The Role of Skeptics and the Condon Report

The text critiques the tendency of skeptics to sometimes distort the truth as much as the credulity of enthusiasts. It mentions the Exeter case of 1965, where proposed explanations, including a refueling aircraft, were ultimately unconvincing upon closer examination. The article also points out that about a quarter of the cases investigated by the Condon Group remained unexplained, and some of the best cases in their files appear robust and resistant to conventional explanations.

It suggests that the readiness to abandon UFO research is premature. New cases continue to be added to the 'unexplained' pool, including a 2000 police pursuit in South Illinois, the O'Hare sighting, and a 2013 MUFON case involving a 'telephone receiver' object. The article advocates for reappraising older cases with questionable explanations, given the high standard that should apply to both explained and unexplained cases.

Government Secrecy and Historical Regulations

The issue touches upon the possibility of government secrecy regarding UFOs. It notes the lack of high-quality unexplained cases involving military and civilian pilots from 1947. After 1952, military reports in the Blue Book files were minimally documented, and unexplained cases largely disappeared. This is attributed to regulations like JANAP 146 and AFR 200-2, which restricted pilots from revealing UFO sightings, and the Robertson Panel's recommendation for public appeasement. The article speculates about a 'dual system' where Project Blue Book handled public relations while another project kept high-quality reports secret, suggesting that valuable 'ufologica irredenta' might still be hidden by the government.

Methodological Challenges in UFO Research

The article discusses the difficulties faced by UFO researchers, particularly the rejection by mainstream science. Researchers desire recognition but often feel excluded. The lack of tangible evidence that can be brought into a laboratory for analysis is a significant hurdle. While rare exceptions exist, they have not been conclusive. This lack of empirical proof contributes to UFO research being labeled as pseudoscience.

An alternative approach, 'field research,' is proposed as more suitable for UFO events. When researchers cannot control their subject, they must study it in its own environment. This model fits UFO reports but presents complications due to the diverse nature of witnesses, their varying characteristics, abilities, and expectations. The standardization of the observation process is difficult, and personal meetings between investigators and witnesses are rare. The resulting data is described as 'raw,' heterogeneous, and inconsistent, suitable only for rough analysis.

Patterns and Consistency in UFO Cases

While individual unexplained cases form the basis of UFO arguments, patterns and consistencies in these reports add another layer of evidence. The article suggests that while individual cases might be impressive, multiple cases with significant similarities can indicate a recurring phenomenon. Without this supporting evidence, cases remain mere curiosities. However, when connected by a web of consistencies, these anomalies begin to form a distinct identity.

Statistical analyses, such as content analysis and frequency searches, have yielded limited results. While some findings, like more UFOs being seen in the early evening, are not surprising, others, like UFOs being more frequent on a specific weekday, are more intriguing but lack obvious meaning. The search for recurring patterns in UFO sighting waves has led to predictive successes, but these have been short-lived and possibly artefactual.

Content analyses indicating that most UFOs are round and most occupants are small humanoids are noted, but Ballester Olmos warns that these findings might also apply to IFO (Identified Flying Object) cases and reflect popular notions.

The Book Review: 'UFOs, Occultism and Mysteries: Today and in the Third Reich' by Roland M. Horn

The review critically examines Roland M. Horn's book, which is nearly 400 pages long and explores the connections between the 'Third Reich,' UFOs, cults, and occultism. Horn posits that UFO cults can arise, possibly influenced by occult powers or a 'foreign intelligence' aiming to influence humanity. He leans towards John Keel's 'ultraterrestrial' theory, suggesting these entities are responsible for paranormal phenomena and UFO events.

The reviewer expresses skepticism towards Keel's theory, finding it too simplistic and all-encompassing, capable of explaining anything from psychological disorders to wars. Horn's discussion of Hitler's involvement with occultism and the Thule Society is also presented, with Horn questioning if 'ultraterrestrials' were involved.

The book links Rudolf Hess's dream to a UFO event on the A6 highway in 2014. It also covers UFO sightings in the Saarland region and the concept of 'free energy.' Horn's analysis of GEP cases and discussions with the reviewer highlight differing criteria for evaluating evidence.

Horn's approach is described as 'in dubio pro reo' (in doubt, in favor of the witness), while the reviewer advocates for 'in doubt, in favor of a reasoned explanation.' The review notes Horn's exploration of 'free energy' and its connection to the Bosnian Pyramids, and then shifts to alleged pyramids on Mars and a subsequent encounter in Langenargen, Germany, in 1977.

The review of the Langenargen case notes Rudolf Henke's re-evaluation suggesting the witness was unreliable and possibly intoxicated, a conclusion Horn disputes by referencing MUFON-CES investigations. Horn's discussion then moves to the Travis Walton abduction case of 1972, analyzing it extensively. However, the reviewer finds Horn's conclusions about the case, suggesting time travelers, military deception, or sociological experiments by an unknown intelligence, to be overly speculative.

Horn also explores the 'Oz factor' and 'Men in Black' (MIB), linking MIBs to Keel's 'ultraterrestrials' and suggesting their appearances are often accompanied by parapsychological phenomena. He discusses 'window locations' like the San Luis Valley, known for UFO sightings and animal mutilations, referencing the 'Snippy' horse mutilation case.

Further chapters in Horn's book address alleged 'strange deaths' among conspiracy theorists and UFO researchers. Horn speculates if these deaths could be linked to 'ultraterrestrials,' but the reviewer finds no statistical evidence for an unusual frequency of deaths among UFO researchers and suggests it might be a matter of perception. The reviewer notes the brief mention of the suicide of German UFO researcher Gerhard Cerven.

