JUFOF - Issue 255 - 2021 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of jufof, Journal für UFO-Forschung (Journal for UFO Research), is dated 03-2021, Volume 42, Number 255. Published by GEP e.V., it costs 4.50 Euro. The cover features a photograph of a night sky with lights, under the headline "UFO-Beobachtungen: Sichtungen – Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen" (UFO Observations: Sightings – Documentations – Evaluations). Additional articles cover "Überlegungen zum Status der UFO-Forschung" (Considerations on the Status of UFO Research) and "Literatur" (Literature), including reviews of current book titles.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Liebe Leserschaft" (Dear Readers), written by Danny Ammon, discusses the anticipation surrounding the upcoming release of a Pentagon report on UFO sightings, requested by the US Senate in late 2020. It notes that a briefing for US Parliament members had already occurred, presenting cases with no conventional explanations and ruling out foreign technology. The editorial highlights a change in media portrayal, with major publications like the New York Times and ZEIT reporting factually on the topic, moving away from the usual ridicule. It introduces an article by Kurt Ullrich, "Überlegungen zum Status der UFO-Forschung," which examines the topic from a heterodox knowledge conception perspective. Ammon emphasizes that private organizations like GEP continue to investigate UFO sightings and measurements, and their findings are comparable to official reports. He also mentions a review of a new German-language study by Dr. Walter Andritzky on pilot sightings, suggesting that private organizations can also investigate such specific professional groups. The editorial concludes with wishes for an exciting UFO summer.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

This section presents detailed case studies of UFO sightings:

Ringförmiges Objekt über Hann. Münden – Laubach

• Case Number: 00000000 BT
• Date: Late 1990s (90s, late summer)
• Time: 22:00 MESZ (20:00 UTC)
• Location: 34346 Hann. Münden – Laubach, Germany
• Witness: Brigitta M. (born 1946)
• Classification: CE I
• Assessment: GOOD UFO
• Identification: None
• Investigator: Klaus Felsmann

Witness Report: Brigitta M. recounts an experience from the late 1990s. While driving with her son near Hann. Münden one evening, they saw a ring-shaped, orange object moving quickly and low over the Werra river, at approximately church tower height. The object moved from North to South. They were shocked but did not stop, continuing home. The next day, they cautiously inquired if others had seen it but received strange looks, leading them to keep quiet due to their professional lives. They have never forgotten the experience.

Supplementary Information (Questionnaire, 05.04.2021): The sky was clear. A circular, orange UFO(?) appeared about 100m above the Werra river, moving rapidly downstream. The witness estimated its size as 5 cm at arm's length and its brightness as brighter than the full moon. She noted it pulsed every second, was silent, and its movement was smooth and fast, faster than a helicopter. She later saw a news report about UFOs on the channel "Welt" on March 9, 2020.

Discussion and Assessment by Klaus Felsmann: Felsmann conducted a phone follow-up on April 28, 2021. Due to the time elapsed since the sighting, a site visit was deemed impractical. The witness, Brigitta M., was a passenger in an Audi 80 driven by her son at approximately 80 km/h. The object approached from the North, moving South, staying above the Werra. The witness described the movement as a slight curve upstream, contrary to the initial description of a straight line. The witnesses were too shocked to stop or turn around. Felsmann notes that the object's movement was described as jerky, with pauses and forward thrusts. The witness stated the object was not flat like a disc and its light pulsed without varying intensity. She ruled out military exercises or illuminated targets, as her husband was a former soldier. She had never seen anything like it before, nor had she seen modern quadcopters that resembled it. Felsmann concludes that no known aircraft or other explanations (like bright lights) fit the description. He classifies it as a "Good UFO" despite the time elapsed, with reservations due to the long delay.

Silbernfarbenes Objekt über Bovenden – Lenglern

• Case Number: 20200302 A
• Date: March 2, 2020
• Time: 09:30 MESZ (08:30 UTC)
• Location: 37120 Bovenden – Lenglern, Germany
• Witness: Mike B.
• Classification: DD
• Assessment: GOOD UFO
• Identification: None
• Investigator: Klaus Felsmann

Witness Report: Mike B. reported his third UFO sighting in Göttingen, occurring on March 2, 2020, around 09:30-09:45. While driving to work in Lenglern, he initially thought it was a lost silver balloon but realized it was something else. The object was hovering over a high-voltage power line. Its color was compared to mercury, and its shape was difficult to describe, seeming to change. He regretted not filming it due to being alone and the driver ahead slowing down. He believes other drivers also saw it. He turned around to get a closer look and film it, but it was gone within two minutes. He estimated its size to be comparable to a helicopter.

