JUFOF - Issue 252 - 2020 06

Magazine Overview

Title: Jufof
Issue: 06-2020, Jg. 41, Nr. 252
Date: June 2020
Publisher: GEP e.V. (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens)
Price: 4,50 Euro
ISSN: 0723-7766

This issue of Jufof, the journal for UFO research, focuses on historical UFO reports from 1950, specifically examining how the term 'flying saucer' (Fliegende Untertasse) became established in German-speaking media. The editorial by Hans-Werner Peiniger reflects on the year 2020, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of conspiracy theories, drawing parallels to the need for critical evaluation of information in UFO research. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to established facts, a principle that guides the GEP's work, especially when analyzing witness reports and historical accounts.

Article: Fliegende Untertassen... ...in deutschsprachigen Presseberichten 1950

Authored by André Kramer, this main article delves into the media landscape of 1950 concerning unidentified flying objects. It notes that while 'flying saucers' or 'flying discs' were terms used previously, 1950 saw the term 'Fliegende Untertasse' gain traction in German-speaking regions. The article analyzes numerous press reports from the era, often referencing statements by Donald Keyhoe and investigations by the US Air Force (Projects Sign and Grudge). Key themes include:

• US-centric reporting: Many cases originated from the USA, attributed to the extensive radar and radio direction-finding systems present there.
• Specific incidents: Reports detail sightings such as a spherical object near Fort Knox, a luminous, grenade-like object over Robbins Base, and a bluish, cigar-shaped object with a fiery tail near Montgomery.
• European sightings: Cases from Europe, including Germany, are also mentioned.
• Media sensationalism and hoaxes: Some articles highlight instances where editors created April Fools' jokes related to UFOs, which later appeared in literature as genuine reports.

Kramer meticulously lists and summarizes dozens of newspaper articles from January to March 1950, detailing the reported objects, locations, and witness accounts. Examples include:

• January 26, 1950 ('Die Welt'): Discusses 300 UFO cases investigated by the US Air Force, citing Donald Keyhoe.
• January 27, 1950 ('Badische Neueste Nachrichten'): Reports on Keyhoe's statement about the US Air Force commission.
• March 1, 1950 ('Hamburger Abendblatt'): Describes a disc-shaped object near the Elbe, with a dome-like structure, possibly a prank involving miniature hot air balloons.
• March 3, 1950 ('Badische Neueste Nachrichten' & 'Passauer Neue Presse'): Reports on a silver object descending in Venice and a spherical object crashing in the Saarland, described as a 'flying saucer' and possibly linked to Mars.
• March 11, 1950 ('Westfälische Nachrichten'): Details a report by chemist Dimmick about a UFO crash in Mexico, involving a small, mummified alien.
• March 13, 1950 ('Mittelbayrische Zeitung'): Quotes Archduke Otto von Habsburg suggesting UFOs could be advanced V-weapons developed by the Soviets.
• March 14, 1950 ('Westfälische Nachrichten'): Reports on UFO sightings in Mexico and Syria.
• March 17, 1950 ('Badische Neueste Nachrichten'): Discusses a spherical UFO crashing in the Saarland, with speculation about Martians.
• March 18, 1950 ('Frankfurter Neue Presse'): Features four Mexican pilots' account of a flying saucer.
• March 20, 1950 ('Tagespost Freiburg i. Br.'): Repeats the Mexican pilots' report and adds an Italian sighting of a disc-shaped object with a smoke cloud.
• March 20, 1950 ('Abendpost Frankfurt/M.'): Mentions sightings in Montevideo (Uruguay), Turkey, and New Mexico, with a 'squadron' of silver discs.
• March 21, 1950 ('Frankfurter Rundschau'): Cites an American survey indicating one in four Americans believes in flying saucers, with various explanations including extraterrestrial visitors and secret government projects.
• March 22, 1950 ('Abendpost'): Reports on flight captain Jack Adams sighting a flying saucer over Stuttgart.

