JUFOF - Issue 250 - 2020 04

Magazine Overview

This is the 250th issue of 'jufof' (Journal für UFO-Forschung), a German-language magazine dedicated to UFO research, published by GEP e.V. This issue, dated 04-2020, marks the 41st year of publication and celebrates the magazine's longevity, noting its evolution from simple printed sheets to a full-color magazine. The editorial highlights the continued commitment to its principles and the reliance on contributions from GEP members.

Editorial

The editorial, titled 'Liebe Leser' (Dear Readers), celebrates the 250th issue and the 40th anniversary of 'jufof'. It reflects on the magazine's journey since its inception in January 1980, when early issues of 'GEP-Nachrichten' were produced with matrix printers. The editor emphasizes that 'jufof' has remained true to its line and level of quality, with nearly all contributions coming from GEP members. The editorial expresses gratitude to the creators, the editorial team, and the authors, and encourages readers to look forward to the 300th issue. It also notes that while large commercial publishers shy away from UFO topics due to perceived lack of profit, numerous small publishers are now producing ufological literature.

Project 'UFO-Authors' Conclusion

A significant feature of this issue is the concluding report on the 'UFO-Authors' project. This project aimed to gather experiences from GEP members regarding their writing and publishing of UFO-themed books. Several members shared their insights, leading to the creation of articles that were initially published in the internal 'GEP-Insider' organ. The decision was made to publish a summary of this project in 'jufof' for the benefit of all readers, as it was deemed to be of broad interest.

UFO Sightings: Documentations – Assessments

This section presents a detailed look at recent UFO sightings, including investigations and assessments. The issue covers four cases:

• 19.05.2020, Uhldingen-Mühlhofen, Germany: A witness reported seeing a slow-moving object that was initially thought to be a UFO. However, investigations concluded it was a foil balloon in the shape of a 'six', possibly released for a child's birthday.
• 16.05.2020, Schwalbach, Germany: Several people at a barbecue observed unusual lights in the night sky that moved in formations, changed positions, and circled. While initially puzzling, the assessment points to helium balloons equipped with blinking LED lights, a common cause for UFO reports.
• 19.04.2020, Landstuhl, Germany: A 41-year-old woman photographed the sky over Ramstein Air Base. Upon reviewing the photos, she noticed a dark spot which, after analysis, was identified as a Boeing-Vertol CH-47 helicopter, likely flying at a distance.
• 16.05.2018, Kalamos, Greece: A woman submitted a photo of a cloud panorama where she had noticed two ring-shaped objects. Detailed analysis revealed that these were not actual objects in the sky but reflections on the windowpane through which the photo was taken.

Short Notes: Current Reports

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related news and topics:

• The Nazi UFO Model: The article discusses the Revell model kit of the 'Haunebu II', a supposed 'Reichsflugscheibe' (flying disc). It highlights how the product description presented legendary claims about the craft as historical fact, including details about Vril energy fields and speeds up to 6000 km/h. The article notes that this marketing was criticized by NDR Info and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), leading Revell to temporarily halt sales and later reissue the model with a corrected product text stating its fictional nature. The article also mentions proposed paint schemes for the model set in 1945 and 1946, suggesting a continuation of the fictional war.
• UFO over Waiblingen: This report details a sighting in Waiblingen on July 21, 2020, where numerous calls were made to the police about a mysterious glowing object. Police patrols and a helicopter were deployed but could not locate the object. While initial speculation included drones, a later report from the 'ZVW' newspaper suggested the phenomenon was understood, though the article was behind a paywall. Facebook discussions proposed the object might have been a kite.
• Small Aircraft Causes UFO Incident: A brief mention of a small aircraft causing a UFO incident.
• UFO Identified as a Model: Another brief note about a UFO sighting that turned out to be a model.

Literature

This section includes reviews or mentions of books related to UFO research:

• John A. Keel: Mentioned with a page reference, likely a review or discussion of his work.
• Jagd auf den Skinwalker (Hunt for the Skinwalker): Also mentioned with a page reference, indicating a discussion or review of this book.

