JUFOF - Issue 256 - 2021 04

Magazine Overview

Title: jufof
Issue: 04-2021, Jg. 42, Nr. 256
Publisher: GEP e.V.
Date: April 2021
Price: 4,50 Euro
ISSN: 0723-7766

This issue of 'jufof', the journal for UFO research published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., focuses on UFO sightings, historical myths surrounding flying saucers, and related literature. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Observations) and highlights articles on the "Reichsflugscheiben-Mythos" (Nazi flying saucer myth) and "Phantomraketen über Mitteleuropa" (Phantom rockets over Central Europe).

Editorial

The editorial, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, addresses the recent US government UFO report released on June 25th, noting its anticlimactic nature with only nine pages of information and no spectacular revelations. He acknowledges that the GEP, like the report, has a small percentage (3-5%) of unexplained cases but emphasizes that they do not speculate about extraterrestrial visitors. The editorial mentions a 13-minute YouTube video summarizing the GEP's perspective on the report and their work. It also introduces an article by André Kramer examining the "Reichsflugscheiben" myth and its press reception in the 1950s and 1960s, and an article by Ulrich Magin exploring reports of phantom rockets in Central Europe. Peiniger also promotes the GEP's prize contests for members and discusses the organization's efforts to engage members virtually through Discord, including a new virtual 'Stammtisch' (regulars' table).

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

This section details a specific UFO sighting that occurred on September 2, 2019, near Bruchhausen-Vilsen-Uenzen, Germany. The case, classified as a "PROBLEMATIC UFO" by investigator Mattis Lühmann, involved a couple who reported seeing a large, dark, round object flying low over trees. The object was described as having numerous green lights on its underside and a faint clear light in the center, and it appeared to be rotating. The witnesses, who wished to remain anonymous, described the object as silent and moving at a steady speed. The witness's fiancé, who was several kilometers away, also observed a similar object. The article includes sketches by the witnesses and a map showing the sighting locations. Lühmann concludes that while the object's size and speed might suggest a conventional aircraft, its silent flight, low altitude, and unusual characteristics make it difficult to identify, leading to its classification as problematic.

Über die Genese des Reichsflugscheiben-Mythos anhand der Presserezeption der 1950er und 1960er Jahre im deutschsprachigen Raum

Authored by André Kramer, this article investigates the origins and evolution of the "Reichsflugscheiben" (Nazi flying saucer) myth. Kramer traces the myth's popularization in German media during the post-World War II era, particularly the 1950s and 1960s. He discusses how the myth presented various narratives, including secret Nazi technology, alien involvement, or continued development by post-war powers. The article analyzes the socio-political context of post-war Germany, characterized by reconstruction, guilt, and the Cold War, which provided fertile ground for such speculative narratives. Kramer examines the claims of alleged inventors and engineers, such as Giuseppe Belluzzo and Rudolf Schriever, who asserted to have developed flying saucer technology during the war. The article scrutinizes the press reports of the time, highlighting inconsistencies and the sensationalist nature of many claims, often linked to sensationalism and a desire for attention or financial gain.

Phantomraketen über Mitteleuropa

This article, by Ulrich Magin, explores the phenomenon of "Phantomraketen" (phantom rockets) reported in Scandinavia in 1946 and investigates whether similar reports existed in Central Europe. The phenomenon involved sightings of rocket-like UFOs, often described in the press as ghostly or phantom rockets. The article aims to determine the extent to which these sightings were reported and interpreted in the German-speaking region.

Literatur

This section provides reviews and listings of books and other materials related to UFO phenomena. It includes:

• Unidentifizierbare Flugobjekte über Deutschland und die mutmaßlichen Absichten ihrer Insassen (Unidentified Flying Objects over Germany and the Suspected Intentions of Their Occupants) - Likely a book review or article.
• AUSSERIRDISCH (Extraterrestrial) - Possibly a book title or theme.
• Magisches am Himmel (Magic in the Sky) - Another potential book title or article theme.