Discussion and Assessment by Klaus Felsmann: Felsmann interviewed the witness via email on March 7, 2020. The sighting occurred near a high-voltage power line crossing the road between Göttingen and Lenglern. The witness initially saw the object when it was about 250-300m high, then it descended to about 40-50m and moved slowly and precisely, almost hovering, before disappearing. He noted that the traffic slowed down, suggesting others saw it too. Felsmann questioned if the object was reflecting light or self-illuminated. The witness stated it reflected light, its metallic structure was visible, and it had a mercury/silver color with no writing. He confirmed his radio was on but not disturbed. The witness had previously posted his report on ufowatch.de, leading to speculation it might be a drone used for inspecting power lines after a storm. Felsmann questioned this, as the object's size and rapid disappearance were inconsistent with a drone. He ruled out drones based on the witness's description of its size and behavior. He also investigated atmospheric phenomena like glories or ice crystals but found no meteorological evidence. Attempts to find other witnesses through the police and local newspaper were unsuccessful.

Site Visit (March 15, 2020): Felsmann met the witness at the approximate sighting location. They replicated the drive, and the witness identified the point where he first saw the object. The object was initially at an elevation angle of about 30 degrees, then descended and moved in a slight curve, eventually hovering about 150m off the road at a height of around 50m. The witness described the object's appearance as non-symmetrical, with a shimmering, mercury-like surface that seemed to distort light and rotate, resembling a rugby ball in shape. He emphasized that it did not look like it belonged in the sky and that the space around it appeared distorted, like a photomontage. He found the precise movement fascinating. He also recalled two earlier sightings between 2010-2012, one of which was a poorly visible object about 1-2 km away.

Felsmann concludes that the details of the sighting, particularly the object's size, behavior, and appearance, make a drone explanation highly unlikely. He considers the case a "Good UFO" despite the lack of other witnesses and the time elapsed.

Überlegungen zum Status der UFO-Forschung

This article by Kurt Ullrich discusses the status of UFO research, examining it from the perspective of the sociology of knowledge and its possibilities within the realm of fringe sciences. It explores how UFO phenomena challenge conventional scientific paradigms and the methodologies used to study them.

Literatur

This section contains reviews of current book titles related to UFOs and related topics, including pilot sightings and UFO detection in cis-lunar space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are detailed UFO case documentation and analysis, alongside a broader discussion on the scientific and societal status of UFO research. The editorial stance, as expressed by Danny Ammon, is one of open-minded yet critical investigation, acknowledging the increasing legitimacy of the topic in mainstream discourse while emphasizing the continued importance of rigorous research by both official and private organizations. There is a clear effort to present UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious study, moving away from sensationalism and ridicule.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 3-2021, NR.255, published by jufof, focuses on the analysis of UFO sightings and related phenomena. The issue features a prominent article debunking a sighting of a Boeing C-17A aircraft as a UFO, alongside historical case studies and discussions on the scientific status of UFO research.

Article: Boeing C-17A als UFO fehlinterpretiert (Boeing C-17A Misinterpreted as UFO)

This article details a case from Cochem, Germany, on January 26, 2021, where witnesses Roland S. (45) and his wife observed bright, stationary lights in the eastern sky during a car journey. Initially appearing as faint lights, the object later resolved into a larger, slightly transparent, anthracite-colored object with a ribbed structure, estimated to be about 70 meters high with a wingspan of 80 meters. The object flew over their vehicle at a low altitude. The witnesses reported the incident to the police, who suggested it might be a drone. The investigation, led by Hans-Werner Peiniger, concluded that the object was likely a Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft. The article includes photographic evidence, with the wife having taken several photos, though the first was overexposed due to the flash. Subsequent photos show the lights, which appear blurred and inflated. The analysis correlates the sighting with the flight path of a C-17 aircraft approaching the Spangdahlem Air Base. The perceived triangular shape is attributed to a combination of factors, including the witnesses' perspective from a downhill, winding road, the car's windows, and potential visual illusions like pareidolia and the effect of the aircraft's anti-collision lights.

Article: Ein UFO über Heidelberg im Jahre 1811? (A UFO over Heidelberg in 1811?)

