JUFOF - Issue 251 - 2020 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), Volume 41, Issue 251, dated May 2020, is dedicated to exploring the field of UFO research. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO-Forschung und die ETH: Ein valider Forschungsansatz?" (UFO Research and the ETH: A Valid Research Approach?), suggesting a critical examination of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis. Another significant cover topic is the potential contribution of psychoanalysis to UFO research, under the heading "Was die Psychoanalyse... zur UFO-Forschung beizutragen vermag" (What Psychoanalysis... can contribute to UFO Research).

Editorial

In his editorial, "Liebe Leser," Danny Ammon notes that this issue has become a thematic one, focusing on the explainability of UFOs and related phenomena. He contrasts the presented UFO case documentations, which are mostly older reports identified as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), with two articles that delve into the role of unknown and known beings in UFO experiences. Ammon references a previous article by André Kramer on a sensible UFO research strategy and presents his own analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the ETH, proposing alternative interpretations. He posits that a UFO research that attempts to cover one of its core interest areas with a problematic hypothesis will not yield further insights. Dieter Sträuli's contribution is highlighted for its focus on subject-centered UFO research through the lens of psychoanalysis, drawing interesting analogies with the ETH discussion. Ammon emphasizes the broad spectrum of topics within UFO research, stating that some aspects cannot be analyzed without considering psychological effects, fringe science phenomena, and human social and cultural behavior. He argues that viewing UFOs in "pure culture" is incomplete, as they are not solely technical, psychological, or scientific phenomena. This complexity, he notes, is both the difficulty and the allure of the research field. As researchers, they aim to understand these interactions, analyze experiences in their full impact, and address unresolved questions about UFOs, aiming to demystify them. He concludes by expressing anticipation for future discoveries.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

This section presents several case studies of alleged UFO sightings, with detailed investigations and assessments:

• 20080530 A, Herne-Crange, Germany: A witness submitted a photo showing a strange spot in the sky. The investigation by Hans-Werner Peiniger concluded that the object was an insect caught during a 1/30 second exposure, with its movement blurred by the flash synchronization. The object's appearance was explained by the mechanics of camera flash synchronization.
• 20070418 B, Arnstadt, Germany: A witness provided a photo of a round object in their garden. The investigation, also by Hans-Werner Peiniger, suggested it was likely a frisbee or flying disc, possibly thrown by a child out of frame. The object's position at the edge of the image and its size made it easily overlooked.
• 20081126 A, Bad Münstereifel, Germany: A witness submitted winter landscape photos that, upon closer inspection, revealed unusual light phenomena. Hans-Werner Peiniger identified these as reflections within the camera's window, possibly from one or two light sources in the room, creating double reflections due to the double glazing.
• 20080909 A, Hartheim, Germany: A witness observed a bright object moving from southwest to north. The investigation by Hans-Werner Peiniger identified it as a foil balloon, despite a discrepancy in reported wind direction. The object's appearance and behavior were deemed consistent with a foil balloon.
• 20131026 A, Euthal, Switzerland: During the filming of a music video, a witness captured a dark object on their iPhone. Hans-Werner Peiniger identified this as an insect that flew through the frame during the high-speed (1/1783 s) exposure. The insect's body shape was discernible, but its rapid movement prevented it from appearing as a blur.
• 20160223 A, Schwerin, Germany: A witness created timelapse cloud photos and noticed a point-like object appearing in the sky. The object grew larger, moved against the prevailing wind direction, briefly stopped, and then disappeared when a cloud passed. The investigation by Hans-Werner Peiniger discussed possibilities like a lenticular cloud or an insect. The witness's description of the object's structure, particularly the narrow wings, led to the conclusion that it was likely a large insect.

UFO-Forschung und die ETH: Ein valider Untersuchungsansatz?

This article, referenced in the editorial and on the cover, critically examines the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) as a framework for UFO research. It likely delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this hypothesis, proposing alternative interpretations and questioning its validity as the sole explanatory model for UFO phenomena. The article suggests that a research approach overly reliant on the ETH may limit the discovery of new insights.

Was die Psychoanalyse... zur UFO-Forschung beizutragen vermag

This article, also highlighted on the cover, explores the intersection of psychoanalysis and UFO research. It investigates how psychoanalytic perspectives can offer insights into UFO experiences, potentially revealing psychological factors or archetypal patterns that contribute to the phenomenon. The editorial suggests that this approach aligns with the broader theme of understanding UFOs beyond purely technical or scientific explanations.