Impressum

The "Impressum" section provides publication details:

• Publisher: Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V., founded in 1972.
• Address: Postfach 2361, 58473 Lüdenscheid, Germany.
• Contact: Phone (0 23 51) 2 33 77, Fax (0 23 51) 2 33 35, Email: [email protected].
• Editors: Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon are responsible for content.
• Bank Details: Postbank NL Dortmund.
• Publication Frequency: Published every two months.
• Subscription Prices: 27,00 € per year within Germany, plus postage (11,00 € national, 22,00 € international).
• Advertising: Prices available upon request; classified ads are free for subscribers/members up to a certain length.
• Reprint Policy: Requires written permission from GEP e.V.
• Printing: bis500 Druck, 98693 Ilmenau.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, historical UFO myths (specifically the Nazi "Reichsflugscheiben"), and the analysis of media coverage and witness testimonies. The editorial stance, as presented by Hans-Werner Peiniger, is one of cautious investigation and factual reporting. The GEP aims to provide a rational and evidence-based perspective, acting as a counterpoint to sensationalism and conspiracy theories, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The magazine emphasizes rigorous case investigation and historical analysis.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG, dated Ausgabe 4-2021, Nr. 256, focuses on the topic of "Phantomraketen über Mitteleuropa" (Phantom Rockets over Central Europe) and delves into the history and mythology surrounding alleged German flying disc designs from World War II and related post-war phenomena.

German Flying Disc Projects and Claims

The article begins by exploring the claims surrounding various alleged German flying disc projects, often linking them to engineers like Rudolf Schriever and Richard Miethe. It mentions a "Miethesche Flugscheibe" with a 42-meter diameter, purportedly designed as a bomber and a precursor to flying saucers, which was allegedly powered by jets and intended to be unmanned. Reports suggest these were built in Breslau and Prague in 1944 and early 1945, with a remote-controlled test flight in April 1945. A wreck was reportedly found in Spitzbergen and sent to the Avro works.

Further claims suggest that Miethe's concept was the basis for the Avrocar. Stäger reports that Miethe's concept involved a 42-meter diameter disc powered by 12 jet engines. There are also mentions of a supposed crash in Spitzbergen and that Miethe later worked in Canada with John Frost on the Avrocar project.

In Sweden, in 1952, Oberingenieur Klein reportedly presented plans for a German flying disc to the Swedish Air Force. This disc was said to be powered by two turbines and had a rotating ring, with a diameter of 14.5 meters. The Swedish Air Force deemed the construction unfeasible.

More information emerged in 1953, linking Klein to a manned flying disc test in Prague on February 14, 1945, which allegedly reached 12,400 meters in three minutes with speeds of 2200 km/h. The development work reportedly began in 1941, with three constructions completed by the end of that year. One principle was based on Richard Miethe's development (a 42-meter non-rotating disc), and another rotating variant was attributed to Habermohl and Schriever. These Prague examples were allegedly destroyed before the Russian advance, while a Miethe example in Breslau fell into Russian hands. Habermohl disappeared after the occupation of Prague, and Schriever had recently passed away. Miethe was said to be working in the USA after fleeing Breslau.

In 1954, it was reported that Reichswehr officer Horst Pinkell was behind a German-Russian saucer project during WWII, which was later developed by the Russians into modern flying saucers, based on Levetzow's "Hemmstrahlen" theory of antigravitation.

Other Alleged Inventors and Projects

The article also touches upon other individuals claiming to be inventors of flying discs. H. Fister claimed in 1957 to be the true inventor, having worked on powder rockets and conceived of a rotating disc-shaped aircraft that could act as a defensive weapon. He reportedly built a prototype with a 7.1-meter diameter and 0.95-meter height, capable of 3000 km/h and a climb rate of 14000 meters/minute, reaching a maximum altitude of 30,000 meters. The plans were allegedly halted by the Allied invasion.

Jan Andreas Epp gained popularity in the "flying saucer scene" for his "Omega-Diskus" aircraft, which he claimed could outperform all known aircraft. He reportedly developed a jet aircraft in 1953 that was faster than any known before. Epp's claims about designing the Omega-Diskus during the war and building a prototype in Prague in 1939 are presented, with a claimed speed of 2000 km/h and a diameter of 12 meters for a two-man crew. The German Reich allegedly had no further opportunity to develop the project, and the plans fell into Russian hands.

Skepticism and Lack of Evidence

The article highlights the contradictory and often unproven nature of these claims. Many purported inventors failed to secure funding or provide concrete evidence. The Swedish military's rejection of Klein's plans due to technical infeasibility and the failure of Schriever and Epp to attract investors are noted.

