JUFOF - Issue 238 - 2018 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of "jufof - Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), dated April 2018 (Issue No. 238, Volume 39), published by GEP e.V., focuses on the critical examination of UFO sightings and the reliability of witness accounts. The cover prominently features an image of Venus, hinting at a historical misinterpretation, alongside headlines about the Pentagon's research projects (AATIP/AAWSAP) and the 50th anniversary of the Condon Report.

Editorial: The Reliability of Witness Testimony

In his editorial, Hans-Werner Peiniger addresses the crucial issue of witness reliability in UFO investigations. He notes that while some UFO researchers place unwavering trust in witness statements, many investigations demonstrate that such accounts can be unreliable. Peiniger highlights that for a witness statement to be accurate, the observer must perceive the event correctly, recall it accurately later, and then describe it in a way that matches the investigator's understanding. He warns that "unconscious errors" can easily creep into this process.

Peiniger provides an example of a sighting attributed to the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket's braking rockets, where a witness described the bright object as making a "left turn." The author clarifies that the rocket stage, in its near-Earth orbit, would have flown in a straight line, suggesting a perceptual error by the witness.

Furthermore, the editorial discusses the problem of "correct memory," presenting three photo cases where witnesses demonstrably had false recollections. In one instance, a witness misidentified a reflection in a window as an object seen outdoors, even after 16 years. In other cases, witnesses were convinced they had taken photos outdoors when they were actually taken from inside a room, through a window. Peiniger concludes that UFO investigators must pay special attention to the credibility assessment and evaluation of witness statements.

UFO Sightings: Documentations – Assessments

This section presents four cases where initial reports of UFO sightings were investigated and ultimately identified as misinterpretations or reflections.

Case 1: Fehmarn, Germany (December 6, 2002)

Jens N. submitted two photos taken from the balcony of an IFA hotel on Fehmarn, showing a large, bright object. He reported the object moving from southwest to west. However, upon investigation by Hans-Werner Peiniger, it was determined that the photos were taken from inside the hotel room, through the window. The "object" was identified as an interior ceiling lamp, and the perceived movement was due to the witness's misinterpretation of reflections and the camera's focus on the glass pane. The witness later acknowledged that his memory of taking the photos outdoors might have been mistaken due to the 16-year gap since the event.

Case 2: Riegelsberg-Walpershofen, Germany (August 23, 2018)

Jill M. submitted a photo of a rainbow, in which she later discovered four bright oval objects. Peiniger concluded that these were reflections of interior lighting on a glass surface, likely a window or door frame, possibly with smudges. The witness was initially convinced the photos were taken outdoors but later accepted the explanation of interior reflections.

Case 3: List auf Sylt, Germany (August 12, 2015)

Wolfgang W. provided photos taken from a ferry, showing disc-shaped objects in the sky. He believed he had taken the photos outdoors. However, Peiniger identified the objects as reflections of the ferry's interior lighting (specifically, lamps in the onboard restaurant's panorama bar) on the ship's windows. The witness's memory was questioned, as he insisted he was outdoors, but later admitted he might have been inside. The investigation confirmed the objects were interior reflections.

Case 4: Nordkap, Norway (July 4, 2017)

Jürgen G. photographed what appeared to be a bright oval disc and other lights while at the Nordkap information center. The investigation revealed that the witness was inside the restaurant and photographed through the panoramic windows. The "UFOs" were identified as reflections of the restaurant's interior ceiling lamps in the glass. The witness's location was confirmed through online resources.

Special Features

The Pentagon Research Project: AATIP or AAWSAP?

This section briefly mentions the Pentagon's research projects related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), specifically AATIP (Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program) and AAWSAP (Advanced Aviation Weapon System Applications Program). While not detailed in the provided pages, its inclusion on the cover and in the table of contents indicates it is a topic covered in the issue.

