JUFOF - Issue 243 - 2019 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'jufof' (Journal für UFO-Forschung), dated 03-2019 (Volume 40, Issue 243), published by GEP e.V., focuses heavily on the topic of UFO abductions and the critical examination of hypnosis as a tool for investigating such experiences. The cover prominently features a warning symbol over an alien image, with the headline "UFO-Entführungen und... ...falsche Erinnerungen - warum Hypnose kein valides Mittel ist" (UFO Abductions and... ...False Memories - why Hypnosis is not a valid tool).

Editorial

In the editorial, Danny Ammon addresses readers, highlighting UFO abductions as a significant and well-known part of the UFO phenomenon. He distinguishes abductees from typical UFO observers, noting the often more severe psychological distress and the potential for multiple experiences. Ammon emphasizes that the research organization GEP has specific guidelines for dealing with such reports, including the topic of hypnosis. He states that techniques involving suggestibility, like hypnosis, are the wrong approach for abduction research. Instead, the focus should be on listening to and taking the reports seriously. He suggests that while abductees may themselves request hypnosis to uncover 'truth,' it's crucial to educate them about phenomena like sleep paralysis. Documenting unusual effects, reports, or traces is still important for later investigation, even if they are often scarce. Ammon references a recent book from Germany on the subject and announces that André Kramer and he himself have reviewed it. He also points out that the issue includes a documentation of a 'Problematic UFO' case and a report on a UFO mentioned in a Karl May story, illustrating the diverse nature of the UFO topic.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

This section details a specific UFO sighting from November 2002 near Pruchten, Germany. The case, identified as 'PROBLEMATIC UFO' by investigator Hans-Werner Peiniger, involved a disc-shaped object with a domed top, approximately 10 meters in diameter, observed hovering at about 15 meters altitude. The object had illuminated 'windows' on its dome and small lights on its underside. A thin, laser-like beam was emitted from the underside for two seconds. The witness, Annette W., described the object as anthracite-colored and slightly shiny. The object ascended slowly and departed towards the west. The witness reported feeling calm during the sighting but experienced shock and fear later. The observation lasted about 10 minutes. The report includes detailed descriptions of the object's appearance, including the changing colors of the lights in the windows during ascent. The witness stated the object was silent.

Further analysis of the Pruchten case discusses the object's characteristics: a disc-shaped lower section with lights and a domed upper section with 'windows.' The lights on the underside were LED-like, and the windows initially showed a subtle white light, which changed to various colors (blue, pink, yellow, green) during ascent. No sounds were reported.

The discussion section notes that the case was reported 15 years after the event. Potential explanations considered include drones or helicopters. However, the technology for advanced drones like quadcopters or multicopters was not widely available in 2002/2003. Military drones or UAVs existed, but none were known to match the observed characteristics. The possibility of misinterpreting a helicopter was also explored, considering potential survey, control, or filming flights. The article includes images of a Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 drone and discusses the unsuitability of helicopters due to the object's silent operation, the distinct laser-like beam, and the witness's ability to observe details from a relatively close distance.

The investigation into the Pruchten case faced challenges due to the delayed reporting and the difficulty in verifying details after 15 years. Attempts to find additional witnesses through local press were unsuccessful. The article concludes that while a helicopter or drone cannot be entirely ruled out, the anomalous characteristics, particularly the silent operation and the laser-like beam, make the case 'Problematic UFO' and worthy of further study.

Literatur

This section includes reviews of current book titles. One review is mentioned in the editorial concerning a book on UFO abductions, co-authored by André Kramer and the editor.