Kurz notiert

This section contains brief notes, including a timeline titled "UFOs and Intelligence: A Timeline" by George M. Eberhart (©2020). It references historical accounts, such as Agobard's writings in the 9th century concerning "Magonia" and aerial ships, and a 1547 sighting of a fireball by mariners in Hamburg. It also mentions John Wilkins' 1638 work "The Discovery of a World in the Moone." The timeline appears to be an aggregation of historical accounts relevant to UFO phenomena.

Literatur

This section includes a review of the "Jahrbuch für Kryptozoologie" (Yearbook for Cryptozoology), suggesting a connection between cryptozoology and UFO research, which is further elaborated in the article discussing the ETH.

Impressum

The "Impressum" section provides publication details. The "Herausgeber" (Publisher) is the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., founded in 1972. Contact information, including postal address, phone, fax, and email ([email protected]), is provided. The "Redaktion und verantwortlich im Sinne des Presserechts" (Editorial and responsible in terms of press law) are Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon. The magazine is published bi-monthly on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being honorarium-free. Information for authors is available on their website. The subscription price is €27.00 per year plus postage. Advertising price lists can be requested, and classified ads are free for subscribers and members up to a certain length. Reprints require written permission from GEP e.V. The "Druck" (Printing) is done by bis500 Druck in Ilmenau.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) in UFO research, the exploration of psychoanalytic perspectives on UFO experiences, and the detailed analysis of individual UFO sighting reports. The editorial stance, as articulated by Danny Ammon, is one of open-minded inquiry that integrates various disciplines, including psychology and cultural studies, to understand the complex nature of UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to demystify UFOs by providing thorough investigations and reasoned explanations, while acknowledging the inherent challenges and allure of the subject. The editorial emphasizes that UFOs are not reducible to a single category of explanation and encourages readers to form their own conclusions based on the presented evidence and analyses.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 5-2020, Nr. 251, delves into the complex topic of UFO research, focusing primarily on the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and exploring alternative explanations for unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine features articles by Danny Ammon and Hans-Werner Peiniger, alongside visual aids like photographs, diagrams, and a timeline of alien types.

Article 1: UFO-Forschung und die Extraterrestrische Hypothese: Ein valider Untersuchungsansatz? (UFO Research and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis: A Valid Research Approach?)

Authored by Danny Ammon, this article critically examines the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) as a working hypothesis for UFO research. Ammon begins by defining a hypothesis in a scientific context, emphasizing its role in explaining phenomena and its susceptibility to falsification. He notes that the ETH has been a prominent interpretation since the mid-20th century and has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in German-speaking regions, for guiding UFO research.

The author highlights the need to critically assess the ETH after over 70 years of UFO research, especially considering the development of competing hypotheses in Europe during the 1970s-1990s. Ammon argues that for the ETH to be a useful research tool, it must be concretized with more specific details, allowing for testable predictions and the verification or refutation of cases. He poses several key questions that a concretized ETH would need to address, such as the number of alien species visiting Earth, their origins, the nature of their craft, their motivations, and whether the observed objects are indeed their means of transport.

Ammon points out that despite extensive research, these specific questions remain largely unanswered, leading to a lack of a concrete, testable ETH. He discusses the challenges of applying the ETH, particularly to 'close encounters' (Nahbegegnungen), where the reported behaviors and appearances of alleged extraterrestrials often present contradictions and raise more questions than they answer. He cites Jacques Vallée's five arguments against the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, including the high frequency of close encounters compared to physical exploration needs, the improbability of alien biological structures, the contradictory behavior reported in abduction cases, the phenomenon's presence throughout history, and the apparent ability of UFOs to manipulate space and time.

The article also touches upon the diversity of reported alien types, noting that the variety itself challenges the idea of a single or few extraterrestrial species visiting Earth. Ammon suggests that the inconsistencies in descriptions of alien origins and motivations make it difficult to establish a coherent ETH.

