JUFOF - Issue 248 - 2020 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of jufof: journal für ufo-forschung (Journal for UFO Research), issue 02-2020, volume 41, number 248, published by GEP e.V., addresses the critical issue of reliability in UFO sightings, particularly focusing on group sightings. The cover features a dramatic image of figures observing a distant red light in the sky, with the headline "Gruppensichtungen" (Group Sightings) and the subtitle "Problemlösung für die Zuverlässigkeit von UFO-Beobachtungen?" (Problem-solving for the reliability of UFO observations?). The issue also includes sections on UFO observations (sightings, documentation, assessments), literature reviews of current books, and a discussion on the problem of group sightings.

Editorial: The Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony

The editorial, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, delves into the fundamental challenge of UFO research: the reliance on eyewitness accounts. Peiniger highlights that UFO sightings are typically reported by a single witness. Drawing from perceptual and forensic psychology, he emphasizes that human memory is not an objective instrument for accurately recalling events. This raises the question of how to assess the credibility of a single witness and ensure their account reflects the actual event. While individual accounts can sometimes be accurate, inconsistencies are common, making it difficult to judge their reliability. The editorial poses the central question: "How reliable is a witness statement?"

Peiniger suggests that multiple witnesses to a UFO event might offer greater reliability, allowing for a reconstruction of the event with minimal discrepancies. He introduces an article by GEP member Ulrich Magin, who examines the reliability of group sightings using several case examples. Magin investigates whether multiple witnesses automatically increase reliability and explores the concept of "strangeness" in a case, questioning whether it stems from the original event or the witness's subjective perception and emotional state.

The editorial also touches upon recent UFO reports related to STARLINK satellites, noting numerous accounts of star-shaped lights appearing in formations. The rapid deployment of thousands of satellites is causing concern among professional and amateur astronomers about potential interference with their observations. Peiniger concludes by wishing readers an interesting read and good health during these "crazy times."

UFO Observations: Case Studies and Assessments

This section presents detailed analyses of UFO sightings.

Case 1: Handball-Sized Metallic Sphere in Michelstadt

This case, documented under FALLNUMMER: 00000000 BP, occurred approximately 10-11 years prior to the report date (first contact March 6, 2020). The witness, Herr Z., reported that one morning, after opening his balcony door, he saw a handball-sized (16-18.5 cm diameter), bluish-silvery metallic sphere hovering about 30 cm above the balcony railing. It was silent and remained stationary. His neighbor witnessed the object as well. The witness then rolled small paper balls and threw them at the sphere. The object reacted by jumping about 25 cm to the left when the first ball was thrown, and then vanished instantly and silently when the second ball was thrown. The witness reported experiencing a swollen earlobe the next day, which subsided, and has since heard a faint, non-disturbing humming sound.

The investigator, Hans-Werner Peiniger, classifies this as a "PROBLEMATIC UFO" with a tendency towards "GOOD UFO" due to its unusual characteristics: a smooth, metallic sphere, silent hovering without visible propulsion, instantaneous disappearance without any apparent physical effect, and a reaction to the witness's actions. Peiniger rules out misinterpretation of common objects like balls or balloons. He considers natural phenomena like ball lightning or plasma effects but finds them not fully explanatory. The disappearance of the object without any trace or resolution is noted.

Case 2: Potential Forgery in Werther?

This case (FALLNUMMER: 20080109 B) from January 9, 2008, involves a photograph submitted by an anonymous witness. The witness described seeing a light that moved rapidly for a few seconds. The investigation, led by Hans-Werner Peiniger, strongly suggests that the photograph depicts a reflection of an indoor light source on the windowpane, rather than an actual aerial object. The EXIF data indicates the camera's flash did not fire, ruling out the phone's flash as the source. The analysis points towards a reflection from an LED night light or similar multi-point light source, possibly enhanced by a double-glazed window and an insect screen, which could create Moiré patterns and multiple reflections. The witness's reluctance to provide full details and his anonymity lead Peiniger to suspect a deliberate attempt to deceive or test the UFO group.

Further Processed UFO Sightings

This section, indicated in the table of contents, includes a reference to "...and Photos in Overview – Part 3," suggesting further case analyses or photographic evidence reviews.