This section, authored by Ulrich Magin, revisits a historical incident near Heidelberg in July 1811. Charles Fort documented a report of a gelatinous mass appearing after the bursting of a luminous meteor. Further research uncovers a report from the scientific journal 'Die Natur' (1869), detailing an account by Apotheker Scherb. Scherb observed a fiery mass, similar to a small bomb, ascending rapidly, then descending and disappearing in a pillar of fire. The following morning, he found a slimy, porous substance on the ground, resembling a coarse fabric. Another witness, a carpenter named Schneider, corroborated the presence of a foam-like substance. The article suggests these phenomena might be related to 'Nostoc', a type of cyanobacteria, or other unusual atmospheric events, distinguishing them from typical meteorites.

Historical Cases: Gallertmeteoritenfälle (Gelatinous Meteorite Cases)

This section, compiled by Dr. Otto Hahn, presents historical reports of 'gelatinous meteorite' cases. It references earlier observations, including a 'great fireball' on March 8, 1796, in Oberlausitz, Germany, where a sticky, yellowish, oily substance was found. The substance burned like camphor and melted into a sticky, resinous material. The article notes that scientists at the time could not determine its origin. It also details the Heidelberg incident reported by Martin Scherb, and another case from Dessau in 1805, where Hofrath Schwabe observed a large fireball that reportedly fell onto a palace. The article mentions that while some historical accounts are attributed to Nostoc, the Heidelberg phenomenon seemed distinct. It also includes observations from New England and East India.

Article: Überlegungen zum Status der UFO-Forschung (Considerations on the Status of UFO Research)

Authored by Kurt Ullrich, this article examines UFO research from a sociological perspective. It discusses the challenges of studying heterodox knowledge systems, using examples from a study by Fabian Fries on unconventional conceptions of knowledge. Ullrich interviewed Dr. Fabian Fries, the leader of a sociology seminar at the University of Bonn titled "Alien Attack?! - The Society of Extraterrestrials." The seminar explored exosociology and the societal and scientific treatment of unconventional research areas. While Ullrich couldn't gather much about student attitudes due to the seminar being online, Fries indicated that initial skepticism among students evolved during the course. The article highlights the difficulty in gaining recognition for non-official research fields and the strategies employed to achieve it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO sightings, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and the potential for misidentification. The journal consistently applies scientific methods and historical research to analyze cases, often concluding with conventional explanations such as aircraft, atmospheric phenomena, or psychological factors. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, prioritizing evidence-based analysis while acknowledging the enduring mystery and public fascination with UFOs. The inclusion of historical cases suggests an interest in the long-term study of aerial phenomena and their interpretations across different eras.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Volume 3-2021, Issue NR.255) delves into the complex relationship between UFO research and the sociology of science, using Fabian Fries' study of 'borderline' scientific fields as a framework. The publication aims to explore how unconventional research areas are treated within the broader scientific landscape.

II. Fundamental Concepts of Sociology of Science

The article begins by explaining key concepts from the sociology of science, drawing on the work of Ludwik Fleck and Edward Shils. It posits that scientific recognition is a result of social processes and ongoing struggles for interpretive authority. A scientific 'center' is characterized by institutional anchoring (universities, peer-reviewed journals) and established paradigms, while the 'periphery' consists of unconventional claims and alternative theories. Thomas Kuhn's concept of scientific revolutions, involving shifts between 'normal' and 'revolutionary' phases, is also referenced. The article emphasizes that the distinction between center and periphery is a consequence of power dynamics rather than an inherent criterion of truth.

III. Examples of Peripheral 'Knowledge Conceptions' Studied by Fries

The issue then examines three specific fields that Fries investigated:

1) Sheldrake's Theory of Morphic Resonance

Rupert Sheldrake, initially a cell biologist within the orthodox scientific community, developed the theory of morphic resonance. His popular science book, 'A New Science of Life,' led to his marginalization and accusations of esoteric leanings. Sheldrake expanded his theory to include parapsychological research and engaged the public in experimental verification. Fries views Sheldrake as successfully occupying a peripheral position, gaining attention through public engagement to compensate for the lack of official scientific recognition.

2) Research on Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)

NDE research is an established interdisciplinary field involving medicine, psychology, and theology. The debate between orthodox and heterodox views arises from the interpretation of non-disputed experiences, such as 'tunnel experiences' or Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs). While the phenomena themselves are not disputed, orthodox science often explains them as hallucinations due to physiological factors like oxygen deprivation. Heterodox explanations, however, suggest a non-local consciousness independent of brain activity, citing cases where individuals accurately describe events they could not have physically seen.