Article 2: Problems for an ETH: Case Studies and Alternative Hypotheses

This section, likely a continuation or related part of Ammon's article, presents specific case studies to illustrate the problems with the ETH. Examples include:

• José Higgins (1947): Encountered three beings over 2m tall who claimed to be from Uranus and used a star map.
• Gary Wilcox (1964): Saw an egg-shaped object and two 1.20m tall beings who said they were from Mars.
• Betty and Barney Hill (1961): Their abduction experience included a star map that later led researchers to a potential star system.
• Carl Higdon (1974): Encountered beings with straw-colored hair and antennae who claimed to be from a planet without fish and visited Earth for fishing.
• John Trasco (1957): Saw a bright, egg-shaped object and a 1m tall being who wanted his dog.
• Joe Simonton (1961): Exchanged a thermos refill for pancakes with three beings.
• Betty Andreasson-Luca (1967): Experienced complex abductions involving out-of-body and near-death experiences.

These cases, along with others like the Phantom Airship wave (1896-97) and the Belgian UFO wave (1989-1992), are presented to highlight the often absurd, contradictory, and unscientific elements that appear in UFO reports. The article emphasizes that these elements are not always attributable to unreliable witnesses or simple errors.

Given these challenges, the article discusses the development of alternative hypotheses since the 1970s, particularly in Europe. These hypotheses often suggest that the reported details of UFO sightings are not necessarily real in a literal sense, without implying conscious deception by the witness. The article contrasts this with a "Nuts-and-Bolts-UFOlogy" which assumes all reported details, including advanced technology, are factual.

Several proponents of alternative interpretations are mentioned:

• Hilary Evans: Viewed 'entity experiences' as culturally shaped visionary events.
• Johannes Fiebag: Proposed the 'mimicry hypothesis,' suggesting an intelligence deceives humans based on cultural expectations.
• John A. Keel: Linked UFOs to 'supernatural' concepts and suggested 'ultraterrestrial' intelligences from other dimensions.
• Bertrand Méheust: Explored connections between UFO sightings and science fiction, favoring a 'parasoziological approach' where pop culture elements are embedded in parapsychological effects.
• Jacques Vallée: Suggested a spiritual control system manipulating reality behind UFO phenomena.

The article categorizes these alternative interpretations into types, including psychosociological hypotheses, which view UFOs/aliens as unknown, culturally influenced psychological phenomena.

Article 3: Meteorological Explanations and Object Characteristics

This section, featuring contributions from Hans-Werner Peiniger, addresses the meteorological aspects of UFO sightings and provides a classification of reported UFO shapes. The article begins by discussing lenticular clouds, explaining how wind currents, wind shear, and condensation levels can create these stationary, lens-shaped clouds that can be mistaken for UFOs. It notes that the wind direction can change with altitude, leading to apparent movement against the prevailing wind.

A key visual element is "Abbildung 1: Ein Beispiel für eine Kategorisierung von Objektformen für ungeklärte Fälle" (Figure 1: An Example of a Categorization of Object Shapes for Unexplained Cases), which lists and illustrates various reported UFO shapes, including:

• Flat Disc
• Domed Disc
• Saturn Disc
• Hemispherical Disc
• Flattened Sphere
• Spherical
• Elliptical
• Triangular
• Cylindrical (Rocket-like)
• Light Source Only

Each category includes examples of specific sightings with dates and locations, along with descriptive terms for the shapes (e.g., "oval," "lens-shaped," "hat-shaped," "Saturn-shaped," "diamond-shaped," "mushroom-shaped," "football," "egg-shaped," "cigar-shaped," "star-like").

The article also includes a diagram illustrating "Unterschiedliche Windrichtungen bei naheliegenden Luftströmungen" (Different Wind Directions in Nearby Air Currents), showing how wind direction and speed change with altitude, which is relevant to understanding atmospheric phenomena that might be mistaken for UFOs.