Ankündigung (Announcement)

This section announces the relaunch and expansion of the GEP's member area, 'GEP INSIDER.' The new concept is split into 'GEP INSIDER NEWS' (a supplement to 'jufof') and 'GEP INSIDER PLUS' (a new online-only offering for members). The NEWS section will summarize online content and provide additional information, while PLUS will offer the full range of content, including reports, news, background articles, and interviews. Interested individuals are encouraged to become GEP members to gain access.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of UFO abduction claims and the methodology used to investigate them. The editorial stance is clearly against the use of hypnosis in abduction research, viewing it as a potentially misleading technique that can create false memories. The magazine advocates for a more cautious and evidence-based approach, emphasizing the importance of listening to witnesses, documenting evidence, and exploring conventional explanations before resorting to speculative ones. The issue also highlights the diverse nature of UFO phenomena, extending even into literature, and promotes the GEP's resources for members interested in ongoing research.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), identified as NR. 243 from AUSGABE 3-2019, presents a continuation of analyzed UFO sightings and photographic evidence, titled "Weitere bearbeitete UFO-Sichtungen und -Fotos im Überblick – Teil 2" (Further Processed UFO Sightings and Photos in Overview – Part 2).

Case Studies and Analysis

The journal meticulously examines several cases, primarily from Germany, with one from Switzerland. The methodology involves careful examination of photos and videos, relying on experience, thorough inspection, and quick analysis. Reports from witnesses are condensed to the core facts, with full details available upon request. The analyses are often conducted by an individual identified as "-hwp-".

Case 20120504 A (Salem, Germany)

A 17-year-old photographer submitted a landscape photo where he noticed a dark object. The analysis concludes with high probability that it was an insect, with a visible area attributed to wingbeats.

Case 20120714 B (Köln - Altstadt-Nord, Germany)

A photograph taken during the "Kölner Lichter" event revealed a light trail with three reddish points. The assessment suggests it was a conventional aircraft, possibly a helicopter used by a film crew or a military aircraft. While civilian air traffic data showed no arrivals or departures at that specific time, military flight data is less accessible. The presence of a military rapid response unit at the Cologne-Bonn airport is noted. The long exposure time (four seconds) explains the blurred trail, and the reddish points are identified as flashing position lights, similar to lights seen on a nearby construction crane.

Case 20120722 A (Fürstenberg/Havel – Himmelpfort, Germany)

During a medieval market, a woman took several photos, and upon later review, discovered a strange object in one. The analysis strongly suggests the object is a butterfly, possibly a Cabbage White (Kleiner Kohlweißling), noting its dark wingtips.

Case 20170128 A (Walheim, Germany)

A submitted photo showed a round object near the sun. Upon later inspection, the object was identified as a lens reflection, with no doubt about it.

Case 20170225 A (Mömlingen, Germany)

Multiple photos of an unusual, zigzagging contrail were submitted, with a request to identify the object causing it. A blurred point was also noted in all images. The analysis explains the zigzag contrail as a rare phenomenon and identifies the blurred point as likely dust on the camera sensor. A web link is provided for further information on sinusoidal thin contrails.

Case 20170516 A (Baindt, Germany)

A photo of a flying red kite revealed a jelly-fish shaped object. This was definitively identified as a lens reflection.

Case 20120000 E (Alpnach - Pilatus, Switzerland)

A woman photographed the mountain landscape from a cogwheel train. Later, she noticed a dark object in the sky. The analysis suggests it was an insect, likely a bumblebee, with visible structures in the magnified view identified as legs.

Case 20130702 A (Bochum, Germany)

A photo taken at the Bochum Mining Museum showed an elongated, blurry object in the sky. The assessment concludes it was an insect that flew through the frame during the photograph's exposure.

Case 20130800 B (Dinslaken, Germany)

Photos of the setting sun captured a greenish object and a violet light phenomenon. Both were identified as lens reflections caused by the strong backlight of the sun. The author even recreated the effect to demonstrate it.

Case 20130914 A (Ellerau, Germany)

Witnesses observed approximately 30 to 50 uncoordinated orange-red lights moving across the sky for one to two minutes. Despite poor weather conditions, the analysis suggests these were sky lanterns, likely launched during a brief clear period.