Article: UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

This section presents an unpublished archival case from March 9, 2008, in Eisenach, Germany. Witness Thomas G. reported an oval-shaped object with red and green lights, observed at an altitude of 40-50 meters and a distance of 1.5 km. The object moved from south to west, then north, hovered briefly, and then flew away. The investigation, led by Hans-Werner Peiniger, classified the sighting as an IFO (Identified Flying Object) / V3. The analysis discusses the possibility of the object being a conventional aircraft, such as a helicopter, noting that the lights described are typical for such vehicles. However, the witness's description and the lack of clear photographic evidence lead to a cautious conclusion. The article includes a sketch of the object and discusses potential explanations, including drones and blimps, ultimately concluding that while some aspects point to a conventional aircraft, the overall fit is not perfect, justifying the IFO classification.

Literature

This section includes reviews of recent book titles. One prominent review is for "Geheime Schatten aus dem All" (Secret Shadows from the Universe), described as a xeno-astrobiological documentation about a real third kind of technology, focusing on 'UFOs in our Solar System'.

Impressum

The "Impressum" section details the publisher, GEP e.V., founded in 1972, providing contact information and bank details. It also names the editors responsible for the content, Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon. The section clarifies that articles and literature reviews do not necessarily reflect the views of GEP. It states that unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for and that the journal is published bi-monthly on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being honorarium-free. Information for authors is available on the GEP website. Subscription prices are listed, with a discount for GEP members. Advertising prices are available upon request, and classified ads are free for subscribers and members up to a certain length. Reprinting requires written permission from GEP.

The issue is printed by bis500 Druck in Ilmenau and is copyrighted 2020 by GEP e.V.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO phenomena, grounded in factual analysis and historical research. The editorial stance, as articulated by Hans-Werner Peiniger, emphasizes the importance of 'sticking to established facts' and critically questioning claims, whether they pertain to contemporary conspiracy theories or historical UFO reports. The journal aims to provide a platform for documented sightings and their rigorous evaluation, distinguishing between credible evidence and speculation. The focus on 1950s press reports highlights the historical evolution of UFO discourse and the media's role in shaping public perception. The classification of sightings as IFO (Identified Flying Object) or other categories underscores the journal's commitment to a scientific and analytical approach to the subject matter.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), dated 6-2020 and numbered 252, focuses heavily on reports and discussions surrounding "Fliegende Untertassen" (Flying Saucers) primarily from the year 1950, with a few references to earlier or later periods. The publication appears to be a German-language periodical dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects.

Key Articles and Reports

The issue compiles numerous news clippings and reports from various newspapers and magazines, detailing sightings and theories about flying saucers from different countries.

Early 1950 Sightings and Reports:

• Germany: Reports from Berlin (Innsbrucker Platz) describe circular, silvery objects hovering and emitting flames. Sightings were also noted in Nuremberg and other German locations. A report from Weener details a "mass panic" following sightings of "flying saucers" and mentions "photos" that appear to be painted works.
• Mexico: Numerous sightings are reported, including discs rotating on their axis at high altitudes and flying away at great speed. One report mentions the sky being covered with silver discs over Tuxtla Guttierrez.
• Italy: Scientists in Como and villagers in Asiago reported sightings of flying saucers.
• Portugal: Coast guards reportedly sighted dozens of flying saucers moving faster than tracer bullets.
• USA: Reports mention sightings in various locations, including Arizona (Monument Valley, where a saucer was allegedly shot down and disintegrated), Death Valley, Farmington, and Memphis, Tennessee. The "Untertassen-Psychose" (saucer psychosis) is mentioned as prevalent.
• Cuba: Pilot Miguel Murciano reported encounters with a large, shiny object flying at high speed and later measured a UFO with a theodolite.
• Sweden: Four objects were seen near Halmstad, described as red-glowing spheres with smoke trails.
• Mediterranean: An Egyptian airliner pilot and co-pilot reported seeing three silver flying saucers flying at supersonic speed southwest of Haifa.

