JUFOF - Issue 260 - 2022 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), dated 02-2022 (Volume 43, Issue 260), published by GEP e.V., is a German-language magazine dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. It features a cover story on the historical UFO reporting system of the U.S. Air Force and continues a series on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The issue includes detailed case studies, discussions on UAP investigations, and information on the organization's activities.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, reflects on the U.S. Congress-mandated Pentagon report on UAP events. Peiniger expresses disappointment with the report's brevity and the redaction of key details, noting that the public remains largely uninformed. He contrasts this with GEP's transparent approach to documenting UFO reports. The editorial also touches upon the public's increased awareness of UAP investigations by intelligence agencies following the Pentagon report, drawing parallels to similar efforts by the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s. A planned GEP conference in Lüdenscheid on November 5-6, 2022, is also announced.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

This section presents detailed case studies of UFO sightings.

Bundeswehrsoldat sichtet UFO in Afghanistan

This case (Fallnummer: 20070807 A) describes a sighting by a German soldier stationed at Camp Warehouse near Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 7, 2007. The soldier reported being awakened by what was initially thought to be an attack, but instead observed three bright yellow lights hovering silently in a line formation at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. The lights then ascended vertically at high speed. The event was accompanied by power fluctuations in the camp, including the failure of large spotlights. The soldier classified the object as having no terrestrial origin due to its unusual movements. The investigation was initiated via Facebook and conducted by Hans-Werner Peiniger. The case is classified as a 'PROBLEMATIC UFO'.

UFO-Ereignis mit Oz-Faktor in Solingen - Gräfrath

This case (Fallnummer: 19900000 C) details an event that occurred in Solingen-Gräfrath, Germany, in the summer of 1990. The witness, a dental technician apprentice, reported an unusual silence upon exiting his vehicle, describing it as if a bell had been placed over the area. He then observed a large, slightly transparent, oval object hovering silently. He could see through the object to the sky behind it, noting internal 'interlocking' structures. The object disappeared, and the witness initially forgot about the sighting until prompted by a colleague. The event is characterized by the 'Oz-Factor,' a phenomenon described by UFO researcher Jenny Randles, involving a distorted perception of time and space and a sense of isolation. Due to the passage of time and lack of further witnesses, detailed investigation was limited, but the case is classified as a 'PROBLEMATIC UFO' due to the presence of the 'Oz-Factor' element.

UFO-Berichtswesen der U.S. Air Force - Ein historischer Abriss

This article by Dr. Walter Andritzky provides a historical overview of UFO reporting within the U.S. Air Force. It traces the evolution of the reporting system from the post-WWII era, driven by concerns about potential advanced foreign technology. The article highlights the efforts to systematically collect reports from military and civilian personnel, as well as the public. It mentions the establishment of the 4602d Air Intelligence Service Squadron (AISS) in 1953 to handle reports related to national security, separate from Project Blue Book. The article also discusses Project Moon Dust, initiated in 1961 to recover alleged UFO debris, citing examples from Bolivia and Nepal. The reporting system is described as complex and extensive, encompassing various branches of the U.S. military and space program, with a significant amount of data remaining classified.

Kurz notiert

This section provides brief updates on various topics:

• Das SKY360 Projekt: A mention of the SKY360 Project.
• UAP Detektionssystem SkyCAM-5: A mention of the UAP Detection System SkyCAM-5.
• GEP ist assoziiertes Mitglied des universitären Forschungszentrums IFEX: GEP has become an associated member of the university research center IFEX.

Die Suche nach außerirdischer Intelligenz und das UFO-Phänomen, Teil 2

This is the second part of a series exploring the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the UFO phenomenon.

Literatur

This section includes reviews of books related to UFOs:

• Deutschlands UFO-Akten: A review of a book titled "Deutschlands UFO-Akten" by Andreas Müller.
• Die UFO-Fallakten: A review of "Die UFO-Fallakten."
• UFO-Report - Ich weiß, was ich sah: A review of "UFO-Report - Ich weiß, was ich sah."