Case 20130927 A (Eberswalde, Germany)

A 50-year-old submitter provided a photo of a rainbow, and upon later inspection, discovered an unusual object flying above a house. The analysis identifies the object as a bird, with a dark structure visible above its body attributed to wingbeats.

Case 20130805 B (Rom, Vatican City)

Photos taken at night of St. Peter's Basilica revealed several light phenomena. The analysis concludes these are undoubtedly lens reflections, characteristic of digital camera photography, with the axes of the lights pointing towards the lanterns in front of the basilica as the likely source.

Literary Exploration: "UFO" in Karl May's Work

An article by Ulrich Magin explores a passage in Karl May's novel "Der Geist des Llano estacado" (The Spirit of the Llano Estacado), originally published in the "Knaben-Zeitung 'Der Gute Kamerad'" between February and September 1888. The passage describes a "hellgelb strahlende Scheibe" (bright yellow shining disc) that grows larger, develops a fiery tail, and appears to be made of "flüssigem Feuer" (liquid fire). The characters debate whether it's a celestial phenomenon or a supernatural entity. The article highlights how even classic literature has touched upon themes resembling UFO descriptions.

Obituary: Stanton T. Friedman

The journal notes the passing of Stanton T. Friedman, a Canadian UFO researcher, on May 13, 2019, at the age of 84. It mentions his background in nuclear physics and his career in aerospace and energy industries. Friedman was a strong proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, famously investigating the Roswell incident and the 'Majestic-12' papers. He was known for his debates with skeptics like Carl Sagan and Phil Klass and his criticism of SETI projects, believing that Earth was already being visited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the analyzed cases is the rational explanation of phenomena initially perceived as unusual or extraterrestrial. The journal consistently applies scientific reasoning and experience to debunk or clarify sightings, identifying insects, atmospheric effects, and technical artifacts like lens reflections as common culprits. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, aiming to provide grounded explanations for reported anomalies. The inclusion of the Karl May piece and the tribute to Stanton T. Friedman suggest an interest in both historical and contemporary aspects of the UFO phenomenon, while maintaining a skeptical yet open approach to evidence.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 243 from the 3rd quarter of 2019, features a prominent article by André Kramer titled "UFO-Entführungen und falsche Erinnerungen" (UFO Abductions and False Memories). The central theme of the magazine revolves around the critical examination of using hypnosis to retrieve memories of alleged UFO abductions and the inherent risks associated with this practice.

UFO Abductions and False Memories: Why Hypnosis May Not Be a Valid Method for Recovering Suppressed Memories

André Kramer's article delves into the widely held belief within UFO research that hypnotic techniques can help abductees access memories of their experiences. The author questions the scientific validity of this practice and examines whether current research guidelines adequately address its potential pitfalls. He notes that while some guidelines acknowledge the risks, they may not go far enough in preventing the generation of false memories.

Introduction to the Problem

The article begins by referencing the "Guidelines for Credible Scientific Practice in the Research of the UFO Phenomenon," initiated by GEP and recognized by DEGUFO and MUFON-CES. Specifically, §6 (11) of these guidelines states that while hypnotic regression can alleviate symptoms from traumatic UFO experiences, it carries the risk of influencing memory and creating pseudo-memories. The guidelines stipulate that hypnosis should only be conducted by trained psychological or medical psychotherapists, with the abductee fully informed and consenting. Furthermore, any recovered memories are only considered factual if independently verified.

This approach is presented as a departure from the common practice in abduction research since the 1960s, exemplified by the Betty and Barney Hill case. The prevailing assumption in the field has been that hypnosis can unlock 'repressed' memories and even enhance overall memory recall. Kramer argues that this assumption is a myth.