Impressum (Imprint)

The imprint provides details about the publisher, Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e. V., founded in 1972. It lists contact information, including postal address, telephone, and email. The editorial team is named as Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon. The magazine is published on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being honorarium-free. Subscription prices are listed: €27.00 for one year (6 issues) plus postage. The imprint also includes information for authors, advertising prices, and details about the printing company.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, their investigation, and potential explanations, ranging from misidentifications (balloons, helicopters, reflections) to the possibility of unknown phenomena. The magazine maintains a critical yet open stance, presenting detailed case studies and analyses. The editorial emphasizes the importance of enthusiast contributions and the long-standing tradition of UFO research in Germany. The critique of the Revell model kit highlights the magazine's commitment to distinguishing between historical fact and speculative fiction or legend-building, particularly concerning controversial topics like 'Nazi UFOs'. The overall stance is one of diligent research and informed discussion within the ufological community.

This issue of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 4-2020, NR.250, published by GEP, focuses on recent UFO sightings and a comprehensive project surveying UFO authors' experiences with publishing.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Waiblingen Incident (August 5, 2020)

The article details an investigation into a UFO sighting in Waiblingen, Germany. Initially, the police were involved, and a police contact reportedly saw the object himself, describing it as a kite with LED lighting. The Stuttgarter Zeitung later reported that a 65-year-old resident and his wife had also seen the object and identified it as a kite with colorful LED lights, noting it had been seen before on July 5th. The individual who launched the kite was being investigated for potential violations of aviation law.

Kyllburg Incident (July 7, 2020)

Another reported UFO event occurred on July 7, 2020, near Kyllburg in the Eifel region. A family observed a disc-shaped object, likened to a 'Foo Fighter,' flying alongside a sports aircraft. This object was linked to the Belgian aircraft developer Bart Verhees and his 'D-Plane 1' and the newer two-seater 'D-Plane 2' models. These small aircraft are typically transported and then flown, often accompanied by a sports machine.

Debunked UFO Photos

The issue also touches upon a case where widely publicized UFO photos, hailed by the English newspaper 'Mirror' as the best in 40 years, were later revealed to be a hoax. UFO researcher Philip Mantle was initially impressed, and a former Royal Air Force photo expert, Jason Gleaves, deemed them authentic. However, it was discovered that the photographer had intentionally hung a small UFO model on an almost invisible fishing line to demonstrate how easily UFO photos can be faked. This revelation highlights the ease of creating convincing UFO hoaxes.

Project: UFO Authors - Experiences with Publishing

The main focus of this issue is a detailed project that surveyed GEP members who are authors of UFO literature. The project, initiated on May 23, 2017, aimed to gather information on the process of writing, publishing, and receiving UFO books.

Project Goals and Participants

The project sought to understand how books are created, the steps authors take after completing a manuscript, and any unexpected experiences during the publishing process. The survey involved authors within the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) organization. The initial call for participation was sent via the GEP's insider newsletter. Roland Horn and Detlef Hoyer joined Klaus Felsmann in this endeavor. They compiled a list of 18 authors (excluding co-authors) from the GEP's membership, which at the time was around 120 members, indicating a high level of willingness to publish and share experiences.

Project Execution and Interviewees

The project involved conducting interviews without pre-defined theses, focusing on gathering experiences and sharing them within the GEP. Interviews were prepared specifically, and common themes were discussed, including the current status and future of UFO books from the authors' perspectives. The interviews revealed a shared interest and positive reception, with each interview yielding new insights. The number of interviews was limited by the number of positive responses, resulting in 8 participants: Andreas Anton, Dieter von Reeken, Ulrich Magin, Hans-Werner Peiniger, Roland M. Horn, Robert Fleischer, André Kramer, and Sebastian Hartmann. The authors brought diverse profiles and focus areas to the project.