Impressum

The "Impressum" section provides publication details:

• Publisher: Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e. V., founded in 1972.
• Contact Information: Address, phone, fax, and email for the editorial office.
• Bank Details: Postbank NL Dortmund account information.
• Editors: Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon are responsible for the content.
• Disclaimer: Contributions and opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of GEP. Unsolicited manuscripts are not liable.
• Publication Schedule: The magazine is published bimonthly on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being honorarium-free.
• Subscription Price: €27.00 per year (6 issues) plus postage.
• Advertising: Information on advertising prices is available upon request. Small ads are free for subscribers and members.
• Reprints: Reprints require written permission from GEP e.V.
• Printing: bis500 Druck, 98693 Ilmenau.
• Copyright: © 2022 GEP e. V.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical documentation and investigation of UFO/UAP phenomena, particularly focusing on official government reporting systems like that of the U.S. Air Force. The magazine emphasizes detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and the scientific or investigative approach to unexplained events. The editorial stance, as indicated by Hans-Werner Peiniger, is one of transparency and diligent investigation, contrasting GEP's methods with the often-classified or redacted information from official sources. There is a clear interest in understanding the phenomenon from multiple perspectives, including historical context and personal accounts, while maintaining a critical and analytical approach. The magazine also promotes GEP's role in the UFO research community and its engagement with academic institutions.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 2-2022, issue number 260, delves into the historical and ongoing efforts of the United States Air Force (USAF) to investigate Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs).

USAF UFO Program and Reporting Systems

The article details the evolution of UFO reporting within the USAF, starting with early systems like MERINT (for ship crews) and CIRVIS (for aviation personnel). These reports were intended to gather detailed information on UFO sightings, including size, shape, propulsion, distance, and speed, and were to be treated with a degree of secrecy.

Early Regulations and Concerns

Key regulations such as Air Force Regulation (AFR) Nr. 200-2, first issued on August 12, 1954, and later updated on July 20, 1962, established the framework for UFO investigations. The USAF's concern was threefold: assessing potential threats to U.S. defense, gaining technical or scientific knowledge, and informing the public. The regulation mandated that sightings be investigated to determine if they were genuine UFOs or conventional objects like balloons or rockets, with findings reported to the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright Patterson AFB.

Investigation Procedures and Personnel

Commanders were instructed to ensure that training programs included information on the UFO Program. A designated UFO investigating officer, possessing scientific or technical qualifications, was to be appointed at each Air Force Base (AFB) to conduct immediate, detailed, accurate, and objective reports. These reports were crucial for the 'identification' phase of air defense, which involved detection, identification, interception, and destruction.

Data Collection and Dissemination

The article highlights that the USAF's interest in UFOs was 'threefold': potential threat to U.S. security, technical characteristics of UFOs (leading to new scientific insights), and the need to explain all UFO sightings. Information was to be reported telephonically to the Foreign Technical Division (FTD) at WPAFB. Cooperation with Air Force UFO investigators was expected from all AF members. Procedures for investigations included interviewing witnesses, assessing reliability, measuring sighting angles, and consulting meteorological services, astronomers, and air traffic control.

Public information was to be managed solely by the Office of Information, with AF personnel prohibited from communicating with private individuals about UFO cases. Reporting sources included civilian pilots, radar operators, technical personnel, and random observers, as well as military units and pilots.

International Scope and Historical Cases

The U.S. reporting system extended to Germany, with a directive from the Office of Military Government for Bavaria in 1948 requesting detailed information on 'Unconventional Aircraft' sightings. The article also references historical cases, including a 1964 incident involving a UFO attacking an Atlas D rocket launch near Big Sur, California, and observations by Werner von Braun in 1949 and 1948/49 at White Sands.

