JUFOF - Issue 261 - 2022 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of "jufof" (Journal für UFO-Forschung), published in March 2022, is dedicated to the topic of pilot sighting reporting systems, with a particular focus on Germany. The magazine celebrates the 50th anniversary of the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e. V.), founded in 1972. The editorial highlights the increased public and governmental attention to UFOs/UAPs, referencing the Pentagon report and NASA's involvement. It emphasizes the importance of systematic data collection from pilots and other sources for serious UFO research.

Articles and Features

Editorial

Danny Ammon's editorial notes the growing interest in the UFO topic in Germany and worldwide, coinciding with the GEP's 50th anniversary. He points to the Pentagon's report on UAPs and recent US governmental actions, including a NASA confirmation and a US Congress hearing, as catalysts. Ammon stresses the crucial role of pilots in reporting sightings and measurements, which is essential for gathering data. He introduces Dr. Walter Andritzky's contribution on reporting systems and Kurt Ullrich's third part on the philosophical aspects of the UFO debate, touching on SETI. A significant development is the GEP's new status as an associated member of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrics (IFEX) at the University of Würzburg. This collaboration aims to integrate UFO/UAP research into academic scientific research in Germany, with IFEX and GEP exchanging sighting data. Ammon also promotes the GEP's YouTube channel for further information and invites readers to the GEP's anniversary conference in November.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

This section details a specific case: Polizeibeamte beobachteten UFOs (Police officers observed UFOs). The case, numbered 19790918A, occurred on September 18, 1979, at 23:00 in Weißenburg, Germany. Two police officers, K. H. T. and a colleague, were tasked with observing the sky. They drove to a gliding field near Kehl and observed two silent, silver, luminous objects approaching them. The objects rotated like a child's top, and their altitude was estimated at 400 meters. The witness described a dark band rotating clockwise in the middle of the object. The objects were described as very bright and blinking. When the objects flew overhead, the officers saw navigation lights of an aircraft approaching from the east. Investigations revealed that the aircraft was registered, but the observed objects were not. One object then veered off sharply towards Gunzenhausen while the other continued its path. The report notes that the witness, K. H. T., has tried unsuccessfully to obtain official documentation from authorities regarding this event.

A related article, "Wenn die Flak schießt, kommen die silbernen, UFOs" (When the flak fires, the silver UFOs appear), discusses the media's quick explanation of the Ingolstadt UFO sightings from September 1979 as Fata Morgana phenomena, possibly reflections of flak bursts from the Hohenfels military training area. However, MUFON-CES investigations suggested that no night firing exercises took place at Hohenfels during that period, casting doubt on this explanation. The article links the Weißenburg case to other documented incidents in the Stuttgart region.

Meldesysteme für Pilotensichtungen insb. in Deutschland

Dr. Walter Andritzky's article examines the reporting systems available to military and civilian pilots in Germany and Europe for UFO sightings. It outlines the legal and institutional frameworks for reporting safety-relevant events, which are increasingly relevant for UFO research. The article highlights the vast number of aircraft and flights globally, indicating a significant potential for pilot sightings. It discusses factors influencing sighting potential, such as flight routes, visibility, and cockpit limitations. The article also touches upon potential misinterpretations by pilots, such as mistaking astronomical objects for UFOs, or physiological factors affecting perception. It details the reporting channels within civil aviation, including the EASA Aviation Safety Reporting Portal and the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA). The article explains that while direct access to raw data is restricted to authorized bodies, researchers can request information. It notes that some reports, like those concerning unidentified aerial phenomena, are not always readily disclosed to external parties, citing examples from the UK and Canada where UFO-related requests were denied.

Literatur

This section includes reviews or mentions of books related to UFOs, such as "Offiziell Geleugnet!" by Steven M. Greer and "An Illustrated History of UFOs." A brief note also mentions a pilot reporting a UFO sighting from a KLM flight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic documentation and analysis of UFO/UAP sightings, the importance of pilot reports, and the integration of UFO research into scientific and academic contexts. The GEP's editorial stance is clearly in favor of a serious, evidence-based, and open-minded investigation of the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing it from sensationalism. The magazine promotes a scientific approach, as evidenced by its collaboration with IFEX and its detailed examination of reporting mechanisms and historical cases. The issue also addresses the challenges of obtaining official information and the potential for misinterpretation of sightings due to atmospheric phenomena or physiological factors.