The UFO Theme in the Book Market

Interviews indicated that the UFO theme in the German book market has seen a decline in interest around the turn of the millennium, with fewer new books and reduced print runs. One author reported his book, initially printed in 10,000 copies, was suddenly sold for 1 Euro in supermarkets. Publishers are now opting for smaller print runs, often between 50-100 copies, with the possibility of reprints. Publishers have become more specialized, leading to fewer outlets for UFO-related content. The article notes that for new authors, getting their work published can be challenging, and the market is competitive.

Publishers and Publishing Process

Several publishers were mentioned by authors, including Ancient Mail, Aquamarin, Bohmeier, Böhlau, Bremm, GEP, Grin, Kopp, Koenig, Logos, NIBE, Twilight-Line, Verlagsunion Pabel/Moewig (VPM), VS Springer, and Karsten Sturm at 110th-Verlag for eBooks. The GEP's own publishing house was founded to produce brochures primarily for GEP members, not for the general public, operating with minimal financial risk. The GEP-Verlag's price-performance ratio was praised for its ability to achieve strong visual presentation in books.

The Grin-Verlag was noted for publishing academic works like bachelor's theses and dissertations, depending on their assessment.

Author-Publisher Relationship

Authors in the fiction genre often face significant editorial influence, including changes to plot and length. In the past, publishers sometimes imposed restrictions on page count, illustrations, and even book titles, and might add less critical UFO reports to appeal to buyers. However, the general sentiment regarding publishing UFO topics in recent years has been more relaxed, with publishers generally accepting manuscripts as submitted, with few formal changes requested, except for title alterations in some cases. The author is typically not consulted on cover design or pricing.

Authors publishing outside traditional publishers can opt for self-publishing, taking on all risks related to editing, printing, and financing. They can manage distribution through their own websites or utilize services like Amazon's fulfillment. The option of 'Books on Demand' was not specifically mentioned by interviewees.

Author Royalties and Contracts

Author royalties are generally around 10%. After submitting a manuscript, the author's main task is reviewing and approving proofs. Contracts often stipulate that the author is responsible for securing rights for images, photos, and diagrams, as well as for plagiarism. Contracts were generally not criticized, although one author experienced a book being rejected after being commissioned, only to be later published by another publisher. Another author reported issues with publishers sitting on unsold stock after the first print run, requiring legal action to regain publishing rights.

Future of Books vs. Other Media

Authors discussed the future of books, particularly in the context of the UFO theme, and considered digital alternatives. Printed books, eBooks, and digital media were not seen as interchangeable. eBooks cater to a different, younger audience and often present topics more concisely. While the growth of eBooks has slowed, technical issues like hacking and free online distribution were mentioned. Blogs, forums, and video content attract a different audience, and customer loyalty is hard to maintain online, with a preference for free access. YouTube advertising offers a potential income stream, but its earnings are uncertain and algorithm-dependent.

Conclusion on the Book Market

The UFO theme is adequately served by publishers in the book market, and there is no reason not to publish. The primary goal for authors should not be significant income, but rather the passion for the subject. Those seeking exceptional book design may need to self-publish. The printed book is expected to retain its importance, albeit with a smaller market share. This outlook is hopeful for continued UFO-themed publications, ensuring readers do not have to rely solely on other media.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, the challenges and realities of publishing in the UFO field, and the evolving media landscape. The editorial stance appears to be one of continued research and open discussion of UFO-related topics, while also maintaining a critical perspective on evidence, particularly regarding photographic hoaxes. The detailed project on author experiences highlights the dedication of the GEP community to documenting and sharing knowledge within the UFO research field.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, dated 4-2020 (NR.250), features an article by André Kramer titled "Paläo-SETI, UFOs und Aliens – Muss die ETH wieder in den Fokus der Forschung rücken?" (Paleo-SETI, UFOs and Aliens – Must the ETH be Refocused in Research?). The journal is published in Germany and focuses on UFO research.

Paläo-SETI, UFOs und Aliens – Muss die ETH wieder in den Fokus der Forschung rücken?