The Betty and Barney Hill Case

The article uses the Betty and Barney Hill case as a key example. After their alleged UFO sighting in 1961, they experienced a time loss and subsequent psychological distress. In 1963, psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Simon conducted hypnotic regressions. Betty Hill reported a detailed abduction scenario involving small, almond-eyed beings, while Barney Hill's accounts were initially different, referencing 'red-haired Irishmen' and 'German Nazis,' which Kramer suggests reflected his personal social issues related to his race. Barney later aligned his story with Betty's. This case illustrates how hypnotic recall can lead to disparate and potentially influenced narratives.

The Rise of Abduction Research and Hypnosis

Interest in UFO abductions surged in the mid-1970s, with hypnosis becoming a prominent tool for information gathering. Early cases, like Pascagoula in 1973, might have involved some conscious recall, but hypnosis became increasingly central. The underlying assumption in abduction research is that memories of actual events are either repressed due to trauma or deliberately erased by the abductors. The possibility of 'implanted memories' is also considered.

Memory from a Scientific Perspective

Kramer explains that human memory does not function like a video recording. Instead, it is a reconstructive process, influenced by cognitive processing, expectations, and suggestive elements. The brain stores information in sensory, short-term, and long-term memory. However, retrieval involves mixing current information with external factors, leading to a reconstructive process that can be prone to errors, resulting in pseudo-memories and memory distortions. Pseudo-memories are subjective experiences that did not objectively occur, while memory distortion involves subjective alterations through addition, omission, or replacement.

The Problem of Suggestibility and False Memories

Kramer emphasizes that memory is highly susceptible to suggestion, both self-induced and external. Experiments have shown that people can misremember events if later given inconsistent information. The brain attempts to reconcile these discrepancies, leading to memory distortions. This is particularly problematic in hypnosis, where individuals are in a highly suggestible state. The interaction between the hypnotist's expectations and the subject's own beliefs can accelerate memory distortions and the creation of pseudo-memories.

An example cited is a study where participants, after being hypnotized and asked what woke them, began to fantasize events like a street shootout, and later insisted they had experienced it, even when told it was suggested.

Hypnotherapists' Awareness and Training

A study by Yapko (1996) revealed that a significant portion of hypnotherapists have below-average knowledge of the human brain and memory. Over 50% admitted to not attempting to distinguish between real and false memories, and many used hypnotic techniques without formal training. This lack of awareness is concerning, especially in abduction research, where the risks are often downplayed.

Critiques of Hypnosis in Abduction Research

Despite the risks, some researchers believe that proper application of hypnosis can yield accurate memories. However, critics like Jacques Vallée argue that the pursuit of commonalities through suggestive questioning leads researchers to shape cases to fit preconceived notions. He states, "In their eagerness to hold onto any commonalities, which they themselves create by bombarding hypnotized witnesses with suggestive questions, many researchers ensure that the cases always correspond to previous experiences. This perversion of scientific methodology can only lead to absurd results."

Some researchers, like Jan Udo Holey (writing as van Helsing), have produced highly biased accounts, portraying aliens as malevolent figures. Thomas E. Bullard notes that hypnotic abduction stories most frequently describe 'little grey' aliens, whereas accounts from experiencers without hypnosis describe a wider variety of beings.

The Danger of Pseudo-Memories

Kramer stresses that pseudo-memories cannot be distinguished from real memories. This muddies the waters for research, turning potentially interesting cases into mere narratives. The greater danger is to the abductees themselves, who may live with the trauma of events that never actually happened.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Kramer concludes that hypnosis-generated memories have no real research value because distinguishing genuine from false memories is impossible. He argues that hypnosis might even dilute genuine experiences and introduce confabulations. He advocates for a return to the original formulation of the research guidelines, which stated that "Regression hypnotic techniques are to be excluded from any case investigation. The wish of a reporter for such methods is to be rejected. The problem of the creation of pseudo-memories and possible negative effects like memory influence must be pointed out. If the reporter insists on their wish, they should be referred to medically trained personnel, but the case investigation should be discontinued before conducting a regression hypnosis."

