JUFOF - Issue 257 - 2021 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of jufof, the journal for UFO research published by GEP e.V., is dated May 2021 and is Volume 42, Number 257. The cover prominently features the headline "Detektion von Objekten mit Passiv-Radar" (Detection of Objects with Passive Radar), accompanied by an illustration depicting radar equipment, a van, a jeep, and a UFO. The issue also highlights "UFO-Beobachtungen" (UFO Sightings) and "Landespuren in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz, Teil 5" (Ground Traces in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Part 5).

Editorial

In the editorial titled "Liebe Leserschaft" (Dear Readers), Danny Ammon discusses the complex relationship between UFO sightings and popular culture. He notes how many UFO reports, especially close encounters, are intertwined with elements from popular culture, such as the classic saucer-shaped craft with alien occupants. Ammon points out that these depictions have existed for over a century, predating modern UFO sightings. He questions whether witnesses unconsciously mix their observations with elements from films and magazines, or if mass media picks up on genuine sightings and processes them artistically. He emphasizes that both aspects likely play a role, but neither provides a complete explanation. Ammon expresses particular interest in sightings with "Strangeness-Elements" that are not easily explained by popular culture, such as "Solid Lights" that appear to extend and retract like an elevator, defying current physical theories of light. He introduces the issue's main articles, including Josef Garcia's on passive radar detection, André Kramer's on a UFO case related to ball lightning, and Ulrich Magin's continuation of his research on UFO ground traces in German-speaking regions. Ammon underscores the importance of the GEP's publication activities, stating that it is a core principle of their research to share findings for the benefit of society and that this has distinguished the GEP for over 40 years.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

Eckiger Flugkörper über Hamburg - Hummelsbüttel

This section details a UFO sighting from the summer of 1978 or 1979, reported by Ralf S. The witness and a friend were near a lake in Hamburg-Hummelsbüttel at night when they observed a silent, approaching light. Initially mistaken for an aircraft, the object's behavior became unusual when it deviated from the flight path and hovered over a riding stable at an altitude of approximately 200 meters. The object was described as rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular, dark grey and metallic, with faint white position lights at the corners and a brighter, funnel-shaped spotlight in the center. It moved silently and then departed towards Hamburg. The witness described the experience as fascinating and unlike any known aircraft. In supplementary details, the witness elaborated on the object's shape, lights, and estimated size (15 meters long, 7-10 meters wide). The witness also noted a peculiar stillness in the environment during the sighting, with birds falling silent and no other sounds audible, describing it as a surreal yet real experience. The object was considered non-terrestrial. The case was classified as a 'PROBLEMATIC UFO' due to the significant delay in reporting (over 40 years) and the lack of definitive identification.

Aktuelle Fälle im Überblick – Teil 2

This section presents two recent cases:

20210214 B, 71083 Herrenberg: Marina W. reported seeing an object on February 14, 2021, at 6:40 AM that lasted for about a minute. She described it as too small for an airplane, too large for a drone, and unlike a helicopter. She mentioned seeing a glass dome on the object. The video she provided was timestamped around 6:58 AM, leading to a clarification that her watch might have been inaccurate. An investigation using flight tracking data revealed a TUI Boeing 787 flying at a low altitude of approximately 1600 meters in the eastern direction at the time. The report concludes that the object was likely this aircraft, with the perceived glass dome possibly being a reflection or a position light.

20210330 A, 96114 Hirschaid: Udo S. (45) reported observing, photographing, and filming a "blue-green-red blinking object" in the southwest sky on March 30, 2021, at 11:15 PM. The object appeared to rotate and move slowly westward. The witness provided limited details in the UFO case database but had captured images from an open attic window. The investigation suggests that the object was likely the star Sirius, given its blinking characteristics and location.