German Technicians' Views on Flying Discs

With the exception of Guiseppe Belluzo, few high-ranking politicians or technicians from the WWII era spoke positively about "Reichsflugscheiben" (Reich flying discs). Hermann Oberth, a key figure in V-2 rocket technology, consistently denied any work on disc-shaped aircraft in Peenemünde, stating in 1950 and 1952 that no such projects were undertaken. He believed UFOs had extraterrestrial origins.

Dr. Walther Johannes Riedel, another associate of Wernher von Braun, also believed that UFOs were alien spacecraft and founded a UFO research group in the USA.

Wernher von Braun himself was reportedly skeptical of flying discs, considering them mere misidentifications of conventional aerial phenomena. He was primarily focused on rocket technology and was fully occupied with the V-2 development in Peenemünde.

Despite these denials, some reports, like one from the Kölner Rundschau in 1952 referencing a Swedish newspaper, claimed that a flying disc was developed and tested in Peenemünde under von Braun's supervision in 1944, with a 42-meter diameter, a rotating ring, and a claimed altitude of 300 kilometers.

The Avrocar Project in Detail

The article provides a more detailed account of the Canadian-American "Avrocar" project. John Frost, a British aircraft designer working for Canadian Avro from 1947, studied UFO reports and worked on various disc-shaped aircraft. The V2-9AV Avrocar, developed from 1951, was described as a hovercraft-like vehicle intended to fly close to the ground. The project was initially jointly funded by the Canadian government and the USA. Frost interviewed alleged German witnesses in 1953, but the article suggests that any influence of German information on the Avrocar project was likely minimal due to the project's advanced stage.

Rumors circulated that Richard Miethe had worked for Frost or that Avro had worked on a German disc object recovered from Spitzbergen, but no independent evidence supports these claims. McClure even questions the existence of Miethe and Habermohl.

Funding for the larger Avrocar was cut by the Canadian government in 1954, with the USA taking over full financing. The Frost team also worked on Project Y, a large disc for high altitudes, but its development was quickly halted due to doubts about technical feasibility. Project Y2, a disc-shaped interceptor known as Silver Bug, Ladybird, Project 1794, MX1794, and PR89221, was under development from 1954. A prototype with a 10.76-meter diameter was planned in 1955, with a range of 1600 km and Mach 4 speed, but technical problems led to the project's cancellation in 1959. The smaller Avrocar was discontinued in 1961 due to instability and poor maneuverability.

Real-World Disc-Shaped Aircraft

The article contrasts the mythical claims with actual disc-shaped aircraft developments. The Sack AS-6, a wooden experimental aircraft built in Leipzig in 1944, is presented as the only verifiable German disc-shaped aircraft from the war. It was nicknamed "fliegender Bierdeckel" (flying beer coaster) and proved to be a failure.

Other countries also experimented with disc-shaped aircraft. The French designer René Couzinet reportedly committed suicide in 1956 after failing to secure funding for his 8-meter diameter disc-shaped machine, which he had presented to the French government in 1953. The USA developed the XF5U, nicknamed "Flying Pancake," a circular aircraft with two propellers, but it was also discontinued due to disappointing flight performance.

The "Phantom Rocket" Phenomenon

The article then shifts to the phenomenon of "Geisterraketen" (ghost rockets) or "phantom rockets" observed in Central Europe, particularly in 1946. Reports from the Netherlands mention "flying grenades" and "strange aerial phenomena," including glowing torpedoes and rockets. These sightings are linked to Loren Gross's study of the ghost rocket phenomenon. The article suggests that many of these reports, especially those from the post-war era, are rooted in sensationalism and the desire to find explanations for the unknown, often fueled by patriotic sentiments and the need to process the defeat in WWII.

Conclusion: A Myth of German Flying Discs

The article concludes that functioning flying discs from German production are a construction, largely based on the recycled statements of alleged inventors from the 1950s and 1960s. It dismisses the idea of advanced German flying disc technology as a myth, often perpetuated in right-wing circles, which serves to rationalize the defeat in WWII. While acknowledging that some sketches or model projects might have existed, the article emphasizes that their technical realization proved unsuccessful due to the limitations of the technology at the time. The claims often arose during a period when many struggled financially in the post-war era, and sensational news stories paid well.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the article is the distinction between sensationalized claims and verifiable facts regarding flying disc technology. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, emphasizing the lack of evidence for advanced German flying disc designs and attributing many of the stories to myth-making, patriotic wishful thinking, and the sensationalism of the press. The article aims to debunk the idea of a secret Nazi flying saucer program, presenting it as a construct rather than a reality. The focus is on critical analysis of sources and a grounding in technical feasibility.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 4-2021, number 256, published by IGAAP e.V. in Germany, focuses on historical UFO sightings and contemporary research. The magazine delves into the phenomenon of "Ghost Rockets" observed in 1946 across Europe and reviews Avi Loeb's book "Extraterrestrial: Intelligent Life Beyond Our Planet," which explores the interstellar object 'Oumuamua.