50 Years Old: The Condon Report

This article commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Condon Report, a significant study on UFOs conducted in the late 1960s. The report, commissioned by the U.S. Air Force, concluded that UFOs did not represent a threat to national security and that there was no evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles. Its anniversary marks a point of reflection on the history of UFO research and its scientific standing.

"Eine Venus-Fehldeutung... ...im Jahre 1905" (A Venus Misinterpretation... ...in the Year 1905)

This article, highlighted on the cover, likely delves into a historical case where an observation of Venus was misinterpreted as a UFO. The mention of "1905" suggests a historical perspective on misidentifications.

Literature

The "Literatur" section includes articles titled "Mein Vater war ein MIB..." (My Father was a MIB...) and "UFOs über Österreich" (UFOs over Austria), suggesting further content related to personal experiences and geographical UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical analysis of UFO evidence, with a strong emphasis on debunking misidentifications and highlighting the fallibility of human memory and perception. The editorial stance, as articulated by Hans-Werner Peiniger, is one of skepticism towards unverified claims and a commitment to rigorous investigation based on factual evidence. The journal aims to educate its readers about common sources of error in UFO reports, such as reflections, interior lighting, and faulty memory, thereby promoting a more scientific approach to the study of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2018, Nr. 238, published in April 2018, focuses on the complex and often confusing nature of Pentagon-led UFO research projects, specifically questioning whether the projects AATIP and AAWSAP were one or two distinct entities. The issue is authored by Detlef Hoyer and features a detailed timeline and analysis of events, personnel, and documents related to these programs.

The Pentagon Research Project: AATIP or AAWSAP?

Detlef Hoyer's main article delves into the Pentagon's research programs, noting that previous reports in the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" had already covered details from media like The New York Times and Politico. This article aims to clarify the timeline of events surrounding these programs, address contradictory information, and focus on specific areas: an audio interview with a radar observer from the USS Princeton during the Nimitz incident, and newly presented documents concerning advanced aerospace propulsion systems.

The article highlights a blog post from June 2018 by 'parabunk' which compiled a timeline of events related to the Pentagon's UFO research. This timeline includes many individuals and institutions, such as the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) – the public name – and the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Application Program (AAWSAP) – the presumed internal Pentagon name. Other key entities mentioned are Bigelow Aerospace, Bigelow's Skinwalker Ranch, Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS), and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The timeline details the involvement of individuals like Luis Elizondo, who became the AATIP/AAWSAP Program Manager, and Douglas Kurth, who headed BAASS. It notes the establishment of BAASS as a new company in 2008 and the financial backing provided by Harry Reid. The article also mentions the creation of Defense Intelligence Reference Documents (DIRD) and the eventual public release of three such documents.

AAWSAP was reportedly terminated in 2012 due to a lack of progress, with AATIP continuing as a smaller program focused on studying military encounters with unknown aircraft, led by Elizondo. The article also touches upon the theoretical physics behind potential advanced propulsion systems, referencing concepts like the Alcubierre Warp Drive and Einstein-Rosen bridges, and the challenges posed by the speed of light and energy requirements.

Interview with the Radar Observer of the Nimitz Incident

This section features an audio interview with Jeremy Corbell and a radar technician named Trevor who worked on the USS Princeton during the 2004 Nimitz incident. Trevor describes witnessing an object that performed maneuvers far exceeding the capabilities of F/A-18 fighter jets. He describes the object as having a "domed top and a flat bottom, just like a flying saucer" and notes that the officers present concluded it was not human-made and were shocked. He also states that the footage he saw differs from publicly released material and that the government likely does not want this technology to be known. He expresses no fear, stating the objects are not a threat and are simply "here and doing their thing."

One of Three New DIRD Documents

The article discusses one of the newly declassified Defense Intelligence Reference Documents (DIRD), titled "Warp Drive, Dark Energy, and the Manipulation of Extra Dimensions." This document, acquired by the Defense Threat Defense Office in April 2009, explores theoretical physics concepts related to interstellar travel, including warp drives, dark energy, and the manipulation of spacetime. It references theories like Kaluza-Klein and the Alcubierre drive, discussing the immense energy requirements for such technologies, which may have contributed to the project's termination.