Detektion von Objekten mit Passiv-Radar

This article by Josef Garcia explores the principles and applications of passive radar for detecting objects, including potential UFOs. Passive radar systems utilize existing ambient electromagnetic signals (e.g., from broadcast TV, radio, or mobile communications) as a source for target detection, unlike active radar which transmits its own signals. This makes passive radar inherently stealthy and potentially more cost-effective. Garcia discusses how such systems could be employed to detect and track objects that might otherwise evade conventional radar, especially in scenarios involving advanced or unconventional aerial phenomena.

Ein klassisches UFO in alter Fallsammlung zu Kugelblitzen?

André Kramer examines a UFO case from the past, investigating its potential connection to the phenomenon of ball lightning. The article delves into historical accounts and scientific theories surrounding ball lightning, exploring whether certain UFO reports might be misinterpretations or manifestations of this atmospheric electrical phenomenon.

Landespuren in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz, Teil 5

Ulrich Magin continues his series on ground traces left by UFOs in German-speaking countries. This installment likely presents further case studies, analysis, and evidence related to physical imprints or disturbances attributed to UFO landings or close encounters in the specified regions.

Literatur

This section reviews several books:

• Das geheime Deutsche Erbe (The Secret German Heritage)
• Was ich jahrzehntelang verschwiegen habe (What I kept silent for decades)
• Rätsel und Mysterien der Eifel (Riddles and Mysteries of the Eifel)
• Verschwörungstheorien – eine Frage der Perspektive (Conspiracy Theories – A Matter of Perspective)

Diskussion und Beurteilung (Hamburg Case)

This section provides a detailed discussion and assessment of the Hamburg-Hummelsbüttel sighting. The investigators note that the report was received over 40 years after the event, a common occurrence where witnesses delay reporting. They highlight that the case contains several classic UFO elements: a triangular/trapezoidal shape, hovering with stillness, unusual silence, and the "Solid Light" phenomenon. The "Solid Light" is described as a yellow, funnel-shaped beam that extended towards the ground but did not touch it, then retracted. The object itself was described as a dark grey mass with a central housing or "bullseye" on its underside, from which the light beam emanated. The investigators considered the possibility of it being a misidentified aircraft but found no conventional explanation that fit all the details, especially given the object's silent operation and unusual light effects. They also discuss the "OZ-Factor," a term describing a subjective altered state of consciousness reported by some witnesses during UFO events, characterized by a sense of stillness and time distortion. The case was ultimately classified as 'PROBLEMATIC UFO' due to the lack of definitive identification and the significant time lapse since the event.

Diskussion und Beurteilung (Herrenberg Case)

The discussion for the Herrenberg case focuses on the discrepancy between the witness's reported sighting time and the video's metadata. After confirming the witness's potential inaccuracy regarding the time, the investigation correlated the object's trajectory with flight data. The presence of a Boeing 787 from TUI flying at a relatively low altitude strongly suggests that this aircraft was the source of the sighting. The perceived "glass dome" was attributed to reflections or position lights on the aircraft. This case serves as an example of how witness testimonies can be unreliable regarding precise timing and may require further investigation and cross-referencing with objective data.

Diskussion und Beurteilung (Hirschaid Case)

For the Hirschaid case, the discussion notes the limited details provided by the witness initially. However, the witness's photographs and video, taken from an attic window, captured a blinking object. The investigation identified the object as likely being the star Sirius, based on its appearance and movement. The report emphasizes that even with photographic or video evidence, misidentification of celestial objects is possible, highlighting the need for thorough analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed analysis of UFO sightings, the technical aspects of object detection (passive radar), and the investigation of historical and recent cases. The GEP e.V. maintains a stance of rigorous investigation, emphasizing the need for detailed documentation, witness corroboration, and the application of scientific principles to analyze phenomena. The journal aims to present a wide range of topics within UFO research, from case studies to theoretical discussions, and highlights the importance of publishing findings to contribute to the collective understanding of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial also stresses the complexity of the subject, acknowledging the interplay between genuine sightings, cultural influences, and the challenges of definitive identification, particularly for older cases.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue 5-2021, number 257, published in May 2021, delves into the technical aspects of detecting unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and explores historical cases. The magazine features articles on passive radar technology, ball lightning phenomena, and witness accounts of unusual sightings.