Literature

This section features reviews of current book titles related to UFO phenomena:

• Flying Saucers In The Sky (Page 59)
• Magische Mosel (Magical Mosel) (Page 63)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges posed by subjective eyewitness testimony, and the scientific assessment of reported sightings. The GEP e.V. maintains a stance of critical inquiry, seeking to explain phenomena through conventional means where possible, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases. The journal emphasizes documentation, analysis, and the pursuit of reliability in UFO research. The editorial also reflects a growing awareness of modern technological impacts, such as satellite constellations, on the field of observation. The overall tone is one of serious, methodical research into anomalous aerial phenomena.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 2-2020, issue number 248, focuses on the analysis of various UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings, predominantly from 2018 and 2019. The publication's approach is to meticulously investigate reported incidents, often concluding with conventional explanations such as balloons, insects, or optical phenomena, while acknowledging instances where definitive conclusions are difficult.

Key Articles and Investigations

Bananenförmiges Objekt über Bad Rappenau (Banana-Shaped Object over Bad Rappenau)

This case, reported on July 26, 2018, by a 49-year-old witness named Ralph S. in Bad Rappenau, Germany, describes a bright, banana-shaped object observed for 5 to 10 minutes. The object appeared stationary. Investigator Hans-Werner Peiniger suggests it was likely a foil balloon or similar. While foil balloons come in various shapes and are often used for promotions, their reflective surfaces can obscure their exact form. Peiniger found an internet image of a banana-shaped foil balloon that closely resembled the reported object. However, the object's prolonged stationary behavior contradicted typical wind conditions, which were reported as 14/15 km/h from the west. Despite this discrepancy, the investigator concluded that there were no extraordinary anomalous features warranting further intensive research, deeming the object too similar to a foil balloon.

Weitere bearbeitete UFO-Sichtungen und -Fotos im Überblick – Teil 3 (Further Processed UFO Sightings and Photos at a Glance – Part 3)

This section presents several cases where the investigators opted not to conduct extensive research due to seemingly clear explanations.

• Case 20190101 C (Ehingen, Germany, January 1, 2019): A witness filmed several lights during New Year's fireworks, flying northward. The poor video resolution limited detailed analysis. The assessment suggests these were likely helium balloons with internal LED lights, possibly launched as a form of 'silent fireworks,' though sky lanterns were also considered.
• Case 20190217 A (Braunau am Inn, Austria, February 17, 2019): A 31-year-old witness observed and photographed a bright light that hovered for several minutes, disappeared, reappeared, and then flew away. The explanation points to a likely balloon.

Case 20190331 A (Burg, Germany, March 31, 2019)

A witness's son captured footage of two small objects flying in different directions. The assessment suggests a weather balloon or similar, with its radar reflector or payload causing a tumbling, reflective appearance. The ring-like, cloudy structure is attributed to the phone's camera effects and atmospheric turbulence. The zoom level made focusing difficult, leading to diffraction rings. The investigator concluded it was likely a weather balloon or foil balloon.

Case 20190601 B (Öschingen, Germany, June 1, 2019)

Several people observed white dots in the sky for 7-10 minutes, moving linearly at a constant speed. These were identified as individual balloons, possibly from a mass launch, such as at a wedding. Some balloons were heart-shaped and connected to white balloons.

Case 20190602 A (Schwechat, Austria, June 2, 2019)

A witness photographing airplanes at Vienna Airport noticed a bright object in the sky. The analysis suggests it was an insect, possibly reflecting sunlight, with other insects also visible in the image.

Case 20190603 A (Essen, Germany, June 3, 2019)

A video of the rising sun showed a black object within the sun's disc. This is explained as a digital photography artifact, often called a "black sun," occurring during extreme backlight when the camera sensor is overwhelmed by sunlight, causing pixels to lose color information.

Case 20190613 A (Emlichheim, Germany, June 13, 2019)

A witness observed and photographed a bright light moving eastward over a long period, eventually obscured by the rising sun. Astronomical reconstruction identified the object as the star Capella, whose apparent movement was due to Earth's rotation and its slow eastward drift before sunrise.

Case 20190613 B (Sangerhausen – Riestedt, Germany, June 13, 2019)

A video taken with slow-motion of falling raindrops revealed several fast-moving objects. These were identified as insects flying through the frame, their speed creating a blurred oval shape. The wingbeats of insects were also visible in individual frames.