Article 4: Alien Time Line

"Abbildung 2: Beispiele und Zuordnungen beschriebener unbekannter Wesen in UFO-Fällen aus >>Joe Nickell's Alien Timeline (Nickell, 1997)" (Figure 2: Examples and Assignments of Described Unknown Beings in UFO Cases from >>Joe Nickell's Alien Timeline (Nickell, 1997)<<) presents a visual timeline of reported alien types and encounters from 1947 to the present. The timeline includes various categories of beings, such as:

• Little green men
• Otherworldly beings bathed in light
• Flatwoods Monster
• 'Hairy Dwarfs'
• 'Cyclops'
• 'Robots'
• 'Mothman'
• 'Three-eyed giant ant'
• 'Insectoid'
• 'Reptilian'
• 'Lizard Man'
• 'Fairy'
• 'Bigfoot'-like creatures
• Travis Walton abduction figures
• Standard novelty-art conceptions

This timeline illustrates the evolution of alien depictions in popular culture and UFO reports over several decades.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) in UFO research. The journal consistently questions the validity and testability of the ETH, highlighting the inconsistencies and lack of empirical evidence supporting it. There is a strong emphasis on exploring alternative explanations, including meteorological phenomena and psychological or cultural influences, rather than solely relying on extraterrestrial interpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor a more rigorous, scientific approach to UFO research, advocating for testable hypotheses and a critical evaluation of all evidence, while acknowledging the complexity and enduring mystery of the phenomenon. The journal also seems to promote a historical perspective, tracing the evolution of UFO sightings, alien depictions, and research methodologies over time.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 5-2020, Nr. 251, focuses on the intersection of psychoanalysis and UFO research. The main article, "Was die Psychoanalyse zur UFO-Forschung beizutragen vermag" (What Psychoanalysis Can Contribute to UFO Research) by Dieter Sträuli, posits that UFO observation inherently involves a subjective component where the human observer plays a critical role. Sträuli suggests that psychoanalytic methods can illuminate this component.

Psychoanalytic Theory and UFO Research

Sträuli begins by characterizing UFO research as potentially suffering from a 'neurosis' marked by frustration, future anxiety, and general uncertainty, often leading to blame directed at external factors like 'UFO sects,' inconsistent data collection, or withheld government archives. He identifies an epistemological problem rooted in the definition of 'UFO,' particularly the ambiguity of the 'U' (Unidentified). He argues that a UFO is not merely a material object but an experience, the encounter of a subject with an object, which he relates to Lacan's concept of 'object a.'

Given that mainstream UFO research has struggled to define its subject matter clearly over 70 years, Sträuli advocates for a broader scientific theory that includes not only the purported material object but also the surrounding context: the language used to codify the phenomenon and the subjective experience of the observer. He notes that incorporating the subjective is often shunned in empirical science but argues it is difficult to exclude in UFO research.

He proposes that the UFO phenomenon is encoded in language and that the subject's experience is paramount. This approach aligns with psychoanalytic practice where the patient is encouraged to speak freely about all associations. Sträuli suggests that by framing research as a process within a subject structure, it becomes possible to analyze objects whose ontological status is questionable, like UFOs.

The Nature of UFOs and Hypotheses

Sträuli lists several hypotheses concerning the origin of UFOs/Aliens:

• Parapsychological Hypotheses: UFOs/Aliens arise from the unknown parapsychological abilities of witnesses.
• Interdimensional Hypotheses: UFOs/Aliens are entities from outside our space-time continuum.
• Time Traveler Hypotheses: UFOs/Aliens are (us) from the future.
• Anthropogenic Hypotheses: UFOs are man-made (e.g., military).
• Zoological Hypotheses: UFOs are unknown life forms.
• Geophysical Hypotheses: UFOs are unknown natural phenomena.
• Null Hypothesis: UFOs/Aliens are generally explainable by known causes.

He notes that the first four hypotheses are often reactions to problems encountered when applying the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and have been advocated by UFO researchers.

Sträuli emphasizes that the ETH, while a valid starting point, should not ignore decades of European UFO research. He points out that the general concept of ETH is difficult to confirm or falsify, and concrete, verifiable forms are lacking after 70 years of research. This is attributed to the ambiguous nature of UFO experiences: unclear origin, unclear motivation of visitors, cultural adaptation of forms and appearances, and the presence of unbelievable or absurd elements.

He acknowledges that alternative hypotheses also face challenges, often explaining the phenomenon with equally unknown phenomena or becoming unfalsifiable by attempting to explain too much absurdity.

The Role of the Subject and the 'Great Other'

Sträuli introduces Lacanian psychoanalytic concepts. The 'subject' ($, split by language into conscious and unconscious) is distinct from the 'ego.' The subject is not a substantial entity but a network of connections. The 'great other' represents language itself—its structure, grammar, and rhetoric—which is always present and shapes our reality. It is an independent entity that we relate to, and it mediates our understanding of truth and falsehood.