The reviewer criticizes Horn's book for its broad scope, including topics like the Holocaust and the NWO (New World Order), which are deemed out of place and veer into conspiracy theories. Horn's question about whether an 'extraterrestrial power' was responsible for the suffering of the Jewish people is considered by the reviewer to be going too far and losing touch with reality.

The final chapter, 'The Saucers of the Illuminati, MJ12, Final Events,' discusses allegedly forged MJ12 documents. The reviewer finds the book to have significant 'low points,' suggesting Horn compiled existing material with minimal original contribution, relying heavily on other authors' works. The reviewer strongly disagrees with Keel's 'ultraterrestrial' and 'superspectrum' theories, finding them far-fetched and lacking explanatory power. The reviewer concludes that humanity itself, not occult forces or extraterrestrials, is responsible for world events.

The reviewer expresses disappointment that the 'Third Reich' aspect, mentioned in the title, was not explored more deeply, feeling that too many disparate topics were crammed into the book with weak transitions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently grapples with the tension between the desire for scientific validation and the elusive nature of UFO phenomena. It highlights the challenges posed by subjective witness testimony, the lack of physical evidence, and the tendency for phenomena to be explained away by conventional means or dismissed as pseudoscience. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the difficulties but advocating for continued investigation and the search for patterns within unexplained cases, rather than abandoning the field prematurely. There is a clear critique of overly simplistic or all-encompassing theories, while still maintaining an openness to the possibility of genuine anomalous events.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), identified as NR. 235 and part of the 1-2018 edition, is primarily dedicated to a review of the book "BELGIUM IN UFO PHOTOGRAPHS Volume 1 (1950-1988)" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Wim van Utrecht. The magazine is published by GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), a German scientific association.

Review of "BELGIUM IN UFO PHOTOGRAPHS"

The review, penned by Hans-Werner Peiniger, focuses on the book "BELGIUM IN UFO PHOTOGRAPHS," which is presented as FOTOCAT Report #7. The book is described as a significant scientific contribution to UFO research, offering a detailed analysis of 84 Belgian UFO photo cases spanning from 1950 to 1988. The authors, Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos (a prominent European UFO researcher since 1966) and Wim van Utrecht (active since the 1980s), have meticulously documented and analyzed these cases.

The book utilizes modern tools such as planetarium software and image forensics, methods comparable to those used by the GEP. The analysis of the cases includes examining historical details, eyewitness accounts, and photographic evidence. The reviewer notes that the book's approach is thorough, examining not only the photographic evidence but also the background of the witnesses and the context of the sightings.

Key findings from the book's analysis indicate that 25 out of the 84 cases were identified as hoaxes, and conventional explanations were found for the majority of the other cases. Only seven cases remained unexplained due to a lack of sufficient information for a proper analysis.

The reviewer praises the book for its scientific rigor and its demonstration of how "Citizen Science" can be effectively applied to UFO research. The methodology employed, including investigative journalism and critical common sense, is highlighted as exemplary. The book is noted for its comprehensive statistical overview and includes 366 illustrations across its 400+ pages.

The review also touches upon the historical context of UFO investigations, noting that the competence of earlier ufologists was not always high, and that media coverage often contributed to the myth of flying saucers rather than providing serious investigative work. The authors of the book are commended for their critical approach to historical cases.

"BELGIUM IN UFO PHOTOGRAPHS" is available for free online via academia.edu and as a printed edition from UPIAR in Italy for €40.00.

Historical Airship Sightings

Another significant section of the magazine delves into historical airship sightings, specifically focusing on the period between 1896 and 1915, primarily related to the American West Coast and spreading across the country. This phenomenon, characterized by sightings of "dirigible balloons," led to widespread speculation, including theories of social panic and secret inventors, and even interpretations involving extraterrestrial spacecraft. The article, edited by Ulrich Magin, suggests that a significant portion of UFO researchers believe these historical airship observations are connected to the modern UFO phenomenon.

The content of this section is drawn from a book edited by Ulrich Magin titled "Luftschiffe und Aeronauten: Eine historische Betrachtung des Luftschiffphänomens 1896 bis 1915." The book's table of contents is presented, featuring contributions from Jerome Clark, Loren E. Gross, Nigel Watson, and Ulrich Magin himself, covering topics like "Airships - A 'modern' saga" and "Airship sightings in Germany, 19th and early 20th century."

This book is described as a 122-page paperback available for €10.00 (€8.00 for GEP members).

GEP and UFO Information

The magazine also provides information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), describing it as the largest non-profit scientific association in Germany dedicated to UFO research. The GEP employs interdisciplinary methods, including questionnaires, field investigations, and background analysis, with support from various authorities and scientific institutions.

A definition of a UFO is provided: "A UFO is the reported perception of an object or light in the sky or on land, whose appearance, trajectory, and general dynamic and luminous behavior does not suggest any logical, conventional explanation, and which remains puzzling not only to the directly involved parties but also, after careful examination of all available evidence by persons technically capable, cannot be identified in a common-sense manner."

Information is also given on how to report UFO sightings to the GEP's reporting office, including a telephone number (02351-23377) and an email address ([email protected]), as well as their websites www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de.

The "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung) itself is described as having been published since 1980, critically documenting UFO phenomena. Each issue typically includes a section for documenting and classifying sightings and case investigations, followed by competent scientific-methodical reports on the UFO phenomenon, case studies, and international reports. The journal also features reviews and a reader's letter section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rigorous scientific analysis of UFO evidence, particularly photographic evidence, and the exploration of historical UFO-related phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the review and the description of the GEP's work, is one of critical, scientific investigation, emphasizing methodical approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the application of modern forensic and analytical techniques. There is a clear advocacy for evidence-based research and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the possibility of genuinely unexplained phenomena. The connection between historical airship sightings and modern UFO reports is presented as a subject of ongoing research and speculation within the UFO community.