Visual Information and Documentation

Significant emphasis is placed on the collection and management of visual information (VI), including photos and videos of UFOs. This material is routed through the DoD's Visual Information Records Center (DIMOC) and eventually to the National Archives. The article notes that while the term 'UFO' or 'UAP' is now absent from some manuals, the collection of such imagery remains relevant.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

The issue discusses recent developments, including the UAPTF report from June 2021, which found no evidence of extraterrestrial origins but acknowledged the possibility of advanced technologies from other nations. It also mentions the proposed establishment of an Anomaly Surveillance and Resolution Office (ASRO) within the DoD to consolidate UAP investigation efforts. The SKY360 project, a citizen science initiative for automated sky observation, is also highlighted as a future source of data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the article is the historical seriousness with which the USAF treated UFO phenomena, despite public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting the official U.S. government's efforts to understand and manage the UFO/UAP issue, emphasizing the procedural, investigative, and intelligence-gathering aspects. The journal aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these efforts, drawing from official documents and historical accounts.

This issue of the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 2-2022, Nr. 260, published in February 2022, focuses on the intersection of UFO phenomena, scientific research, and theological perspectives. The cover prominently features a diagram illustrating the distances and angular sizes of various objects, including a UAP, an Airbus A340, and the ISS, relative to Sky360 stations, highlighting the technological aspects of UAP observation.

UAP Detection Systems

The issue details advancements in UAP detection technology. The Sky360 stations utilize all-sky and PTZ cameras with resolutions of 15arcsec/0.375arcsec to observe and record phenomena. The article mentions that joining the Sky360 community provides access to experts in various fields, including UAPs, meteorology, and passive radar, with a strong technical background. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being developed to aid in the automatic detection of UAPs and to filter out conventional objects like birds and aircraft. The cost for such hardware and software setups ranges from $1000 to $5000, requiring some assembly experience. A link to the necessary hardware/software list is provided.

Furthermore, the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.) is supporting the SKY360 initiative, leveraging its 50 years of experience in UFO research. The University of Würzburg is also contributing through its Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrics (IFEX). Professor Dr. Hakan Kayal and his team at the Chair for Computer Science VIII have developed the SkyCAM-5 system, which uses AI to automatically detect UAPs and distinguish them from known objects. This initiative marks the first time UFO/UAP research is formally anchored within German university scientific research.

The IFEX collaborates with external partners, including the GEP, to investigate UAP events. Their goals include exploring space and extraterrestrial life, but they emphasize an open-minded investigation of unidentified aerial observations without presupposing extraterrestrial origins. The GEP's membership aims to strengthen cooperation and scientific work in UFO/UAP research.

Philosophical and Theological Aspects of UFOs

A significant portion of the journal is dedicated to a philosophical discussion titled "The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and the UFO Phenomenon: Philosophical Aspects of a Current Debate, Part 2" by Kurt Ullrich. This section explores the compatibility of extraterrestrial life with Christian theology.

Christianity and the Worldview

The article posits that Christian theology, with its anthropocentric worldview, places humans in a uniquely favored position as God's creation, made in His image. This raises questions about the implications of intelligent extraterrestrial life. The text discusses the Christian understanding of spiritual beings like angels, noting they are distinct from humans and do not alter the special relationship between God and humanity.

Science and Christianity

The journal examines how Christianity, particularly Catholicism, has historically engaged with scientific advancements. The case of Galileo Galilei is cited as an example of the Church's long process of revising its stance in light of empirical evidence. The article notes that the Church has shown more flexibility regarding Darwin's theory of evolution and the Big Bang theory, viewing them as not necessarily contradictory to Catholic doctrine.

The Big Bang Theory and Creation

The Big Bang theory, developed by Catholic priest Georges Lemaitre, is presented as compatible with religious belief. The theory's concept of the universe originating from a single point and expanding is seen as analogous to a creation event. The text highlights that Catholic theologians have generally accepted these scientific models, as the Big Bang theory describes the universe's origin and expansion in a way that aligns with the concept of a transcendent cause outside of space and time, similar to the philosophical definition of God.