André Kramer's article critically examines the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) as a potential explanation for UFO phenomena. He notes that while the ETH was a starting point for many UFO researchers, concrete evidence has been lacking. The popular association of UFOs with 'alien spacecraft' has been challenged by the changing nature of reported sightings, which have evolved from 'flying saucers' to more futuristic designs and even 'Orbs'. Media interest has also waned, often treating UFOs as entertainment rather than a serious phenomenon.

Kramer contrasts the critical UFO research approach, which emphasizes the 'Unidentified Flying Object' aspect and seeks natural explanations, with 'Pre-Astronautics' which assumes historical contact with aliens. He observes that despite the critical stance, journalists and academics are increasingly considering the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence in their search strategies.

The article highlights the skepticism of the SETI community towards direct UFO contact, with Frank Drake dismissing Pre-Astronautics as 'delusion'. Sociologist Michael Schetsche suggests SETI's stance is strategic, aimed at securing research funding.

Kramer discusses 'Local SETI' projects, such as those mentioned by Philippe Ailleris, which aim to gather information through technical means. However, Ailleris notes that these projects have often yielded inconclusive results, emphasizing the need for real-time field measurements rather than post-observation questionnaires.

Bernhard Pröschold criticizes the purely phenomenological approach of some UFO research, arguing it prevents the topic from being discussed in mainstream science. Andreas Anton attributes the rejection of the ETH to psychological reasons, such as fear of cultural or existential shock.

Journalist Daniel Gerritzen sees potential for the ETH in UFO research, referencing cases like the Tunguska event and Hessdalen. He points to the COMETA study and the negative media portrayal of UFOs as contributing to the phenomenon's poor reputation.

Kramer further explores the challenges of investigating UFOs, noting that while astrobiology hasn't proven extraterrestrial life, it hasn't ruled it out either. He emphasizes that UFOs are elusive and difficult to study, requiring rigorous scientific methodology, including testable hypotheses and criteria for validity, reliability, and objectivity.

The article touches upon the Hessdalen project, where attempts were made to communicate with phenomena using light signals, resulting in observed changes in their 'blink behavior'. However, the interpretation of these results remains subjective, and alternative explanations like car headlights have been proposed.

Kramer advocates for an agnostic, phenomenological approach that is open to various hypotheses. He discusses the difficulties in applying deductive, hypothesis-driven research to UFOs due to their elusive nature and the reliance on retrospective data. He suggests that comparative data analysis might be more suitable for generating theories.

He also references the work of researchers like Joachim Koch and Hans-Jürgen Kyborg, who claimed communication with alien intelligence via crop circles, a claim Kramer views with skepticism.

The article concludes by stating that while the ETH and Paleo-SETI are logically worth considering, current methodological proposals for their investigation are often immature. Kramer believes that inductive, comparative methods are better suited for exploring the UFO phenomenon at a theoretical level, while acknowledging the possibility of a parallel double-strategy. He notes that a hypothesis-driven UFO research approach faces significant hurdles in making its hypotheses verifiable.

Literatur Rezensionen (Literature Reviews)

John A. Keel: The Man, The Myths, and The Ongoing Mysteries by Brent Raynes

This section reviews a book by UFO researcher Brent Raynes about the life and work of John A. Keel. The review notes that while many discuss Keel, few have actually read his works thoroughly. Raynes' book aims to provide background on both Keel and his theses. The reviewer points out some typographical and editing errors in the self-published book, such as inconsistent formatting and a missing sentence, which could have been avoided with better editing. Despite these issues, the reviewer states that the book covers a wide range of phenomena beyond just UFOs, including ghosts, Bigfoot, and Mothman. It highlights Keel's view of Bigfoot as 'Paraphysical Objects' and emphasizes the role of human consciousness and connections to death in understanding these phenomena. The review mentions Keel's personal experience with a phone call from a deceased friend.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores UFO phenomena from a research-oriented perspective, often delving into the scientific and theoretical challenges of investigating anomalous events. The articles frequently discuss the limitations of current research methodologies, the need for rigorous scientific standards, and the ongoing debate surrounding the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). There is a clear emphasis on critical analysis and a cautious approach to sensational claims, while remaining open to the possibility of genuinely unexplained phenomena. The journal also features reviews of relevant literature, contributing to a broader discourse within the field of UFO research and anomalistics.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, Ausgabe 4-2020, Nr. 250, is a German-language publication from the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.). It features a collection of articles and reviews focusing on various aspects of UFO research and related phenomena. The cover prominently highlights the book "John A. Keel: The Man, The Myths, and The Ongoing Mysteries" by Brent Raynes, suggesting a significant focus on the work of the influential UFO researcher John A. Keel.