Theories and Explanations:

• Secret Military Projects: Several articles suggest that flying saucers are secret aircraft developed by the US Navy or Air Force. The "XF 5 U" is mentioned as a revolutionary aircraft project. Henry Taylor, a radio moderator, claims that flying saucers are real and are various models of secret US Air Force developments. Some reports suggest these are advanced, possibly German-designed, aircraft developed by the US or Soviets, capable of extreme speeds.
• German Wartime Technology: Guiseppe Belluzzo, an inventor, claims that flying saucers were a joint German-Italian project developed by Hitler and Mussolini starting in 1942, intended for carrying long-range projectiles. He claims to have invented a 10-meter diameter saucer himself, but his plans disappeared in 1943. Kurt Schnittke, identified as a colleague of Belluzzo, suggests that German engineers involved in such projects may have gone to the Soviet Union.
• Extraterrestrial Origin: Some reports, including one referencing astronomer Fred Hoyle and biologist Darlington, entertain the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations and spacecraft. The idea of "Mars-people" is also presented, with purported authentic images of a "Mars-man" captured in Arizona.
• Atmospheric Phenomena/Hoaxes: Some scientific explanations suggest that sightings could be due to dense air masses or atmospheric phenomena. The article "Saison in Untertassen. Die Menschen brauchen ihre Sensationen" ironically suggests that scientists might be taking away people's sensations by offering conventional explanations. The issue also mentions an April Fools' prank by a newspaper involving a flying saucer crash and the "capture" of an alien.
• Soviet Involvement: Speculation arises that Soviet Russia might be developing or testing flying saucers, possibly based on captured German technology.

Official Denials and Skepticism:

• The US Department of Defense stated that no evidence for the existence of flying saucers existed.
• The US Navy denied reports about the XF 5 U being a flying saucer, stating it was a prototype aircraft project that had been completed and scrapped.
• The British Air Force stated that 95% of investigated sightings could be explained conventionally, with the remaining 5% lacking sufficient data.
• A Swiss report from an American naval air station suggested that flying saucers were remotely controlled US aircraft developed in California.

Specific Incidents and Details:

• Arizona Incident (March 24, 1950): A flying saucer was photographed over Monument Valley, Arizona. According to the report, it was shot down by anti-aircraft rockets and disintegrated into about twenty silver capsules that fell to Earth. A subsequent report from "Death Valley" described "ghostly invasions" with lights and figures moving weightlessly.
• Weener Incident (April 1, 1950): A detailed report from Weener, Germany, describes sightings of "flying saucers" causing a stir. A photograph is presented as the "only photo taken from such close range." The article discusses the possibility of these being extraterrestrial craft, possibly drawn by atomic explosions or rocket tests.
• Wiesbaden Incident (April 1, 1950): A report mentions a flying saucer crashing on the Bleidenstadler Kopf, with a crew member allegedly taken into custody. However, this is later revealed to be an April Fools' joke.
• Memphis Incident (July 15, 1950): Two US Navy flyers and an electrical engineer encountered a flying saucer, which was detected by radar at an altitude of 2,900 meters and a speed of 320 km/h. Their pursuit aircraft could not catch it.
• Philadelphia Incident (October 2, 1950): A two-meter diameter flying saucer reportedly landed in a field near Philadelphia. When police attempted to inspect it, the object dissolved completely, leaving a sticky residue on their hands. The object was so light that it did not bend the plants it landed on.

Notable Figures and Quotes:

• Henry Taylor: A radio moderator who strongly advocated for the reality of flying saucers and their connection to secret US military projects.
• Guiseppe Belluzzo: An Italian inventor who claimed to have worked on flying saucer designs during WWII.
• Hermann Oberth: A scientist who believed flying saucers could be atomic-powered vehicles and claimed to have designed such a craft, while denying they were Third Reich inventions.
• Quote: "The 'Flying Saucers' are nothing more, to put it all together again, than the latest product of the most modern flight technology."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread reports of flying saucer sightings in 1950, the diverse and often contradictory explanations offered (ranging from secret technology to extraterrestrial origins), and the official denials from various governments. The journal appears to present these reports with a degree of seriousness, while also acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of hoaxes or misidentifications. The editorial stance seems to be one of open investigation into the phenomenon, presenting various viewpoints and evidence without definitively concluding on the nature of the objects. There's a clear fascination with the technological aspects, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial, and a recognition of the public's interest in these "sensations."