3) Instrumental Transcommunication (ITK)

Also known as 'Electronic Voice Phenomenon' (EVP), ITK involves attempts to record voices or messages through electronic means, often using white noise. While some researchers like Ernst Senkowski have attempted systematic study, the field is plagued by fraud and the criticism that it relies on 'gestalt perception' – hearing desired messages in random noise. ITK is compared to 19th-century spiritualism, replacing séances with small studios. Many interested in ITK are individuals undergoing grief processes, seeking contact with deceased loved ones.

IV. Considerations on the Status of UFO Research in the Periphery

The article applies the center-periphery model to UFO research, posing questions about its ontological status, methodological possibilities, organizational structure, and media portrayal. It notes that the definition of 'UFO' (Unidentified Flying Object) is crucial, with many sightings being explainable as Identified Flying Objects (IFOs) after analysis. However, cases that truly defy conventional explanation pose a challenge to the prevailing worldview. Skeptics often react with denial or radicalization, while some proponents view UFOs as vehicles of friendly extraterrestrial beings.

The article highlights the fragmentation of the UFO research field, with numerous sub-centers and a wide spectrum of interpretations, from scientific inquiry to conspiracy theories and esoteric beliefs. This fragmentation makes it difficult for serious UFO research to gain credibility, often leading to its association with pseudoscience.

Examples of 'Ufology' include contactees like George Adamski and Billy Meier, UFO cults, conspiracy theories (MJ12, Reichflugscheiben), the pseudo-archaeology of Erich von Däniken, and esoteric methods like Stephen Greer's 'contact' initiatives. The article also mentions the challenge of demonic interpretations of UFO phenomena.

V. Methodological Problems of UFO Research

UFO research requires an interdisciplinary approach due to the phenomenon's elusive nature. The article outlines potential areas of investigation:

• Physics: Analyzing radiation, speeds, and flight characteristics of objects to understand their propulsion systems and potentially challenge current physical theories.
• Biology: Studying the effects of UFO encounters on plants and animals, such as altered aging patterns or changes in tree rings, which might relate to reported time anomalies.
• Medicine: Investigating the health effects of close encounters, including electromagnetic radiation exposure and physical or psychological impacts from abduction experiences.
• Psychology/Psychiatry: Assessing witness credibility, understanding memory distortions ('false memories'), and providing support for abductees suffering from PTSD.
• Exosociology/Exopsychology: Attempting to understand the potential societies and psychologies of extraterrestrial intelligences, though this is highly speculative and prone to anthropomorphism.

The article notes that while natural sciences can describe object properties, they struggle to explain the underlying intelligence or intentions. A shift in perspective is needed, potentially incorporating behavioral analysis to infer motivations.

VI. UFO Research, Public Perception, and the 'Center'

Peripheral researchers often rely on public recognition. UFO research faces a dual challenge: the topic is popular in culture (sci-fi films, books) but often treated superficially or ironically in the media. This popularization can lead to a pre-conceived understanding of UFOs, influencing witness accounts. While public engagement is possible, it requires knowledgeable individuals to counter conspiracy theories. The article suggests that UFO research will likely remain a peripheral, private endeavor unless it can attract scientists with academic standing and institutional backing.

Media coverage often trivializes UFO reports, with even documentaries being met with skepticism. The dissemination of UFO literature is largely confined to small, peripheral publishers, often in the esoteric or conspiracy-related sectors. The article concludes that the popular cultural representation of UFOs, including depictions of 'Greys' and abduction scenarios, has become so pervasive that it shapes perceptions and hinders objective investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the marginalization of unconventional research, including UFO studies, by the established scientific community. The article consistently applies the sociology of science's center-periphery model to explain this dynamic. It highlights the challenges of interdisciplinary research, the influence of popular culture, and the struggle for scientific legitimacy faced by those investigating phenomena outside the mainstream. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, acknowledging the difficulties and complexities of UFO research while advocating for a more nuanced understanding beyond simple dismissal or sensationalism.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (jufof), number 255, from the 3rd quarter of 2021, is published by GEP e.V. in Germany. The issue focuses on reviews of books related to UFO phenomena and historical aerial observations.