Intelligent Extraterrestrial Life and Christology

The possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life poses unique challenges to Christian Christology. The article proposes several hypotheses:

1. Humanity's Unique Status: The idea that only humanity fell from grace and requires Christ's redemption, implying other intelligent beings in the universe remained in unity with God.
2. Universal Divine Love: The concept of an all-loving God whose relationship extends to all intelligent beings, not just humans.
3. Christ's Universal Redemption: The hypothesis that Christ's incarnation and sacrifice were intended for all redeemable beings across the universe, potentially involving a form of universal atonement.
4. Inaccessibility of Salvation: The difficulty in explaining how other intelligent species could access God's grace and salvation without direct knowledge of Christ's act.

High-ranking theologians and Vatican representatives are aware of these issues. The Vatican Observatory is noted as being actively involved in astrophysical research.

Views from the Vatican

Jesuit priest and Chief Astronomer of the Vatican, José Funes, believes that the existence of extraterrestrial life does not conflict with faith in God. However, he considers a direct encounter with aliens unlikely due to vast cosmic distances. He emphasizes that Christ's incarnation is a unique, singular event in the history of humanity and the universe. The article also touches upon the theory of parallel universes, which could further complicate these theological considerations.

Theologians' Stance on Aliens

Some theologians, like Jesuit Domenico Grasso, express a desire for scientific proof of intelligent life elsewhere. Others, like Father Funes, find the concept of aliens theologically unproblematic, though they deem direct contact improbable. The idea of humanity being the sole 'lost sheep' in need of Christ's salvation is presented as a way for some theologians to reconcile their beliefs with the vastness of the universe and the potential for other intelligent life.

Book Reviews

"Deutschlands UFO-Akten" by Andreas Müller

This book is reviewed as a significant work on the German UFO phenomenon, covering government involvement, historical cases, and political perspectives. It includes discussions on alleged flying saucers, UFO files from the German Federal Archives (1950s-1960s), and specific cases like the Haselbach UFO, the Greifswald lights, a near-collision involving a Bundeswehr helicopter, and the Bremen Airport incident. The review highlights the book's comprehensive research and its focus on the potential relevance of UFOs to state security. It also covers the GDR's stance on UFOs as a taboo subject and mentions Stasi files related to the UFO case in Halle (1985). The book is praised for its detailed analysis of state perspectives and its inclusion of information from neighboring countries like Austria and Switzerland. It is considered a standard reference for the political handling of UFOs in Germany.

"Die UFO-Fallakten" by Roland M. Horn

Roland M. Horn's book is described as a collection of his investigations into UFO sightings. The review notes his systematic approach and the inclusion of QR codes linking to further information. The book covers cases such as a round object photographed in Jabel in 2019, where an owl was considered a possible explanation. Another case discussed is from February 8, 2014, on the A6 near Grünstadt, where a witness reported a trance-like state and messages, with elements of the OZ factor being identified. The reviewer commends Horn's cautious approach to exotic explanations and his open-mindedness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry and religious thought, particularly within the German context. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research, both in technological detection methods and in historical/political analysis of government involvement. The theological articles demonstrate an effort to reconcile established religious doctrines with modern scientific understanding and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, often presenting a nuanced and open-minded perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and thoughtful discussion, aiming to inform readers about the latest developments in UFO research and its broader implications.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 260 from 2022, features a prominent announcement of a new release: "Das UFO von Roswell - Ein Mythos stürzt ab" by Uli Thieme. The journal contains several book reviews and articles related to UFO phenomena, as well as information about upcoming events.

Book Reviews

Review of "Die UFO Fallakten" by Roland M. Horn

The review, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, discusses Roland M. Horn's book "Die UFO Fallakten." Peiniger notes that Horn examines several cases, including a well-known incident in Langenargen in 1977 where two objects and two unusual figures were observed. While MUFON-CES deemed the witnesses credible, UFO researcher Rudolf Henke suggested an alcohol problem as a cause. Horn attempts to refute Henke's arguments. Horn also classifies the Langenargen event as a possible abduction. The review highlights Horn's analysis of two abduction cases: Travis Walton and Kathy Davies. Regarding the Travis Walton case, Horn suggests that the investigation might have been manipulated by skeptics. In the Kathy Davies case, Horn details the role of researcher Budd Hopkins and his hypnosis sessions. However, UFO skeptic Phil Klass reportedly demonstrated that Hopkins worked unprofessionally and manipulated the witness. Peiniger notes that Horn seems to partially concede this, concluding that due to Hopkins' unprofessional approach, it's unclear if there's any truth to the story. Peiniger appreciates Horn's objective presentation of cases and findings, though he feels the book lacks a more personal assessment and critical evaluation of the material. Despite Horn's doubts, he ultimately sides with the UFO witness in cases of uncertainty, following the principle of "in dubio pro reo" (in doubt, for the witness).