Review of Marcel Polte's Book "Greys: Weltweites Wirken und Entführungen in Deutschland"

The magazine also includes a review of Marcel Polte's book. Polte, a lawyer and hypnotherapist, believes in UFOs and alien contact. The review criticizes his book for presenting a circular argument: UFOs are real because they exist, and their existence is proven by the phenomenon itself. It also notes that Polte's research on abduction seems to stop with John E. Mack's work from the 1990s and that he presents a somewhat contradictory view on the origin of aliens (extraterrestrial vs. interdimensional).

The review points out that Polte's book fails to acknowledge the extensive literature and media coverage of UFO abductions from the 1980s and 1990s, such as works by Whitley Strieber and Budd Hopkins, and TV shows like The X-Files. The reviewer questions Polte's claim that the topic has been deliberately suppressed from public discourse.

Polte's book is criticized for equating UFO sightings with vehicles controlled by alien beings, a logical fallacy. The reviewer also notes that Polte's work seems to rely heavily on subjective interpretations and lacks rigorous scientific methodology, particularly in its handling of hypnotic regression and the potential for false memories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical stance of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" towards the uncritical use of hypnosis in UFO abduction research. The editorial stance clearly favors rigorous scientific methodology and ethical considerations, emphasizing the unreliability of hypnotic recall for generating factual evidence and warning against the creation of pseudo-memories. The magazine advocates for stricter protocols and independent verification of any claims arising from such investigations.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 3-2019, NR. 243, published by AMRA Verlag, focuses on a review of Marcel Polte's book "GREYS: Weltweites Wirken und Entführungen in Deutschland" (Greys: Worldwide Influence and Abductions in Germany). The journal itself is described as a publication of the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), a German scientific organization dedicated to UFO research.

Review of Marcel Polte's "Greys"

The review begins by noting that the "Grey" alien phenomenon has become a staple of popular culture, with details deeply ingrained in public consciousness. Marcel Polte's book concentrates on the classic abduction experience featuring the well-known "Greys."

While Polte mentions other abduction-related themes such as Reptilians, out-of-body experiences, and channeling, these are presented as peripheral to the main focus. The reviewer points out a common tendency among abduction researchers to tailor their presented material to fit their theses.

Polte's central thesis, heavily influenced by John E. Mack, interprets abductions as signs of a paradigm shift initiated by alien intelligence in response to environmental destruction and human conflicts. This interpretation is described as a classic pattern that emerged with the contactee phenomenon in the 1950s.

The review highlights what Polte omits: he does not cite Thomas E. Bullard's definition of abductions, which was first coined in 1989, although Bullard is mentioned later. Polte appears to know him primarily through German translations of Raymond Fowler and Johannes Fiebag. The reviewer criticizes the limited and critically lacking literature cited by Polte.

The review notes that the details of a "classic abduction experience" have evolved over decades, from "highway abductions" in the 1960s-70s (like Betty and Barney Hill) to "bedroom visitors" in the 1980s-90s conducting genetic experiments, and later to abductions by the US military, the appearance of Reptilians, and "praying mantis aliens." The reviewer states that Polte's book does not elaborate on these shifts or the influence of abduction researchers like Hopkins, Jacobs, and Mack.

Abductions in Germany

Polte's initial assertion that abductions have not been reported in German media is challenged by the reviewer, who points to numerous talk shows and programs in the 1990s that featured individuals investigated by Johannes Fiebag, such as Maria Struwe and Conny Paraschoudis. The reviewer questions whether Polte is deliberately creating an aura of mystery around the topic.

As a hypnotherapist, Polte has conducted sessions with individuals who report abduction experiences, aligning with the schemas of Hopkins, Jacobs, and Fiebag. Polte attributes the need for such sessions to an "active memory blockade" deliberately imposed by aliens, or to "consciousness-altering forces of the aliens." The reviewer questions why these blockades are so easily overcome by humans, suggesting it's a long-standing, unsuccessful attempt by aliens to "leak fragmented information."