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated Ausgabe 6-2020 and designated NR. 252, delves into the UFO phenomenon as it was perceived and reported in 1950. The content primarily focuses on a detailed examination of newspaper articles and public discourse surrounding 'Fliegende Untertassen' (Flying Saucers) during that pivotal year.

The Media Landscape of 1950

The issue notes that by 1950, the term 'Flying Saucer' had become widely adopted, and media coverage often assumed a certain level of reader familiarity with the topic. While many reports were factual, an ironic undertone was sometimes present. A significant point is the impact of April Fools' Day hoaxes, such as the 'Flying Saucer over Weener' incident, which were sometimes presented as genuine news and have since become part of UFO folklore.

Gerald Heard's Extensive Series

A central focus of the issue is the comprehensive article series by Gerald Heard, published in 'Die Welt' between October 28 and November 10, 1950. Heard's series, titled 'Beobachter aus dem Weltenraum?' (Observers from Outer Space?), is presented as a factual report on the 'strangest present-day problem of humanity.'

Part 1: Early Cases and the Maury Island Incident (Die Welt, 28.10.1950)

Heard begins by recounting significant UFO reports since 1947, starting with the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the Maury Island case. He discusses alleged fragments of volcanic rock-like material recovered from the Maury Island incident and the subsequent crash of two officers who were transporting these fragments.

Part 2: Mantell, Gorman, and Dutch Sightings (Die Welt, 30.10.1950)

This part elaborates on the crash of Captain Mantell, a sighting in the Netherlands, and the case of George Gorman, who attempted to intercept a small, white sphere.

Part 3: The 'Silent Typhoon' and Energy Sources (Die Welt, 31.10.1950)

Heard explores the possibility that Flying Saucers operate on an unknown energy source. He cites the case of an object observed near the Idaho power plant in Boise on February 20, 1948, which was estimated to be the size of a medium aircraft at an altitude of 1,300 meters. A peculiar, foamy emission was observed on its underside, which Heard suggested could be evidence of an exotic energy form.

Part 4: Government Intervention (Die Welt, 1.11.1950)

This section continues the account of the April 1949 sighting at White Sands, describing a disc flying at 100 km altitude at 300 km/h, which made a sudden upward leap, seemingly under immense G-forces. Commander McLaughlin also reported an encounter with a fast-moving object.

Part 5: Public Reception and Theories (Die Welt, 2.11.1950)

Heard examines how the UFO topic was received in newspapers and official circles, noting a spectrum of opinions ranging from outright dismissal to the hypothesis of secret terrestrial technology or something entirely unknown.

Part 6: Secret Government Developments? (Die Welt, 3.11.1950)

Military pilots are quoted suggesting that Flying Saucers might be secret developments of the U.S. government.

Part 7: Searching for the Origin (Die Welt, 4.11.1950)

Heard questions whether Flying Saucers could be terrestrial aircraft, noting that no one has witnessed them taking off or landing. He begins to systematically rule out terrestrial origins by considering global regions and countries.

Part 8: New Surprises and Technological Limits (Die Welt, 5.11.1950)

Heard dismisses the idea of terrestrial secret technology due to the immense speeds and anomalous flight behaviors (abrupt turns, sudden leaps) reported, which he believes exceed current human capabilities. He also questions how pilots could withstand such forces and what propulsion system could enable them.

Part 9: A Giant Explodes (Die Welt, 6.11.1950)

This part addresses conflicting accounts of Flying Saucer fragments, referencing the Maury Island case and a report of a disc over the USA that shed debris. It also mentions a spherical object exploding over Seattle.