Case 20190616 B (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, June 16, 2019)

A photograph of the landscape revealed an "unexplained object." The analysis concluded it was an insect.

Case 20190627 A (Aarbergen – Michelbach, Germany, June 27, 2019)

Witnesses observed an object described as a "tumbling disc" moving slowly. The photograph showed this object along with two smaller ones. The assessment suggests it was a helium-filled balloon. The object's movement was consistent with wind direction. The smaller objects were likely insects that flew into the frame during the recording. Due to the lack of "strangeness," further investigation was deemed unnecessary.

Case 20190628 A (Bernau bei Berlin, Germany, June 28, 2019)

A 63-year-old witness and his wife filmed several consecutive bright, point-like objects appearing in the sky. The analysis suggests these were likely helium-filled balloons, with wind direction in the southeast aligning with the observed flight paths. The objects were deemed to lack anomalous characteristics, negating the need for further investigation.

Case 20180901 A (Krummhörn - Greetsiel, Germany, September 1, 2018)

A 44-year-old witness observed and photographed a bright light in the sky that showed ring-like structures when zoomed. Astronomical reconstruction identified the object as the star Capella. The ring-like structures were attributed to camera effects when zooming in on a bright point source, causing it to appear larger and creating diffraction patterns. The reddish halo was due to atmospheric light refraction, especially near the horizon.

The Problem of Group Sightings

Ulrich Magin's article addresses the significant challenge in UFO research posed by the unreliability of individual witness memories. He proposes that observations made by multiple, independent groups could offer a way forward. However, he notes that inaccuracies in human observation and memory affect these accounts as well, influencing the perceived "strangeness" of the phenomena. Magin uses 22 examples of group sightings from various times and regions to illustrate this problem.

He references Thykidides, the father of historiography, who noted the difficulty in obtaining consistent accounts from eyewitnesses, as their narratives were shaped by their goodwill, biases, and memory. Magin argues that for anecdotal material to be interpreted, the reliability of eyewitness reports must be questioned. Cases where multiple people witness an unknown phenomenon and their accounts align would be ideal for calibration. If they do not align, it provides a means to assess the consistency of statements.

Example 1: Condon Report Case 23

This case from the US North Central region in early 1967 involved a reported UFO later identified as an aircraft. Regardless of whether the object was known or unknown, the witness testimonies provided data on directional observations (northwest, north, east), flight paths (linear, 90-degree turns), hovering behavior, and object color (blue, blue-white, white, yellow). One witness estimated a diameter of 15 meters, and the object reportedly emitted alternating light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical analysis of UFO sightings, with a strong emphasis on finding conventional explanations. The journal consistently applies scientific reasoning and experience to evaluate photographic and video evidence, witness testimonies, and meteorological data. While acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena, the editorial stance leans towards identifying mundane causes such as balloons, insects, atmospheric effects, and camera artifacts. The issue also highlights the inherent difficulties in UFO research, particularly concerning the reliability of eyewitness accounts and the challenges of analyzing group sightings, as detailed in Ulrich Magin's contribution.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 2-2020, issue number 248, focuses on the challenges and inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony related to UFO sightings and other unexplained phenomena. The cover headline "Über Hessen kreisten die UFOS" (UFOs circled over Hessen) highlights a specific case discussed within the magazine.

Analysis of Eyewitness Testimony

The central theme of the issue is the unreliability and variability of eyewitness accounts, even when multiple observers witness the same event simultaneously. The magazine presents numerous examples to illustrate this point:

• Example 1: A case with conflicting witness reports regarding lights, movement, and duration, concluding that such accounts are highly unreliable, a sentiment familiar to jurists.
• Example 2: The re-entry of the Soviet satellite Zond IV, where 78 reports showed a wide range of descriptions, from 'planned formation' to 'saucer-shaped' and 'exhaust gases,' demonstrating significant discrepancies.
• Example 3 (Broad Haven, Wales): A landed UFO sighting by schoolchildren resulted in three different sketches of the object, each depicting a distinct saucer design.
• Example 4 (Loch Ness Monster): Fifty observers saw the creature, but their descriptions varied immensely, with no two reports being identical. Some saw humps, others heads and tails, highlighting the difficulty in establishing a consistent description.
• Example 5 (Saltwood, England): Four teenagers encountered a winged humanoid. One described a person with a lantern, while another saw a black, human-sized figure with bat-like wings, raising questions about who observed correctly.
• Example 6 (Irish Coast): Five witnesses, including pilots, reported a mysterious light or UFO, with accounts ranging from a single fast light to multiple lights, a sphere, or a burning aircraft.
• Example 7 (Darmstadt-Messel, Germany): Eight police officers witnessed a UFO, described as a color-changing, elliptical saucer with additional bodies. The event was accompanied by unusual electrical fluctuations and TV interference.
• Example 8 (Mantell Fall): The analysis of this famous case suggests that while general descriptions might align, individual details vary so much that it seems multiple people experienced different events.
• Example 9 (Ruwa, Zimbabwe): A sighting by over 60 schoolchildren is mentioned, though details are not elaborated in this section.
• Example 10 (Bolide over Europe): A witness described a structured, flattened spacecraft instead of a bolide, with similar reports from other countries.
• Example 11 (Loch Ness Monster): Four women observed the creature for ten minutes, but their descriptions of its features (head, neck, humps, tail) differed.
• Example 12 (Sasquatch): Two men claimed to have encountered a Sasquatch carcass, but their accounts and the certainty of their observations were questionable.
• Example 13 (Kinlock, Missouri): Two women saw a large, shaggy animal carrying a child, with descriptions ranging from a bear to a gorilla.
• Example 14 (Happy Camp, California): Two women found a Sasquatch carcass, providing conflicting stories about its appearance and size.
• Example 15 (Seeschlange): An 1860 report describes a sea serpent with general snake-like characteristics but varying length estimates and rapid movement.
• Example 16 (Barcelona): Numerous witnesses saw a giant bird or flying dinosaur, with descriptions so varied (color, wingspan, sounds) that creating a composite image was impossible.
• Example 17 (Loch Ness): Multiple people independently observed a mysterious object over Loch Ness, with conflicting reports on whether it sank into the loch or hovered above it.
• Example 18 (Anakonda): An anakonda's length was estimated by multiple people, with significant discrepancies between the actual measured length and the witnesses' estimates.
• Example 19 (California UFO Landing): A primary witness provided two sketches of a UFO with slight differences, and her daughter reported seeing an alien with a frog-like face.
• Example 20 (Gilroy, California): Four witnesses saw an unknown flying object, with descriptions varying from round with 'gripping arms' to triangular, with different colored lights.
• Example 21 (Itabirito, Brazil): Two witnesses saw an alien next to a landed saucer, with conflicting descriptions of the alien's height, build, and arm length.
• Example 22 (Sea Serpent, Scotland): An eyewitness reported a sea serpent with a low head and ten humps, while another observer dismissed it as rolling waves.

The Concept of 'Strangeness'

The issue discusses the concept of 'strangeness' in relation to UFO phenomena. It argues that 'strangeness' is not a physical property of an event but rather a measure of how distorted the perception and reporting of a stimulus are. The wide variance in eyewitness accounts, regardless of whether the object was conventional or anomalous, means that witness statements cannot be treated as calibrated laboratory data. Making statements about 'strangeness' based on a single eyewitness account is deemed insufficient; even multiple witnesses can lead to more confusion than clarity.

Historical Context and Influences

The magazine also explores the historical roots of the UFO phenomenon, particularly in the context of early reports and media coverage. Maurizio Verga's book "Flying Saucers In The Sky: 1947: When UFOs Came From Mars" is reviewed, detailing how early UFO sightings, like Kenneth Arnold's, were rapidly interpreted through the lens of existing cultural narratives, including science fiction, occult traditions, and earlier accounts of 'airships.' The review highlights how sensationalist journalism and popular culture, such as the "Shaver Mystery" featured in "Amazing Stories," contributed to the widespread acceptance of the 'flying saucer' concept, often presenting these interpretations as jokes initially.