"Kurz notiert" - Current News

This section provides brief updates:

• Appearance of Luis Elizondo and Tom DeLonge at Italian UFO Conference: On October 27, 2018, Elizondo and DeLonge, key figures from the Pentagon UFO project and "To The Stars Academy" (TTSA), attended an international UFO conference in Rome. Elizondo discussed the project's goals and stated that UFOs are "under intelligent control," mentioning frequent sightings around nuclear power plants and bodies of water. He also spoke about scientific reports commissioned on new propulsion mechanisms.

A Venus Misinterpretation in 1905

Ulrich Magin's article recounts a historical event from April 1905 in Cherbourg, France, where the public and even naval officers were captivated by a mysterious aerial phenomenon. Initially described as a "mysterious phenomenon," it was speculated to be a comet, a new star, or an electrical meteor. Despite investigations by naval officers and reports in Parisian newspapers, the object could not be identified. Eventually, it was revealed to be the planet Venus. The article highlights the frustration of astronomers like Camille Flammarion with the public's lack of astronomical knowledge and the sensationalist press. It also mentions astronomer Joseph Plassmann's article on the event and its reception in Germany.

The article includes an astronomical reconstruction showing Venus's position on April 10, 1905, noting that Venus set around 11 PM that night. It details how the phenomenon was observed nightly for about two weeks, leading to speculation about its nature, including the idea that it was not a balloon signal. The article quotes a report from the "Astronomischer Jahresbericht" (1906) that summarizes French and German reactions, emphasizing that even naval officers could not explain the light, which was simply the planet Venus at its brightest.

50 Years Old: The Condon Report

Ulrich Magin also reviews the Condon Report, which was presented on October 31, 1958. The report, officially titled "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects," was a 1000-page document commissioned by the U.S. Air Force and conducted by the University of Colorado, led by physicist Dr. Edward U. Condon. The report's release was met with excitement by UFO organizations, which had long advocated for an independent scientific study. However, the report's negative conclusions led to widespread criticism and accusations of bias against Condon, who was accused of being a puppet of the Air Force. The article notes Condon's refusal to testify before the McCarthy committee and his accusations against the US government. It also addresses the controversy surrounding the "Low Memorandum," which suggested focusing on the psychological aspects of witnesses to distance the university from UFO stigma, a proposal Condon rejected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry, government secrecy, and public perception regarding unidentified aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, aiming to present detailed factual accounts, historical context, and theoretical discussions. There's a clear effort to distinguish between genuine phenomena, misidentifications (like the 1905 Venus event), and the complexities of official government research programs like AATIP and AAWSAP. The journal also engages with fringe scientific theories and historical UFO cases, providing a platform for in-depth analysis and debate within the UFO research community.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2018, NR. 238, focuses on critical analyses of UFO phenomena and related literature. The main articles delve into the Condon Report and the famous Trent UFO photos, alongside reviews of books promoting conspiracy theories.

The Condon Report: A 50-Year Perspective

The lead article discusses the Condon Report, a comprehensive study commissioned by the U.S. Air Force. The author notes that the report, despite being decades old, remains remarkably relevant. The Condon Report concluded two key points: 1) UFOs do not pose a threat to US security, and 2) the scientific investigation of UFO reports has not led to any scientific advancements. The article asserts that these conclusions have largely held true over the past 50 years, with no evidence of alien interference in US affairs, except perhaps for Donald Trump's rhetoric. It also points out that many UFO researchers, despite significant engagement, have not yielded substantial scientific insights. The article highlights that while the scientific community has moved on from the Condon Report, pro-UFO literature rarely engages with it in depth. Nevertheless, the report is still available as an affordable paperback and is recommended for anyone interested in the topic.