Part 10: Strange Guests in Texas (Die Welt, 7.11.1950)

Heard recounts the July 1948 case in Alice, Texas, where a silvery sphere hovered for two days before departing upon the approach of two aircraft. Heard concludes that the pilots of these craft must be intelligent, alien beings.

Part 11: Are the Planets Inhabitable? (Die Welt, 8.11.1950)

Heard discusses the habitability of planets. He notes that Mercury is too hot and Venus, being younger and covered in a thick carbon dioxide cloud layer, might support plant life but not complex life forms like humans. He considers the possibility of life on Mars.

Part 12: The Dispute Over Mars (Die Welt, 9.11.1950)

While astronomers generally do not consider Mars a likely habitat for life, Heard references Lowell's 'Martian canals' as potential artificial structures from a Martian civilization. He dismisses Jupiter and Saturn as gas giants unsuitable for life.

Part 13: The Riddle Remains Unsolved (Die Welt, 10.11.1950)

Heard revisits the Maury Island slag findings, noting a chemical analysis revealed titanium and calcium. He speculates these might be from Mars, referencing a possible Martian explosion observed by Japanese researchers. He concludes that Flying Saucers must be intelligent constructions far beyond terrestrial technology, but the riddle remains unsolved.

Other Reports and Analysis

"Silent Discs Over England"

Staff at London Airport reported a white fireball with a blue flame tail and a hissing sound on the night of November 6-7, 1950. While some speculated it was a jet or meteor, others disagreed. The report notes frequent UFO sightings over England prior to this, often described as silent discs moving at high speed.

German Press Reception and Theories

The issue notes that in 1950, the idea of secret German weapon technology was popular, with some attributing Flying Saucer sightings to such developments. However, scientists like Hermann Oberth denied any such tests in Peenemünde. The article also mentions claims by Guiseppe Belluzzo and other developers who asserted they had invented Flying Saucers, attributing them to either Americans or Russians.

The Vought XF5U 'Flying Pancake'

A photograph of the Vought V-173 'Flying Pancake' is shown, described as a development of circular-wing aircraft. The article notes that several nations worked on such designs, finding the flight characteristics of a flying disc appealing, especially for vertical takeoff.

The Roswell Incident and April Fools' Jokes

The issue highlights the significant impact of an April Fools' joke from the Wiesbaden Tagblatt on April 3, 1950. The accompanying photograph, allegedly showing officials escorting a small alien, was even included in the 1980 book 'Roswell' by Berlitz and Moore. The article clarifies that this was a retouched photo of photographer Hans Scheffler's son, transformed into an alien with a breathing apparatus. The journal stresses the importance of source criticism, especially regarding such hoaxes that continue to circulate.

Other Cases and Interpretations

Reports of a 'sparking UFO crash' are mentioned, though treated with irony. The issue also touches upon the 'ghost rockets' of Sweden in 1946. It discusses the debate around whether UFOs could be permanent flying satellites, a theory that Heard considered plausible given the lack of observed takeoffs or landings. However, the article points out that the first artificial satellite was only launched in 1957, highlighting the limited knowledge base of 1950.

The Maury Island incident is emphasized for its complexity and its contribution to modern UFO folklore. Kenneth Arnold is recognized for popularizing the term 'Flying Saucer,' but the Maury Island case is presented as having more components that shaped UFO mythology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive presence of UFO sightings and reports in 1950, the media's role in shaping public perception, and the ongoing debate about the origin of these phenomena. The editorial stance emphasizes the need for critical source evaluation, particularly in light of hoaxes and misinformation that have persisted over time. The journal highlights the historical context of 1950, a period of intense interest and speculation surrounding Flying Saucers, and underscores how early interpretations and theories have evolved with advancing scientific knowledge.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, identified as AUSGABE 6-2020 NR. 252, published by GEP e.V., focuses on book reviews and articles related to UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features a review of the book "Geheime Schatten aus dem All oder Wir sind hier! Eine xeno-astrobiologische Dokumentation über eine reale Technik der dritten Art" by GIANCARLO H.