Early depictions of 'flying saucers,' such as the 1929 "Science Wonder Stories" cover by Frank R. Paul, are shown to predate the modern UFO era. The article notes that early media interpretations of unusual events, like a factory explosion, were quickly framed as 'invasions from Mars,' indicating that the 'alien' explanation was often a linguistic trope for 'unusual' or 'never seen before.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the inherent difficulty in establishing objective truth from subjective eyewitness accounts, especially in the context of potentially anomalous phenomena. The magazine emphasizes that discrepancies in descriptions, even among witnesses to the same event, are common and problematic for analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination of evidence, highlighting the psychological and sociological factors that influence perception and reporting, rather than definitively asserting the existence of extraterrestrial craft. The focus is on the 'strangeness' of human perception and reporting rather than the 'strangeness' of the phenomena themselves.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (jufof), Volume NR. 248, dated 2-2020, published by GEP e.V. in Germany, focuses on early UFO phenomena and related historical and regional mysteries. The cover features a striking image related to the 1947 flying saucer wave.

The 1947 UFO Wave and Early Interpretations

The lead article delves into the initial weeks of the 1947 flying saucer sightings, highlighting key figures like contactees Ole Sneide, Meade Layne, Robert Lee Farnsworth, and Dewitt Miller. Arnold himself reported numerous sightings, and the idea of 'little men from Mars' piloting the saucers emerged by June 30, 1947. The article notes that even the interpretation of the Ezekiel vision as a 'flying saucer' predates Erich von Däniken's work. The 'Ancient Astronauts' theory was also advanced by contactee Ole Sneide, whose statements were widely published. Mead Layne suggested that flying saucers originated from another dimension and that US authorities were aware but concealed this truth. Charles Fort's name was frequently mentioned in press articles.

Several members of the Fortean Society acted as contacts, though the society itself dismissed UFOs as fantasies, pointing out the diverse accounts. The article draws parallels between the Shaver Mystery and the UFO puzzle, referencing contemporary comics like Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. It suggests that the cultural climate was conducive to such interpretations. The early reports were a mix of satire and genuine events, including accounts of radio contacts and theories about alien propulsion systems. Numerous alleged crash incidents are mentioned, but the author posits that these were mostly hoaxes involving self-made models.

Many cases were explained conventionally (e.g., searchlights, balloons). A dominant interpretation for the first UFO wave was skepticism, but alongside distant saucer reports, there were many accounts of contacts and landings. The article mentions approximately 25 'CE III' (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) reports in the initial days, many of which are described as clear hoaxes, such as a 2.4m tall green alien reported on July 8, 1947. Encounters with 'little green men' were reported on July 10 and 14, with some accounts involving humorous details like aliens preferring strawberry ice cream, reminiscent of later theories.

Reports of landings with trace evidence like 'burned earth' are mentioned, alongside accounts of genuine-seeming CE IIIs. A notable observation is that reported UFOs were consistently described as small, with no UFO larger than 2.5m in diameter being reported, whether in jest or seriousness. The author, Maurizio Verga, concludes that while there were few 'little men' cases compared to the earlier Airship wave, he focuses on a short three-week period in 1947, reporting around 25 cases that have since been largely forgotten.

Verga's work is praised for its detailed and extensive analysis of this short period, providing a comprehensive and fascinating account with much new information. The book includes a register and a timeline of the three weeks discussed. It is available in paperback and e-book formats.

Book Review: 'Magische Mosel' by Ulrich Magin

This section reviews Ulrich Magin's book, which focuses on mystical places and enigmatic events within a localized German region, the Mosel area. Magin, a member of GEP, has authored several books on similar topics. The book explores relics from the Stone and Bronze Ages, medieval sites, and mysterious legends, including UFO sightings.

It begins with accounts related to cryptozoology, mentioning creatures like Nessie and Yeti allegedly sighted in the Mosel region. Tales of dwarfs, kobolds, werewolves, black dogs, panthers, and monster cats are also recounted, alongside other strange animal encounters.

The book also touches upon the 'Holy Shroud' in Trier, discussing its purported authenticity. It examines archaeological mysteries, including Stone Age rock carvings, a small 'Eifel Stonehenge,' and mysterious 'glowing rings.' The Mosel region's geological history, shaped by ancient volcanism, is also discussed.

Magin addresses reports of unusual natural phenomena such as strange noises, tumbling stars, mirages, mysterious meteors, and crop circles near the Mosel. He also covers ghost stories and hauntings, noting their diminished public interest compared to earlier times.