The 'Object a' and UFO Experiences

Entry into language profoundly changes the subject, making direct relationships with people and things impossible; everything is mediated by words. Sträuli suggests that phenomena like 'High Strangeness,' 'Missing Time,' and the 'Oz-Factor' might indicate a search for an alternative state beyond everyday linguistic immersion. He posits that humans experience a lack, a 'hole in the world,' which Lacan calls 'object a.' This lack is filled by seeking objects of desire, and UFOs could serve this function, helping reconcile existence in a cold, hostile universe.

He illustrates this with three examples of 'phantasmas' related to UFO experiences:

1. The Phantasma of the Withheld Object: This involves a belief that something is unjustly denied (e.g., by parents, the state), often projected onto government secrecy or organizations like 'Majestic 12' and 'Roswell.' It allows the subject to maintain belief in the object while avoiding transition to new projects and externalizing blame.
2. The Subject's Desire to Merge with the 'Great Other': This involves esoteric UFO visions where the UFO symbolizes a benevolent cosmos. The subject seeks to merge with this entity, denying its separateness.
3. UFO Abductions: Here, the 'great other' is powerful and its logic is beyond human comprehension. The relationship is described as sadistic, with the 'other' using the subject for its own purposes, treating the subject as an object. This can be linked to sexual trauma, but Sträuli differentiates between personal and cultural phantasmas.

He also mentions a fourth category: encounters with extraterrestrials that involve seeking a 'similar' yet different being ('semblable').

The GEP and the Future of UFO Research

Sträuli discusses the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), a UFO research organization, noting its extensive archive and documentation of the UFO myth, which he considers a significant myth of the latter half of the 20th century.

He proposes a paradigm shift for the GEP, suggesting they move away from treating the UFO as a material object and redefine it as a construct of signifiers, phantasma, and 'object a.' This would allow researchers to focus on the subjective experience and the underlying desires, rather than getting bogged down in debates about the authenticity of photos and reports.

He suggests that categories like 'GOOD UFO' and 'High Strangeness' are derived from the subject and phantasma and should be shifted to describe subjective experiences and desires. He also touches upon 'Pre-astronautics' as another significant 20th-century myth worthy of critical examination.

Ultimately, Sträuli argues that a psychoanalytic deconstruction of the 'UFO' object can lead to a new phase of UFO research, enabling researchers to navigate the complex landscape of hypotheses and discourses more effectively.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for a shift in UFO research methodology, moving beyond purely empirical or extraterrestrial-focused approaches. It emphasizes the importance of subjectivity, the role of language and cultural narratives (myths), and the psychological underpinnings of witness experiences. The editorial stance appears to support a more interdisciplinary approach, integrating psychoanalytic and cultural studies perspectives to understand the complex phenomenon of UFOs as a cultural and psychological construct rather than solely as physical craft.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Issue 5-2020, Nr. 251) is a German-language publication from the GEP e.V., focusing on UFO research and related anomalous phenomena. It features a mix of news, reviews, and historical analyses.

Current News and Noteworthy Items

"Kurz notiert Aktuelle Meldungen" (Briefly Noted Current Reports)

This section highlights recent developments in UFO research. A significant entry is George M. Eberhart's comprehensive "Zeitleiste: UFOs und Nachrichtendienste" (Timeline: UFOs and Intelligence Services), published in August 2020. This extensive timeline, available as a 625-page PDF, covers UFO history from Agobard of Lyon in 818 AD up to the newly established UAP Task Force in 2020. It includes UFO cases and projects involving secret and intelligence agencies. The timeline is rich with cross-references and further reading suggestions, making it a valuable resource for research projects. It can be downloaded for free from the academic platform academia.edu.

Another item discusses the GWUP's (Gesellschaft zur Wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Paraphänomenen) engagement with psychoanalysis, specifically referencing a review of Michel Onfray's book "Anti Freud: Die Psychoanalyse wird entzaubert" (Anti Freud: Psychoanalysis Demystified) in the publication "Skeptiker". The author of this section criticizes the GWUP for engaging with what they consider an "unscientific" book on Freud, arguing that it ignores a broader body of critical psychoanalytic literature. Dieter Sträuli, a psychologist and president of the Fachstelle für Sektenfragen infoSekta in Zurich, is mentioned in relation to this topic.