Like his role models, Polte is a lay hypnotist. He acknowledges the potential for confabulation under hypnosis but believes practitioners can avoid it or seek independent corroboration, citing the controversial "Linda Cortile" case. The reviewer notes the absence of counter-arguments or current research findings, such as those presented in the "jufof" article on "UFO Abductions and False Memories."

Polte reinterprets sleep paralysis and sleep disorders as paranormal experiences, dismissing scientific explanations. His primary source for sleep paralysis is Wikipedia. He fails to mention hypnagogic or hypnopompic states, despite abductees often reporting waking with paralysis, sometimes triggered by a noise, and experiencing optical phenomena.

Polte's handling of clients is also deemed questionable. His questionnaire to identify "signs of an abduction" is seen as leading. The review references the aforementioned "UFO Abductions and False Memories" article for the impact of such methods on subsequent hypnosis sessions.

In the chapter "Abductions in Germany," Polte discusses physical traces, noting the rarity of "scoop marks" (spoon-shaped indentations/scars) in Germany. He mentions non-specific skin marks, similar to Johannes Fiebag, with various possible causes. The review points out that numerous chronic illnesses reported by abductees (e.g., on pages 141, 144) are not linked to "physical traces." The reviewer also suggests that the medical procedures described under hypnosis, allegedly causing scars, are more products of the witnesses' imagination than advanced medicine.

Paranormal: Remote Viewing, Maya, FREE

Beyond abduction narratives, Polte delves into other fringe science topics without clear connections to the preceding chapters. In "The Paranormal Factor," he introduces Remote Viewing, claiming it is as reliably confirmed as Einstein's theory of relativity. The reviewer notes that GWUP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) has found no evidence of such abilities in critical tests. Polte also mentions his own "telekinetic experiments."

Polte interprets "unusual noises" as "ET contacts on a non-physical level" and electromagnetic phenomena as stress related to abductions, citing channeling literature for these explanations. The phenomenon of lost or gained time is dismissed in favor of speculations about different dimensions, again based on channeling reports.

Polte's use of terms like "realities," "dimensions," and "subtle matter" aligns with esoteric literature.

In the chapter "The Maya-ET Connection," Polte discusses ancient astronaut theories, particularly the Maya's cyclical understanding of time and the Popol Vuh. He interprets the Popol Vuh as a description of a genetic project by aliens. The reviewer finds this interpretation unoriginal and typical of pseudo-archaeology.

Conclusion and Critique

Polte avoids engaging with the cultural-historical aspects of the Maya writings, giving the impression of a monolithic Maya culture. The review emphasizes that the Postclassic Maya texts are syncretic and influenced by lowland and highland beliefs.

Polte's conclusions drawn from these texts disregard the Maya's lived experiences and standard scientific interpretation methods, rendering them highly questionable.

The review concludes that Polte's book "Greys" offers nothing beyond the typical investigations presented in the 1990s by Hopkins, Jacobs, and Fiebag, and is marred by contradictions and omissions. The reviewer states that Polte's activities are incompatible with the "Principles of honest scientific practice in the research of the UFO phenomenon" and critically views his role as a contact person for Exopolitics and IGAAP for individuals with abduction experiences.

The book is described as illustrated, 256 pages, with ISBN 978-3-95447-259-8, priced at 22.99 €, published by AMRA Verlag in Hanau, 2018.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" consistently adopts a factual and critical approach to the UFO phenomenon. It serves as a publication organ for the GEP, documenting UFO reports, their classification, and case investigations. The journal features competent, scientifically-methodical articles on UFO phenomena, case studies, and international analyses, rounded off by reviews and letters to the editor. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous scientific investigation and critical evaluation of claims, as evidenced by the strong critique of Marcel Polte's book and his methods, deeming them incompatible with scientific principles.