Of particular interest to pre-astronautics enthusiasts are the archaeological puzzles. The book mentions the discovery of rock carvings and the 'Eifel Stonehenge.' It also discusses 'holy lines' and 'sliding furrows' found along the Mosel, and the enigmatic Dodecahedrons, 12-sided metal objects from Roman times.

The chapter on ancient alien visitors discusses the 'floating goddess' statue from Trier. The book also covers phenomena like unusual noises, atmospheric effects, and mysterious meteorites. Magin notes that while many UFO sightings today are simple light phenomena, the 1950s saw landings of airships with beings from Mars. He highlights that modern UFO reports often draw on material from the GEP. Magin emphasizes that while sociologists and psychologists have identified factors that can lead ordinary experiences to be interpreted as complex alien narratives when viewed through a 'UFO lens,' he does not always cite sources for these accounts.

Further topics include ball lightning, meteors, and will-o'-the-wisps, known locally as 'Traulichter.' The book also touches upon Marian apparitions, 'devil's claws,' and relics. A specific event from 1982 is recounted, where a boy's flashlight illuminated an image of the Virgin Mary in a rock face, attracting thousands of pilgrims.

Magin also discusses the background of the 'Holy Shroud' in Trier, whose authenticity is debated. Archaeological enigmas are explored, such as Stone Age rock carvings and a small 'Eifel Stonehenge.' The book mentions 'holy lines' and 'sliding furrows' along the Mosel, and the mysterious Roman-era Dodecahedrons.

In a chapter on ancient alien visitors, Magin discusses the 'floating goddess' statue from Trier. He also covers phenomena like unusual noises, atmospheric effects, and mysterious meteorites. He notes that while modern UFO sightings are often simple light phenomena, the 1950s saw landings of airships with beings from Mars. Magin uses GEP material for modern UFO reports and points out that while many factors can lead to alien narratives, sources are not always cited.

Other phenomena discussed include ball lightning, meteors, and will-o'-the-wisps. The book also covers ghost stories, hauntings, Marian apparitions, and relics. A 1982 event involving a rock face image of the Virgin Mary is detailed.

The book is described as a collection of unusual and exciting sites, stories, and relics from the past, inviting further research and offering opportunities for visitors to explore these sites during their travels.

Book Review: 'Luftschiffe und Aeronauten' (Airships and Aeronauts) edited by Ulrich Magin

This section reviews a book edited by Ulrich Magin, titled '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 examines the wave of airship sightings, particularly on the American West Coast, between 1896 and 1897. These sightings of dirigible balloons, which were novel at the time, sparked speculation ranging from secret human inventions to extraterrestrial spacecraft.

The content includes contributions from Jerome Clark ('Luftschiffe'), Loren E. Gross ('UFOs: Eine Historie - 1896'), and Nigel Watson ('Zeppeline der Angst'). An appendix covers airship sightings in Germany and other countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The book's premise is that a significant portion of UFO researchers believe these historical airship observations are connected to the modern UFO phenomenon, regardless of the preferred interpretation.

The publication details include 122 pages, paperback, DIN A5 format, with illustrations. It is priced at €10.00 (€8.00 for GEP members) and is available through the GEP shop.

GEP and jufof: Organizations and Publications

The journal also provides information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.), described as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. GEP utilizes questionnaires, interviews, and background investigations, collaborating with various authorities and institutions.

The 'jufof' journal, in publication since 1980, offers a factual and critical approach to the UFO phenomenon. Each issue includes documentation of sightings, their classification, and case studies. The second part of the journal features scientific and methodical reports on UFO phenomena, international case studies, and analyses, along with a review and letters section.

A definition of a UFO is provided: a perceived object or light whose appearance, trajectory, and behavior cannot be conventionally explained and remains unidentifiable after thorough investigation. The journal also outlines how to report UFO sightings via phone or email and directs readers to their websites and online forums.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the historical roots of UFO phenomena, linking early 20th-century airship sightings and the 1947 wave to modern UFO research. It emphasizes a critical yet open approach, distinguishing between hoaxes and potentially genuine unexplained events. The GEP's role as a scientific research body and 'jufof's' commitment to methodical analysis are highlighted. The reviews of books on regional mysteries and historical airships suggest a broad scope of interest within the UFO research community, encompassing both classic sightings and local folklore.