Ghost Rockets Over Europe (1946)

The journal meticulously details numerous reports of "Ghost Rockets" from September 1946. The phenomenon was observed across various European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Reports describe objects moving at high speeds, often with luminous trails, and exhibiting unusual flight characteristics.

Netherlands: Reports from the "Sunday Express" in London on September 18, 1946, described "flying fireballs with luminous trails" flying silently at high speed over northern and eastern Holland. Earlier press reports, such as from "Stockholms-Tidningen," titled "Flying Fireballs Over the Netherlands," also covered these observations.

Germany: Limited information from Germany is cited from Loren Gross's book. A report from Herford on September 17, 1946, mentioned an object of the same type as those observed in Sweden, observed over the British occupation zone. Another report from the "Daily Telegraph" on September 18, 1946, described a fireball over the Pinneberg district at 21:05, coming from the southeast, appearing white, with a tail, and moving at great speed.

Austria: The "Svenska Dagbladet" on September 13, 1946, reported a "Ghost Bomb over Austria." A previously unconfirmed report mentioned a mysterious projectile flying over Graz on the afternoon of September 12, 1946, at high altitude in a northwesterly direction.

Switzerland: Mentions in UFO books by John Keel and Jacques Vallée point to observations in Switzerland. Keel describes "ghost rockets" seen racing through Swiss valleys. Vallée references a report from the newspaper "Epoque" from August 29, 1946, listing observations of ghost rockets in Switzerland without details. A specific report from the francophone part of Switzerland is detailed, originating from the "Feuille d'Avis" in Lausanne on July 13, 1946. Station master M. Alfred Anex of Gryon reported observing an object on July 11, 1946, around 20:45, described as comparable in size to a star or planet, very bright, and moving at high speed without a visible trail. He estimated its altitude between 200 and 400 kilometers per hour. The object was observed moving from southwest to northeast.

This report was picked up and amplified by the "London Daily Mail." The "Feuille d'Avis de Lausanne" sarcastically responded on July 15, 1946, to the British newspaper's claim that Russians were conducting bomb tests over the Alps, stating that no Russian or flying bombs were mentioned. "L'Impartial" also reported on "Flying Bombs in Switzerland?" on July 15, 1946. Loren Gross cites the Oslo newspaper "Aftenposten" from July 12, 1946, stating that the object was observed flying at approximately 400 kilometers per hour over the Swiss Rhone Valley. The "Daily Mail" correspondent from Geneva reported that a station master observed a "flying bomb" and described the object as a large star moving northeast, with no smoke trail visible despite a clear sky.

A press report in the "Light" newspaper from San Antonio, Texas, based on the "Daily Mail" article, suggested that the Soviets were building and testing rocket bombs, possibly using plans from Nazi researchers in Peenemünde. The report mentioned objects seen over the Rhone Valley, assumed to be flying bombs, and claimed that Sweden had recently recovered remnants of such a rocket.

Further reports include the Italian newspaper "Il Grigione italiano" on July 17, 1946, and the "Straits Times" from Singapore on July 24, 1946, which also mentioned strange lights over the Rhone, fueling speculation about Soviet rocket tests. The reports consistently mention the object being observed at high speed, with some linking it to "ghost rockets" seen in Sweden.

France: In September 1946, two luminous spheres were observed over Nancy, Lorraine, flying slowly and silently, leaving a trail. Reports also mention mysterious phenomena over Basel.

Review of "Unidentifizierbare Flugobjekte über Deutschland und die mutmaßlichen Absichten ihrer Insassen" (Unidentified Flying Objects Over Germany and the Suspected Intentions of Their Occupants)

This section reviews the third IGAAP report, edited by Illobrand von Ludwiger. The book contains a catalog of 478 UFO sightings in Northwest Germany compiled by Frank J. Schäpel, dating up to 2014. The sightings are categorized into classes A (unidentified flying objects with solid structures), B (spherical lights or irregular luminous masses), and C (paranormal phenomena).