Book Reviews

Review of "John A. Keel: The Man, The Myths, and The Ongoing Mysteries" by Brent Raynes

The first major review discusses Brent Raynes' book about John A. Keel. The reviewer notes that the book goes beyond mere tribute, also addressing Keel's critical points and clarifying instances where investigations were not optimal or where errors occurred, such as miswritten names or transposed digits in dates. The reviewer finds it amusing that Keel is still blamed for visitor streams and hobby researchers at Point Pleasant 20 years after the Mothman incidents. Keel is described as a visionary thinker whose approach to phenomena and their integration into a larger framework set standards. The review mentions that Keel, like Jacques Vallée, shared similar conclusions despite differing research methods, particularly regarding hypnosis in abduction phenomena. Keel's analysis of UFO sightings is highlighted, noting that Wednesdays are a key day for sightings, with the peak occurring around 3 AM. It is also suggested that left-handed individuals may be more prone to paranormal experiences. The review also touches upon Keel's observation of a connection between intense sighting experiences and lightning strikes in humans.

The book also features interviews with various researchers, including Rosemary Ellen Guiley, a notable figure in occultism research who passed away in 2019, and Hakan Blomqvist, who manages a large UFO archive. The reviewer notes that while the book is dedicated to Keel, it also explores how he inspired others and broadened horizons. The book is recommended for its numerous unknown cases that illustrate the interconnectedness of various phenomena.

Review of "Jagd auf den Skinwalker" (Hunt for the Skinwalker) by Colm A. Kelleher & George Knapp

This review covers the German translation of the book "Hunt for the Skinwalker," which details the investigation of anomalous phenomena at the Gorman Farm in Utah, known as the "Skinwalker Ranch." The research was conducted by the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), funded by Robert Bigelow. The book is divided into three parts: "The Hotspot," which discusses the history of the investigations and the local Navajo legends of the mythical 'skinwalker' beings; "Beginn der Ermittlungen" (Start of Investigations), detailing NIDS's research activities; and "Nachspiel und Theorien" (Aftermath and Theories), presenting explanations and conclusions. The reviewer describes the narrative as extensive and engaging, aimed at a broad audience. The first part explains that the ranch is located in a region considered a hotspot for anomalous phenomena. The Navajo tradition describes 'skinwalkers' as powerful, malevolent sorcerers, considered the negative counterpart to medicine men. The review mentions frightening encounters with strange, animal-like beings interpreted as 'skinwalkers,' as well as anomalous encounters with hovering apparatuses similar to the Brazilian 'Chupas' – flying devices that use a type of ray weapon. Cattle mutilations are reported, and flying luminous spheres are mentioned as having caused the death of three dogs belonging to the ranch's owner, Tom Gorman.

The second part details the scientific investigations after the Gorman family, burdened by the ongoing incidents, decided to abandon the farm. NIDS acquired the property, and Tom Gorman was hired as the farm's manager. Despite establishing observation and measurement stations, initial results were limited. A significant period of sightings occurred between the summer of 1996 and 1997, including a spectacular event where a small, low-flying light expanded into a large 'light tunnel' from which a large, faceless being emerged. This observation is contextualized within cryptozoological reports like 'Bigfoot' and 'Sasquatch.' After 1997, the frequency of sightings decreased, and NIDS relied primarily on automatic surveillance cameras.