Book Review: Geheime Schatten aus dem All oder Wir sind hier!

The review, penned by Hans-Werner Peiniger, delves into Giancarlo H.'s book, which purports to present evidence of extraterrestrial (ET) technology solely through video material. The author claims to have contacted NASA and JAXA for support, stating that the book is "80% reality and 20% speculative science-fiction." Giancarlo H. asserts that the presence of an intelligent xeno-civilization is undeniable and proposes that this field should be termed "xeno-astrobiology" rather than UFO research.

The book's premise is that through video analysis, the author has identified and categorized current sightings, determining object sizes and speeds, and reconstructing a "fantastic propulsion technology." The author claims to have obtained video footage of flying objects over the "Vatican's sovereign territory," describing them as a "synergistic ET-Drone-Technik (Glob 1)" with smaller "Glob2" drones, which appear to operate "xeno-scientifically."

Peiniger expresses skepticism, noting that the author's initial information was insufficient and that his own analysis of provided images suggested insects rather than ET craft. The author's claim of objects moving at 1700 km/h is also questioned. Peiniger highlights that the book's photos are often extreme close-ups, making it difficult to assess their quality and origin, and that the author does not provide sufficient sources for the original images or films.

Further critique is leveled at the author's methodology, which involves estimating distances and calculating speeds using basic tools. Peiniger points out that the author fails to consider simpler explanations, such as insects, for the observed phenomena. The reviewer also debunks the author's interpretation of "Glob 1 drones in the airspace of Mexico" as flaring gas from oil extraction facilities, not alien technology.

Peiniger concludes that the book offers no new insights into UFO research and serves as an example of how someone can pursue a fixed idea without adequate research or consideration of conventional explanations. The book was printed in a small edition and is not widely available, contributing to its potential rarity.

Book Review: Luftschiffe und Aeronauten

The issue also reviews "Luftschiffe und Aeronauten" (Airships and Aeronauts), edited by Ulrich Magin. This book provides a historical perspective on the airship phenomenon between 1896 and 1915, a period marked by a wave of airship sightings, particularly on the American West Coast. The review notes that interpretations of these events ranged from social panic to secret human inventions, and even extraterrestrial spacecraft.

A significant portion of UFO researchers, regardless of their preferred interpretation, believe these historical observations are connected to the modern UFO phenomenon. The book's content includes contributions from Jerome Clark on "Luftschiffe" (Airships), Loren E. Gross on "UFOs: Eine Historie - 1896" (UFOs: A History - 1896), Nigel Watson on "Zeppeline der Angst" (Zeppelins of Fear), and Ulrich Magin himself on "Airships - Eine 'moderne' Sage" ('modern' Saga). An appendix covers airship sightings in Germany from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The book is described as a 122-page, paperback publication in DIN A5 format with illustrations, priced at €10.00 (€8.00 for GEP members). It is part of a series of publications from GEP.

GEP and jufof Information

The journal also provides information about the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), described as the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. It details the GEP's methods, including questionnaires, interviews, and interdisciplinary analysis, supported by various authorities and institutions.

The "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung) is presented as a publication that has critically documented the UFO phenomenon since 1980. Each issue includes documentation of UFO reports, their classification, and case studies, alongside scientific and methodological articles on the UFO phenomenon and international reports. It also features a review and reader letter section.

Definitions of UFO and UFO reports are provided, along with contact information for reporting UFO sightings via phone, email, and the GEP/jufof websites. The issue concludes with ordering information for the reviewed books and GEP membership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO-related literature and the historical context of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the book reviews, is one of scientific rigor and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing the importance of verifiable evidence, proper methodology, and consideration of conventional explanations. The GEP and its journal, "jufof," position themselves as scientific, interdisciplinary organizations dedicated to the serious, critical investigation of the UFO phenomenon.