The review criticizes von Ludwiger's approach, stating that he uncritically accepts almost all UFO reports as fact and believes UFO phenomena are definitively caused by extraterrestrial visitors. The reviewer finds his worldview highly speculative and lacking in scientific rigor, arguing that he forces cases to fit his preconceived notions, such as UFOs possessing time travel capabilities or being operated by various extraterrestrial races including Greys, humanoids, reptilians, and insectoids.

The review also touches upon von Ludwiger's interpretation of "Men in Black" as human agents of aliens who used to suppress UFO witnesses but are no longer necessary. His views on UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) are also discussed, with him defining them as lights generated by mediums or through meditative practices, distinct from physical spacecraft.

The book also includes a contribution by Michael A. Landwehr on the possibilities of travel in a 6-dimensional universe, drawing parallels to UFO phenomena and paranormal events. The reviewer finds the book's strengths overshadowed by its weaknesses, particularly von Ludwiger's speculative and unscientific approach.

Review of "Extraterrestrial: Intelligent Life Beyond Our Planet" by Avi Loeb

This section reviews Avi Loeb's book, which posits that the interstellar object 'Oumuamua was not a natural phenomenon but a light sail from an advanced, possibly extinct, civilization. Loeb argues that 'Oumuamua's characteristics, such as its disk-like shape and constant acceleration without visible outgassing, are best explained by a light sail propelled by solar wind.

Loeb's "light sail hypothesis" suggests that 'Oumuamua was built by a civilization that has since perished. He contrasts this with the idea of 'Oumuamua being a natural object, stating that the probability of it being natural is extremely low, less than one in a trillion.

The book also discusses the broader implications of accepting extraterrestrial intelligence, including the potential for humanity to learn from advanced civilizations and the importance of exploring space. Loeb advocates for a more open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, criticizing scientists who wait for irrefutable proof before considering extraordinary explanations.

Loeb's work is presented as a challenge to the scientific community, urging them to consider the evidence and draw logical conclusions. The review notes that Loeb's book also delves into the philosophical impact of such discoveries and the potential for interstellar travel, including the concept of "Breakthrough Starshot," an initiative aiming to send a light sail to Alpha Centauri.

The reviewer acknowledges the technical aspects of Loeb's arguments but finds the excursions into his personal life and career to be lengthy. The book's central message encourages the construction of light sail vehicles for interstellar exploration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores historical UFO sightings, particularly those from the mid-20th century, and critically examines contemporary research and theories. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between well-documented cases and speculative interpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, as evidenced by the critique of Illobrand von Ludwiger's uncritical acceptance of UFO reports. The journal also engages with current scientific discussions, such as Avi Loeb's theories on interstellar objects, providing a platform for both historical analysis and forward-looking research in the field of ufology.

This issue of the German publication "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 256 from the 4th quarter of 2021, features a prominent review of Thomas Ritter's book "Magisches am Himmel: Von Außerirdischen, Zeitreisenden und militärischen Experimenten" (Magic in the Sky: On Extraterrestrials, Time Travelers, and Military Experiments). The journal itself is published by GEP e.V., a German non-profit scientific organization dedicated to UFO research.

Book Review: 'Magisches am Himmel' by Thomas Ritter

The review, contributed by René Rübenhagen, critically assesses Ritter's book. Ritter, born in 1968 in Freital (former GDR), is noted for his work in the fringe science community since the early 1990s, contributing to various specialized magazines and authoring several monographs. He also runs a travel service known for its offerings related to the mysterious palm leaf libraries of Southeast Asia.

The reviewer points out a somewhat awkward text on the book's back cover, which mentions frequent sightings of alien spacecraft and submerged unidentified craft. However, the reviewer states that the quality of the book itself is better than its blurb suggests.

Ritter's book is divided into eight chapters. The first chapter discusses drones over Germany, prompting the reviewer to question the publication date of this section, given the historical context provided.

The second and third chapters delve into extraterrestrial life, exploring differing scientific opinions on the possibility of contact. One British astrophysicist suggests that extraterrestrial life might exist but in forms unlike Earth life, such as floating jellyfish, and expresses doubt about ever finding or contacting it. Conversely, NASA researchers are confident that intelligent life will be discovered within 20 years.