Literature Reviews

"Jahrbuch für Kryptozoologie" (Yearbook for Cryptozoology)

This review covers the first issue of the "Jahrbuch für Kryptozoologie" (Yearbook for Cryptozoology), published in July 2020. The reviewer notes the frequent overlap between reports of Bigfoot-like creatures and UFO sightings, as well as the association of cryptids like the Chupacabra and Mothman with UFO phenomena. The "Netzwerk für Kryptozoologie" (NfK), a network of German-speaking researchers studying cryptids, is introduced. The yearbook, a 240-page publication, features contributions from 14 authors categorized into "Große Beiträge" (Major Articles), "Kleine Beiträge" (Minor Articles), "Fall-Berichte" (Case Reports), and "Mitteilungen aus dem Netzwerk für Kryptoozoologie (NfK)" (Communications from the Network for Cryptozoology). The articles are presented with scientific rigor, including abstracts in German and English, and sometimes French or Spanish. The reviewer points out that the distinction between case reports and NfK communications is not entirely clear, suggesting a more detailed editorial introduction would be beneficial in future issues. The yearbook covers a diverse range of cryptids, including sea monsters, hybrids, serpentine creatures, dog-like animals, and humanoids like Bigfoot and Chinese wildmen. The reviewer suggests that the methods used in cryptozoological research, such as analyzing narratives, interviewing witnesses, and conducting on-site investigations, offer analogies to UFO research. The publication aims to provide an overview of the field while allowing for in-depth exploration of specific topics.

"Begegnung der fünften Art" (Encounter of the Fifth Kind)

This is a review of a book by Dieter Roeskens titled "Begegnung der fünften Art," which explores his experiences with telepathy and his belief that it is a means of contact with extraterrestrials. The book posits that such contact has already occurred but is not publicly known, linking it to political and economic reasons for secrecy. The reviewer describes the book as essential for anyone interested in UFOs.

"Luftschiffe und Aeronauten" (Airships and Aeronauts)

This section reviews a publication edited by Ulrich Magin titled "Luftschiffe und Aeronauten: Eine historische Betrachtung des Luftschiffphänomens 1896 bis 1915" (Airships and Aeronauts: A Historical Consideration of the Airship Phenomenon 1896 to 1915). The publication examines the wave of airship sightings that occurred primarily on the American West Coast and across the country in 1896-1897. These sightings, involving dirigible balloons, sparked speculation ranging from human inventors to extraterrestrial spacecraft. The reviewer notes that a significant portion of UFO researchers believe these historical observations are connected to the modern UFO phenomenon, regardless of their preferred interpretation. The publication 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," along with an appendix on airship sightings in Germany from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The publication is available from GEP.

GEP and UFO Information

GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens)

The GEP is described as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research. They investigate UFO reports through questionnaires, interviews, field studies, and background information analysis, employing an interdisciplinary approach supported by various authorities and institutions.

"jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung)

The "jufof" has been critically documenting the UFO phenomenon since 1980. As the official publication of the GEP, it includes documentation of incoming sighting reports, their classification, and case investigations. The journal also features competent, scientifically-methodical articles on the UFO phenomenon, case studies, and international reports and analyses, rounded off by a review and reader letter section.

UFO Definition

A UFO is defined as the reported perception of an object or light in the sky or on the ground whose appearance, trajectory, and general dynamic and luminous behavior cannot be explained by conventional means, and which remains unidentifiable after thorough examination of all available evidence by technically qualified individuals.

UFO Reporting

Information is provided on how to report UFO sightings to the GEP. Contact can be made via telephone (02351-23377), email ([email protected]), or through their websites (www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de), which also offer a web forum and chat. The GEP assures prompt contact with those who submit reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical aspects of UFO phenomena, the intersection of UFO research with other anomalous fields like cryptozoology and psychoanalysis, and the methodologies employed in investigating these subjects. The GEP's stance, as reflected in the "jufof," is one of critical, scientific, and interdisciplinary investigation of UFO reports, aiming for objective analysis and documentation. The publication encourages looking beyond the immediate UFO phenomenon to understand related anomalous events and historical accounts.