This issue of the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (3-2022, NR. 261) focuses on the intersection of UFO phenomena with aviation safety, military reporting, and the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

Aviation Safety and UFO Reporting

The article "Das EASA Data4Safety Programm/ICAO Global Aviation Savety Plan /IATA/ASRS/ALPA" discusses the efforts to consolidate aviation safety data across various organizations. While the EASA's European Plan for Aviation Safety and ICAO's Global Aviation Safety Plan do not explicitly mention UFO incidents, they aim to reduce operational risks and identify emerging safety issues, which could encompass UFO-related risks. The IATA Safety Report for 2017, noted as the 'safest year on record,' also aimed for improvements that could include these phenomena. The article highlights that while drone sightings can lead to airspace closures, UFO incidents are not explicitly categorized as a threat. Proactive development of standard procedures for UFO incidents in air traffic is suggested, drawing parallels to drone sighting guidelines.

The "FAA Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS)" section details how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA collects incident reports. Although the FAA claims not to deal with UFOs, their Incident Data System contains reports of "unknown objects" striking aircraft. The article notes that while terms like "UFO" or "flying saucer" are avoided, pilots describe encounters with "unknown aircraft" performing unusual maneuvers. The FAA does document UAP reports when corroborated by radar data and shared with the UAPTF.

The "National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC)" is mentioned as a resource for reporting UFO sightings. The article also touches upon informal reporting channels like Facebook groups and the International Ops Bulletin. The Aircraft Proximity Evaluation Group (APEG) within the Belgian Air Force analyzes dangerous proximity events in air traffic, including UFO encounters, from a safety perspective.

British Airprox Board reports are cited, detailing incidents like a B787 pilot's sighting of a small silver aircraft and a near-collision between an A320 and a cigar-shaped UFO. Military reporting channels are also discussed, including the German Air Force and the US Air Force, with the German Air Force's Luftfahrtamt (LufABw) responsible for safety aspects of military aviation, including UFO sightings by military pilots.

Military UFO Incidents and Investigations

The article "Militärische Meldewege" (Military Reporting Channels) suggests that while the proportion of military aircraft movements is small, the potential for sightings exists. It mentions the German Air Force's Luftfahrtamt (LufABw) and its role in investigating incidents, including UFO sightings. The German Federal Ministry of Defence's security authority (GenFlSichhBw) maintains a safety database. A specific incident is described from an interview with R. Doty, detailing a UFO crash near Ramstein AFB in 1974, involving the discovery of four ETs. The article also references a 1964 SHAPE study, "An Assessment," which reportedly concluded that UFOs posed no threat and suggested the existence of highly advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. However, the existence and findings of this SHAPE study are disputed by SHAPE's historian, Dr. Gregory Pedlow.

Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

"Die Suche nach außerirdischer Intelligenz und das UFO-Phänomen" (The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and the UFO Phenomenon) by Kurt Ullrich explores the philosophical aspects of the search for extraterrestrial life. It begins by discussing the vastness of the universe, with billions of galaxies and trillions of stars, making the probability of life elsewhere seem high.

The "Drake Equation," developed by astrophysicist Frank Drake, is presented as a method to estimate the number of communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way. The article outlines the equation's variables and discusses different models (conservative, optimistic, enthusiastic) that yield vastly different results, highlighting the significant uncertainties involved.

The "Fermi Paradox" is introduced as the conflict between the high probability of intelligent life existing elsewhere and the lack of evidence for it. The paradox is framed in two ways: why are no aliens or their artifacts found on Earth or in the Solar System, and why do we see no signs of intelligence elsewhere in the universe?

The article critiques the "orthodox scientific understanding" which can be both a chance and a hindrance. While physical fundamental research is supported with expensive facilities (like the LHC), the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is often dismissed as "unserious" by the scientific community. This leads to a lack of funding and career prospects for young scientists interested in the field.

Furthermore, the search for extraterrestrial life is often based on anthropomorphic assumptions, such as the idea that life must be carbon-based and require liquid water, mirroring Earth's conditions. The article argues that this perspective limits our ability to recognize or even conceive of life that might exist under entirely different conditions. Similarly, our concept of intelligence is anthropocentric, assuming that alien civilizations would possess advanced science and technology comparable to ours, and a similar interest in communication.