The fourth chapter addresses visitors from the future. The reviewer again questions the timing of the text, noting Ritter's reference to George Orwell's 'The Time Machine' being recently re-filmed, a statement that seems outdated given the release dates of film and television adaptations.

A significant portion of the review focuses on Ritter's claims regarding time travel experiments. The reviewer highlights Ritter's assertion on page 20 that certain US military or intelligence agencies are conducting time experiments, citing the Philadelphia Experiment and the Montauk Project. The reviewer, however, disputes this, referencing Jacques Vallée's earlier work that debunked the Philadelphia Experiment hoax.

On page 21, Ritter is quoted as stating, "We can therefore rightly assume that at least from the side of the American military, real time travel has already been undertaken." The reviewer finds these claims to be "outrageous."

Chapter 5 examines the disappearance of a battalion of the 5th Norfolk Regiment in World War I, a story that reappears in various books. Ritter concludes that "The reality of war is usually more cruel than the legends that arise in its wake," a statement the reviewer finds unassailable.

Chapter 6 explores Japanese folklore, with Ritter noting a reported modern UFO contact in Japan in 1803. This contradicts the commonly accepted start of the modern UFO era in 1947 with Kenneth Arnold's sighting. The reviewer acknowledges that earlier sightings have been documented but questions why this specific 19th-century case is used to redefine the modern UFO era.

The review also critiques Ritter's inconsistent handling of unit conversions between feet, meters, inches, and centimeters throughout the book.

Chapter 7, titled "UFOs from the Green Hell," discusses aggressive UFO behavior patterns observed on the Solomon Islands and in Brazil. However, the reviewer notes that the chapter drifts into speculative areas like Reptilians and Illuminati, diminishing the reading experience.

The final and longest chapter (18 pages) focuses on USOs (Unidentified Submerged Objects). It begins with the sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk in 2000, mentioning Russian ministers. Ritter then discusses alleged incursions by Soviet submarines into Scandinavian waters in the 1970s and 1980s, concluding that neither the Soviet Union nor NATO had a reason to violate Swedish territorial waters so extensively. The reviewer suggests that an analysis of other institutions' reports would have been beneficial.

The chapter also touches upon the myth of Hitler's escape via submarine, acknowledging the confusion surrounding his death and remains, which was partly due to Stalin's deception to maintain negotiation options. The reviewer notes Ritter's reference to Anton's "Hitler's End: Legends and Documents" (2004).

Other Articles and Reviews

The journal also includes a review by Marius Kettmann of a book titled "Luftschiffe und Aeronauten: Eine historische Betrachtung des Luftschiffphänomens 1896 bis 1915" (Airships and Aeronauts: A Historical Examination of the Airship Phenomenon 1896 to 1915), edited by Ulrich Magin. Kettmann finds the book's price-to-performance ratio inadequate, stating it offers little new information and lacks a coherent theme, failing to live up to its title. The book is described as a historical look at the airship phenomenon, with a significant portion dedicated to the wave of sightings in the US between 1896 and 1897, which some UFO researchers link to modern UFO phenomena.

Another book reviewed is "Unidentifizierte Flugobjekte über Großbritannien: Die UFO-Akten des MoD - Eine Dokumentation Teil 1" (Unidentified Flying Objects over Great Britain: The UFO Files of the MoD - A Documentation Part 1) by Christian Czech. This is the first of four volumes presenting translated UFO sightings from 1981-1985 from declassified UK Ministry of Defence files. It covers lights maneuvering, geometric objects, triangles, and pilot sightings, and includes statistical analysis of 1500 pages of documents.

GEP and Journal Information

The journal provides information about GEP, highlighting its role as a scientific research organization and its interdisciplinary approach. It also details the content of the "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), which includes documentation of UFO reports, case studies, scientific articles, and reviews. Contact information for reporting UFO sightings and for subscribing to the journal is provided, including phone numbers, email addresses, and website URLs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO and USO phenomena, historical cases, and the critical analysis of books and research in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, with reviewers questioning the methodologies, evidence, and conclusions presented in the reviewed works, particularly when they venture into speculative or unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and historical accuracy, as evidenced by the critiques of Ritter's book regarding its historical context and factual basis. The journal also promotes its own research activities and publications, positioning itself as a credible source for UFO research in Germany.