Trent Photos: A Third Look

This section, authored by Roland M. Horn, re-examines the renowned Trent UFO photographs. Horn, building on the work of UFO researcher Brad Sparks, argues that Paul Trent likely photographed an unknown object. Sparks' analysis, presented on the nicap.org website, critiques the IPACO study's methodology, stating they failed to follow consistent numerical results to determine the object's physical characteristics. Sparks contends that the IPACO study's calculations regarding the object's size and distance are flawed. Specifically, he challenges their assessment of the object's diameter and the inferred distance, suggesting that their model does not hold up under mathematical scrutiny. Sparks points out that if the object were a model of a certain size (e.g., five inches), its proximity to the camera would be calculable, and any deviation from these laws of physics would indicate a hoax or misinterpretation. He argues that IPACO's attempts to explain the object's appearance by suggesting it was a small model suspended by a thin thread are mathematically inconsistent and physically improbable. Sparks questions why IPACO would estimate the object's size at 0.5 feet (6 inches) if it meant it was 17-20 feet away, when a 5-inch model would imply a different distance. He suggests that IPACO's calculations are manipulated to fit a predetermined conclusion. Sparks further criticizes IPACO for claiming to have discovered a thread in the photos that had been overlooked by numerous researchers for 63 years, suggesting it might be image noise rather than a physical object. He also disputes IPACO's claim that the UFO and associated wires are 'black bodies' that emit infrared radiation, arguing that they are likely at ambient temperature and do not emit significant heat radiation detectable by 'radiometry' in the way IPACO suggests. Sparks concludes that UFOs must obey the laws of physics, and debunkers often disregard this, prioritizing their agenda over scientific accuracy.

Literature Reviews

"Mein Vater war ein MiB (Men in Black)" by Jason Mason (Pseudonym, likely Jan van Helsing)

This review critically assesses a book that claims to reveal secrets about the 'Men in Black' (MiB), the secret space program, Antarctic Germans, and aliens. The reviewer finds the book to be a dense compilation of nonsensical conspiracy theories, with over 650 pages filled with unsubstantiated claims. The reviewer suspects the actual author is Jan van Helsing (alias Jan Udo Holey), known for his revisionist and right-wing esoteric writings, who has faced public criticism for antisemitic remarks. The book's central premise, that the author's father was an MiB agent, is dismissed as fantastical. The reviewer highlights numerous other conspiracy topics covered, including the Antichrist, cults, the secrets of Fatima, the Jesuits, the Lacerta interview, Dulce Base, the Fourth Reich, secret space programs, the moon conspiracy, and the 'Bell' UFO. The reviewer states it's nearly impossible to separate fact from speculation, deeming the book an "accumulation of baseless claims." Specific examples of misrepresentation include a supposed photo of a large spaceship being identified as a graphic from the game 'Ace Combat 5', and a German flying saucer control system being identified as a 1944 navigational compass. The review also discusses the famous UFO photo of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., which the book attributes to German flying saucers from Antarctic bases in 1952. However, research by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos suggests the photo is from 1965 and the lights are lens reflections, a fact the reviewer believes the book's author should have known through a simple internet search, leading to the suspicion that the author is deliberately misleading readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena and related literature. It emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, mathematical consistency, and critical thinking when evaluating claims. The journal challenges unsubstantiated theories and exposes what it perceives as flawed methodologies and deliberate misinformation within the UFO research community and in popular conspiracy literature. The editorial stance clearly favors evidence-based analysis and skepticism towards sensationalist claims, particularly those found in books that blend conspiracy theories with pseudoscience.

Title: JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG
Issue: 4-2018, NR. 238
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (Journal for UFO Research) delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring book reviews, discussions on historical sightings, and information about the GEP organization.