Passive Radar Technology for UAP Detection

The issue extensively covers passive radar technology, with contributions from Josef Garcia and others. Passive radar systems differ from conventional radar by not emitting their own signals; instead, they analyze reflections from existing broadcast sources like radio, TV, and mobile phone transmitters. This makes them difficult to detect and particularly interesting for military applications, as it allows for the identification of stealth aircraft. Russia is highlighted for its long-standing experience and advanced capabilities in passive radar.

The article explains that with readily available equipment (costing around 100 Euros) and software like "SDRSharp" and "Echoes," individuals can set up their own passive radar reception. While current software may not visually display UAP detections like a traditional radar screen, it offers a field for private development. The GRAVES space surveillance system in France, operating at 143.050 MHz, is presented as a powerful passive radar source used for tracking satellites, including the ISS. The technology can also detect meteors, which can act as 'relay stations' for amateur radio communications.

Furthermore, passive radar is explored as a tool for UAP research. The ideal scenario involves software that can filter out known objects, automatically directing a high-quality telescope to track and film any detected anomaly. This would provide simultaneous data on the object's trajectory, speed, and altitude, along with visual recording. The article mentions ongoing efforts by Professor Hakan Kayal at the University of Würzburg and the potential contributions of Professor Avi Loeb's "Galileo Project" in collecting UAP data for citizen science.

Witness Accounts and Case Studies

One significant case detailed involves a witness in Germany who observed a longish object rotating 360 degrees clockwise. The witness estimated its apparent size and described its light as uniform and blinking. Initial analysis, including a photo provided by the witness and reconstructed using Stellarium, suggested the object was the star Sirius. The author, Hans-Werner Peiniger, attributes the unusual perception to atmospheric conditions like scintillation and air turbulence, or potentially optical effects from phone camera zoom.

Two historical cases are presented as potentially related to UAP rather than ball lightning. The first, from Walther Brand's 1923 collection, describes an event on November 12, 1887, near Cap Race, where a giant fireball rose from the sea, moved against the wind, and then disappeared. The description, particularly the size and behavior, deviates from typical ball lightning characteristics. The second case, from the GEP archives (19780700 A), recounts a couple in Brittany, France, observing a yellowish-green water discoloration followed by a ball of light rising from the sea and flying north. This case is classified as a 'GOOD UFO' due to the lack of a clear explanation.

Ball Lightning Phenomenon

André Kramer discusses the phenomenon of ball lightning, noting its controversial status in science. He defines it as a small, spherical luminous entity appearing during thunderstorms, capable of maneuvering intelligently and sometimes entering buildings before vanishing, often with a pop and ozone smell. The article contrasts scientific attempts to replicate ball lightning in labs with witness descriptions, highlighting that many experiments have failed to match the described properties. Walter Brand's early collection of ball lightning cases is mentioned, with one case being re-evaluated as a potential UFO sighting due to its characteristics.

Alexander Keul's proposed list of characteristics for ball lightning includes appearance during thunderstorms, orange-red color, opacity, varied movement, ability to penetrate objects, short duration, and potential physical effects. The article also touches upon alternative explanations for ball lightning sightings, such as afterimages of lightning strikes or hallucinations.

Other Notes

The issue includes a section "Kurz notiert" (Briefly Noted) that humorously points out the availability of 'Dr. of Ufology' titles online, cautioning that such titles are not legally recognized in Germany. It also includes a list of sources and brief author biographies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the application of scientific and technological methods (like passive radar) to the study of UAP, the critical analysis of witness accounts, and the exploration of historical anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous investigation and the application of scientific principles to understand unexplained aerial events, while also acknowledging the challenges and potential for misinterpretation. The journal aims to provide a platform for detailed case studies and technical discussions within the field of UFO research.