The article concludes by suggesting that the orthodox scientific approach, while rigorous, may be too constrained by existing paradigms to effectively address the profound questions posed by the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently highlights the disconnect between the potential prevalence of UFO/UAP phenomena and their official recognition and integration into safety protocols, particularly in aviation. There's a recurring theme of reluctance from official bodies to explicitly address or categorize UFO risks, despite evidence of pilot sightings and potential safety implications. The journal also emphasizes the scientific and philosophical challenges in searching for extraterrestrial intelligence, critiquing the limitations of current scientific methods and the societal biases that hinder research in these areas. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a more open and thorough investigation of UFO phenomena and a broader, less anthropocentric approach to the search for extraterrestrial life.

This issue of the 'Journal für UFO-Forschung' (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 261 from the 3-2022 edition, published by GEP e.V. in Germany, focuses on the profound implications of potentially discovering extraterrestrial intelligence for human self-understanding. The cover headline highlights this theme, and the content explores scientific, philosophical, and societal consequences.

The Challenge of Detecting Extraterrestrial Signals

The issue begins by discussing the difficulties in detecting and verifying potential signals from extraterrestrial intelligence. It notes that human psychological defense mechanisms might lead to a preference for distant, unreachable 'aliens.' A key problem highlighted is the scientific demand for reproducibility, which can lead to the dismissal of unique, potentially artificial signals like the 1977 'WOW-Signal' discovered by Jerry Ehman. Ehman himself discussed the possibility of the 'WOW-Signal' containing modulation, but the technology of the time was insufficient for analysis. Similarly, the 2020 signal BLC 1 from Proxima Centauri awaits confirmation.

Paul La Violette is mentioned for his hypothesis that pulsars might be artificial or manipulated for targeted signals, pushing into speculative scientific areas. The article contrasts the scientific requirement for repeatability for natural phenomena with the potential uniqueness of artificial signals.

Current Developments in UFO Research

The journal notes a recent surge in interest in UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), partly due to the release of military footage and official reports from the USA and France. This has led to increased media attention, even from German outlets that previously ignored the topic. The article credits courageous scientists like Avi Loeb, a Harvard professor, for bringing these unconventional research areas into the scientific discourse.

Avi Loeb's work on 'Oumuamua, the interstellar object, is discussed. Loeb proposes it might be an artifact, such as a light sail probe, which could answer Fermi's question about the absence of alien signs. While acknowledging the anthropocentric bias in such interpretations, the article states that Loeb's hypothesis is scientifically tenable if supported by data and falsifiable by new findings.

Loeb advocates for a 'Galileo Project' to integrate SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) with SETA (Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts) and UFO detection, aiming to make the UFO topic a subject of open scientific discussion rather than solely the domain of military and intelligence agencies. The hope is that such projects will also consider data collected by private UFO research organizations.

Philosophical and Psychological Impacts of Discovery

A significant portion of the journal is dedicated to the potential consequences of confirming extraterrestrial intelligence on human self-perception. This is framed as a fourth 'anthropological shock,' following those identified by Sigmund Freud:

1. Cosmological Shock (Copernican): The shift from a geocentric to a heliocentric worldview, removing Earth and humanity from the center.
2. Biological Shock (Darwinian): The understanding of human descent from the animal kingdom, challenging human uniqueness.
3. Psychological Shock (Freudian): The realization that human behavior is driven by unconscious drives and repressions, not solely by free will.

The potential discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence would challenge humanity's self-image as a unique or special species in the universe. The article explores whether this would be a 'shock' or an 'opportunity' for reorientation. It suggests that while traditional certainties might crumble, leading to an initial shock, it could also foster a new perspective on humanity's place in the cosmos and a sense of interconnectedness.

Linus Hauser's concept of 'orientation tasks' is introduced as a replacement for 'shocks,' emphasizing the challenge and opportunity presented by new worldviews. The discovery of ET intelligence would present a new 'orientation task,' requiring humanity to redefine its place and purpose.

The article poses numerous questions regarding the nature of such an intelligence: its technological advancement, its lifespan, whether its signals are intentional or accidental, whether they contain comprehensible content, the possibility of contact, and its intentions (peaceful, hostile, or neutral).