Book Review: UFOs über Österreich by Mario Rank

The review, penned by Hans-Werner Peiniger, discusses Mario Rank's book 'UFOs über Österreich - Hirngespinste? Ausserirdische? Geheime Mächte?' (UFOs over Austria - Delusions? Extraterrestrials? Secret Powers?). Peiniger notes that Rank's work is based on real events and facts, offering a comprehensive overview of UFO conspiracy theories. The book is praised for compiling these theories, making them accessible for study, and including an extensive bibliography. Peiniger expresses concern over the positive reception on Amazon, questioning the authenticity of reviews. He highlights Rank's exploration of the UFO phenomenon in Austria, including a mention of the 1980 Austrian UFO study 'Personality Variables and Reality Testing of Unusual Witness Testimonies' by Dr. A. Keul. Rank also covers historical Austrian cases, some of which were resolved with the reviewer's assistance, while acknowledging that not all cases are explained, thus supporting the existence of a UFO phenomenon. The book examines how UFOs are treated in the media, referencing the earliest Austrian UFO sighting from 1344 and a 1968 encounter in the Dolomites reported by Walter Rizzi. Rank also addresses the 'Knittelfeld phenomenon,' where a couple has regularly observed UFOs since 2003, documented by UFO researcher Gerhard Gröschel. A significant part of the book is dedicated to the archive of the deceased UFO researcher Felix R. Maschek, which contains a vast collection of media reports and case files. Peiniger finds Rank's presentation of the best Austrian cases to be less thoroughly analyzed than expected, though he notes the inclusion of the Nagora case. The review also touches upon Rank's investigation into the Nagora case, clarifying that NASA did not officially investigate it but rather used a 3-D program for photo analysis by Richard Haines. Rank's interactions with the Austrian military are also mentioned, yielding uninformative responses. Peiniger concludes that Rank, as a 'seeker' and 'UFO hunter,' recognizes the need to separate the credible from the unsubstantiated, and expresses hope that Rank's future work will focus on research rather than solely on commercial success.

Book Review: Luftschiffe und Aeronauten (Editor: Ulrich Magin)

This section reviews the edited volume 'Luftschiffe und Aeronauten: Eine historische Betrachtung des Luftschiffphänomens 1896 bis 1915' (Airships and Aeronauts: A Historical Examination of the Airship Phenomenon 1896 to 1915). The book explores the wave of airship sightings, particularly on the American West Coast, between 1896 and 1915. These observations, involving steerable balloons, sparked speculation and social panic. The book includes contributions from Jerome Clark on 'Luftschiffe' (Airships), Loren E. Gross on 'UFOs: Eine Historie - 1896' (UFOs: A History - 1896), Nigel Watson on 'Zeppeline der Angst' (Zeppelins of Fear), and Ulrich Magin's 'Airships - Eine »moderne« Sage' (Airships - A "Modern" Saga). An appendix covers airship sightings in Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The review notes that a significant portion of UFO researchers believe these historical sightings are connected to the modern UFO phenomenon.

UFO Research and Organizations

The journal highlights the role of the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.), described as the largest non-profit scientific UFO research association in Germany. The GEP investigates UFO reports through questionnaires, interviews, and background research, collaborating with various authorities and scientific institutions. The 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (jufof), as the GEP's publication organ since 1980, critically documents UFO sightings, their classification, and case investigations. It also features scientific and methodical articles on UFO phenomena, international reports, and analyses, along with a review and letters section.

Definition of a UFO

A UFO is defined as the perceived observation of an object or light in the sky or on land whose appearance, trajectory, and general dynamic and luminous behavior do not suggest a logical, conventional explanation. It remains puzzling not only to those directly involved but also, after thorough examination of all available evidence by technically capable individuals, remains unidentifiable according to common sense.

Reporting UFO Sightings

Individuals who have witnessed a UFO and wish to have the event investigated can contact the GEP. The reporting office is available 24/7 via phone at 02351-23377. UFO reports can also be submitted via email to [email protected] or directly through the websites www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de, which also offer web forums and chats. The GEP assures prompt contact with the reporter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, historical airship sightings, and the compilation of UFO-related theories and data. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviews and the GEP's mission, is one of scientific rigor, thorough investigation, and a commitment to separating credible evidence from speculation and conspiracy theories. There is an emphasis on the need for continued research and a cautious approach to unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the enduring mystery of unexplained sightings.