The third part explores scientific and fringe-science speculations for explaining the phenomena, including interdimensional beings, time travelers, 'ultra-terrestrials,' and parallel universes. The book concludes with an anomalistic assessment, rating the phenomena as 'intelligent, extreme anomalies' that overwhelmed the investigation team due to their complexity.

The reviewer expresses mixed feelings, finding the book a solid presentation for those seeking an overview of the 'strangeness' of the subject but deeming the theoretical framework superficial and the narrative style too conversational. The reviewer also notes the absence of a postscript in the German translation that would contextualize the findings within current anomalistic perspectives, suggesting that readers already familiar with anomalistics might not find new information.

Review of "Luftschiffe und Aeronauten: Eine historische Betrachtung des Luftschiffphänomens 1896 bis 1915" (Airships and Aeronauts: A Historical Examination of the Airship Phenomenon 1896 to 1915) edited by Ulrich Magin

This review focuses on a collection of essays edited by Ulrich Magin, examining the airship phenomenon between 1896 and 1915. The period saw a wave of airship sightings, particularly on the American West Coast, sparking speculation about human inventors and even extraterrestrial craft. The book includes contributions from Jerome Clark on airships, Loren E. Gross on UFOs from 1896, Nigel Watson on 'Zeppelins of Fear,' and Ulrich Magin's own piece on 'Airships - A 'modern' Saga.' It also features an appendix on airship sightings in Germany in the early 20th century. The reviewer notes that a significant portion of UFO researchers, regardless of their preferred interpretation, believe these historical observations are connected to the modern UFO phenomenon.

The book is described as a historical examination of the airship phenomenon from 1896 to 1915, with contributions from various authors. The content includes Jerome Clark's essay on airships, Loren E. Gross's historical account of UFOs in 1896, Nigel Watson's exploration of 'Zeppelins of Fear,' and Ulrich Magin's perspective on airships as a 'modern' saga. An appendix covers airship sightings in Germany and the early 20th century. The publication is presented as part of the GEP's current series of publications.

Editorial Content and Information

Publisher's Note

The editor, Hans-Werner Peiniger, opens the issue with a note to the readers. He mentions that if a publisher is not interested in a topic, authors can self-publish. He observes that interest in UFO literature remains high, ensuring a readership for such books. He encourages readers with interesting contributions to the ufological community to share them.

Sightings and Articles

The issue begins with a section of reported sightings, reflecting a cross-section of submitted reports, photos, and videos. The editor defends the inclusion of explained cases, stating they form the majority of their work and are crucial for preventing the distortion of the ufological landscape in Germany by unexplained cases with nonsensical comments on public platforms. André Kramer's article questions whether the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) is regaining prominence in research and discusses the challenges of verifying such a hypothesis, noting that critical UFO researchers have often avoided discussing aliens or extraterrestrial causes for UFO phenomena. Kramer's contribution explores whether this avoidance is necessary and the problems encountered when considering the ETH.

GEP and 'jufof' Information

The journal provides information about the GEP, describing it as Germany's largest non-profit scientific association for UFO research, which employs interdisciplinary methods and collaborates with authorities and institutions. The 'jufof' journal, published since 1980, is presented as a factual and critical publication of the GEP. It includes documented sightings, case classifications, and investigations in its first part, and competent, scientifically-methodical reports, case studies, and international analyses in its second part, rounded off by reviews and reader letters.

Information on how to report UFO sightings is provided, including a telephone hotline, email address, and website. The journal also promotes its own website and online forum for discussion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical and contemporary study of anomalous phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs, cryptids (like Mothman and Skinwalkers), and historical aerial phenomena (airships). The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor, is one of critical, scientific investigation, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly examining all cases, including those that are explained, to maintain the integrity of the ufological field. There is a clear interest in exploring various hypotheses, including the extraterrestrial hypothesis, while acknowledging the challenges in verifying them. The journal also serves as a platform for documenting and analyzing a wide range of reported sightings and research findings, aiming to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the UFO phenomenon.