Review of "UFO-Report" by O. Steins (O. Stein)

This review, by '0. Stein', describes the book "UFO-Report" as starting soberly, explaining why many people don't see UFOs due to modern lifestyles. The author, identified as O. Stein, lives near Leipzig. The book recounts personal experiences and those of an acquaintance, mentioning unusual flight activity at the former Soviet-Russian military airfield in Brandis in 1994, despite military withdrawal in 1992. The reviewer finds the author's surprise at this puzzling, citing Wikipedia's information about the airfield being leased to a private entity and used for flight schools. The reviewer suggests stopping the book after this section, as the subsequent content is described as a chaotic "rollercoaster ride" through various topics without a clear thread. Examples include the size of Area 51 being compared to Switzerland (incorrectly), and claims about security measures being previously only found in concentration camps. The review criticizes the author's discussion of Operation Highjump, his doubts about Hitler's suicide, and claims about Nazi U-boat activity in the Arctic during WWII. The author also suggests that governments and intelligence agencies lie, encouraging belief in conspiracy theories. The review notes the author's mention of Schauberger, Kammler, and 'the Glocke' (a Nazi wonder weapon), and his claim that a US military order from the Korean War prohibits shooting at UFOs, which he states is still in effect. The reviewer finds it contradictory that the author reports a Vietnam War incident where the US Air Force fired rockets at UFOs. The review also touches upon the author's views on asteroids, the moon craters, and the scientific discussion of extraterrestrial life before the 1990s, criticizing the lack of sources. The author's mention of Schauberger is seen as a reason for caution. The review points out numerous spelling errors in the book, such as "Friedmann" instead of "Friedman" and "Rosswell" instead of "Roswell." The book also discusses the Kecksburg crash and the author's skepticism towards the official explanation of US Air Force balloons and dummies. The review concludes by advising against purchasing the book.

Review of "Das UFO von Roswell" by Uli Thieme

This section announces Uli Thieme's new book, "Das UFO von Roswell - Ein Mythos stürzt ab." It describes the book as an expanded and revised edition of a previous work, containing translations of original sources like newspaper articles, teletype reports, and witness testimonies related to the Roswell incident of July 8, 1947. The book aims to allow readers to form their own judgment on the case. It is 356 pages, paperback, with illustrations, and costs €24.00 (€19.20 for GEP members). The first 15 GEP members ordering will receive a signed copy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting case studies, book reviews, and discussions of historical and contemporary UFO events. The editorial stance appears to be critical and analytical, encouraging readers to form their own conclusions based on presented evidence, as seen in the reviews of Horn's and Thieme's books. The journal also promotes the GEP's activities and encourages member participation.

GEP and UFO Information

The journal provides information about GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), describing it as Germany's largest non-profit UFO research organization. It details GEP's methods, including questionnaires, interviews, and field investigations. The journal itself, "jufof," has been published since 1980, critically documenting UFO sightings and providing scientific articles. Contact information for reporting UFO sightings and for GEP is provided, including phone numbers, email addresses, and website URLs.

Contests and Events

The issue announces a prize riddle for GEP members, offering signed copies of the book "Das Rätsel: Unbekannte Flugobjekte" by Hans-Werner Peiniger. It also promotes an upcoming "UFO-Tagung und Mitgliederversammlung" (UFO Conference and Members' Meeting) on November 5-6, 2022, in Lüdenscheid. Interested individuals are invited to submit proposals for presentations on UFO/UAP topics.