Article 1: Discussion on UFO Phenomena and Scientific Hypotheses

The first section delves into the interest surrounding UFO phenomena, exploring whether specific characteristics could support new physical hypotheses. It advocates for increased collaboration between UFO research associations and seeks engagement with social scientists who study heterodox fields. The author notes the unlikelihood of collaboration between UFO and SETI research due to the vast interstellar distances involved, which is often used as a dismissive argument by mainstream science. However, the concept of SETA (Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts) is introduced as a potentially legitimate hypothesis for investigating alien presence within our solar system, offering encouragement.

The author also cautions that the fascination with 'exotic' hypotheses might stem from an unconscious search for meaning, a consequence of modern humanity's 'metaphysical homelessness.' Linus Hauser's critique of neomythical reason is cited, highlighting how some scientists, in popular science publications, unscientifically shift from physics to an uncritical form of 'bad' metaphysics.

About the Author

Kurt Ullrich, born in 1956, is a retired teacher (StR i.R.) who taught philosophy, Latin, and German. Since 2019, he has been a member of the GEP. His particular interest lies in the impact of the UFO phenomenon and other anomalies on the contemporary scientific worldview and human self-understanding.

Article 2: Book Review - 'Pilotensichtungen und UFO-Detektion im cislunaren Raum' by Walter Andritzky

This review discusses the book by psychiatrist Dr. Walter Andritzky of MUFON-CES, which focuses on UFO sightings by pilots. The reviewer notes the scarcity of UFO research publications in German and emphasizes the importance of those that do appear. The book examines historical cases and presents the results of Andritzky's own empirical study, conducted between 2018 and 2020, involving a survey of 2,352 military and civilian pilots via the XING network. The questionnaire addressed pilots' experiences and attitudes towards UFOs.

The book covers historical cases, including 'Foo-Fighters' from WWII, Kenneth Arnold's 'Initial-Sighting,' and more recent cases, such as a near-collision involving a Bundeswehr helicopter and a green light phenomenon. Andritzky's survey yielded 14 personally experienced and 7 second-hand UFO sightings between 1977 and 2018, all of which are cited. The review notes that 19 participants expressed doubts about UFOs as anomalous phenomena.

Andritzky also explores aspects of air traffic control in relation to UFOs, including reporting procedures and limits, as well as radar technology and astronaut sightings. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable contribution but raises critical points regarding case selection, noting the omission of the significant Mantell case while including the Maury Island case without critical analysis. The reviewer also suggests that the data analysis could be more extensive and qualitative.

Furthermore, the review points out discrepancies between Andritzky's claims about pilots being highly trained observers and statements from pilots themselves. One pilot identified a Soyuz rocket launch only after reading about it, stating that an uninformed person might have mistaken it for a UFO. Another pilot highlighted factors like fatigue, hypoxia, and medication as potential impairments to observation quality. The reviewer finds the tendency to label certain groups as 'good observers' to be an oversimplification that hinders thorough research.

Despite these criticisms, the reviewer concludes that Andritzky's book is a welcome addition to German-language UFO literature.

Article 3: Book Review - 'Luftschiffe und Aeronauten' by Ulrich Magin (Hrsg.)

This section reviews a collection of historical accounts of airship sightings between 1896 and 1915, primarily from the American West Coast. The book, edited by Ulrich Magin, explores the phenomenon of 'flying machines' or 'dirigible balloons' that appeared during that era. The interpretations range from social panic to secret human inventions, and even extraterrestrial spacecraft. A significant portion of UFO researchers believe these observations are connected to the modern UFO phenomenon.

The book's contents include contributions from Jerome Clark ('Luftschiffe'), Loren E. Gross ('UFOs: Eine Historie - 1896'), Nigel Watson ('Zeppeline der Angst'), and Ulrich Magin ('Airships - Eine 'moderne' Sage'), along with an appendix on airship sightings in Germany and the early 20th century.

The review highlights that the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) publishes this book as part of its current series. The book is 122 pages, paperback, DIN A5, illustrated, and costs 10.00 € (8.00 € for GEP members).

GEP and jufof Information

The final pages provide information about the GEP, describing it as Germany's largest non-profit scientific organization for UFO research, which uses questionnaires, interviews, and field investigations. It also details the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (jufof), which has been critically documenting the UFO phenomenon since 1980. The journal includes case reports, classifications, and scientific-methodical articles, as well as reviews and letters. Contact information for reporting UFO sightings and for the GEP and jufof websites is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, historical aerial sightings (airships and pilot reports), and the scientific and psychological underpinnings of UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims. The journal aims to document and analyze UFO reports objectively, distinguishing between established facts and speculative interpretations.