Critiques of Conspiracy Theories and Greer's Work

The journal includes a critical review of Steven M. Greer's book 'Offiziell Geleugnet!' (Officially Denied!). The reviewer expresses skepticism towards Greer's claims, which are described as based on unproven assertions, conspiracy theories, and hearsay rather than verifiable evidence. The book is criticized for promoting unsubstantiated narratives, such as Nazis recovering UFOs in the 1930s or UFOs being shot down by scalar weapons. The reviewer finds many of the claims repetitive and lacking in concrete proof, likening the book to a collection of anecdotes.

While acknowledging that the book might appeal to those who prefer conspiracy theories over verified facts, the reviewer suggests that readers seeking factual information on UFO phenomena should consult other literature. The review concludes that the book's content is largely unconvincing and relies on a lack of critical examination of the presented claims.

Broader Scientific and Philosophical Context

The journal touches upon the limitations of current scientific understanding, noting that even physics has not fully explained phenomena like the incompatibility of relativity and quantum physics. It suggests that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might utilize physical theories far beyond our current comprehension to achieve feats like interstellar travel.

The article also references the work of biologist and philosopher Jacques Monod, who argued that science destroys mythical and philosophical frameworks that provide meaning, leaving humanity in a state of radical abandonment and recognizing its existence as a 'chance' product. However, the journal posits that the confirmation of extraterrestrial life, even without a definitive 'meaning,' could provide humanity with a sense of not being alone in a vast, indifferent universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific and philosophical challenges of detecting and understanding extraterrestrial intelligence, the potential impact on human self-perception and worldview, and a critical examination of UFO phenomena and related theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious scientific inquiry, open to exploring unconventional ideas but critical of unsubstantiated claims and conspiracy theories. There is an emphasis on the need for rigorous scientific methodology, even when applied to speculative topics like UFOs and SETI.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), issue number 261 from the 3-2022 edition, is primarily a review of the book "An Illustrated History of UFOs" by Adam Allsuch Boardman. The magazine also includes announcements for an upcoming UFO conference and GEP member meeting, and a brief report on a recent UFO sighting video.

Review: An Illustrated History of UFOs

The review, written by Danny Ammon, describes "An Illustrated History of UFOs" as a book that aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the UFO topic using graphics and short texts, similar to the author's previous work on filmmaking. Adam Allsuch Boardman, a studied illustrator and adult education specialist, collaborated with Dr. David Clarke, a well-known journalist and curator of British UFO files, for this book.

The book is structured into eight chapters, covering the history of UFOs from their origins in the 1940s to the present 21st century. The review highlights the book's visual approach, with consistently illustrated pages using a 'clipart-like' schematic that aids in conveying information about a visual subject like UFOs and aliens. Specific examples mentioned include UFO shapes and alien figures on the inner covers (pp. 2-3, 126-127), famous sighting locations like Roswell (pp. 28 f.), Adamski's desert (pp. 38 f.), and Travis Walton's woods (p. 69). It also references well-known individuals such as Betty and Barney Hill (p. 53), Whitley Strieber (p. 86), and Luis Elizondo (p. 112), as well as classifications like Hynek's types of close encounters (pp. 70 f.). The visualization helps readers recognize cases, people, objects, and beings in photos, videos, or drawings.

Some aspects are presented in a comic strip style, such as the reported behavior of the "Men in Black" (pp. 30 f.). The book's bibliography includes small 'thumbnails' of real book titles for further reading (pp. 122 f.).

Brief textual descriptions cover topics like 'God-Astronauts' (p. 12), Foo Fighters (p. 19), Contactees (p. 38), Dulce Base (p. 97), and Crop Circles (pp. 78 f.). The review notes that the book maintains neutrality and includes critical arguments, such as the connection to the TV series 'The Outer Limits' in the Betty and Barney Hill case (p. 55) or the potential role of false memories in the Ariel School sighting (p. 103), indicating David Clarke's influence.

The book also explores UFOs in pop culture, from 'The War of the Worlds' (pp. 20 f.) to spaceship types and aliens in cinema (pp. 40 f.) and the graphics of science fiction and mystery series on television (pp. 100 f.).

While the reviewer found no new information, they appreciated the book's accessible presentation and the enjoyment of recognizing specific cases like the 'Petrozavodsk UFO'. The book is recommended for those new to the topic who want a visually engaging introduction.

The book is 128 pages, paperback, DIN A5, illustrated, with ISBN 978-1-910620-69-4, and costs €20.00. It is published by Nobrow Press, London, GB, 2020.

Short Note: Helicopter Crew Films UFOs

A recently viral video, posted on November 6, 2018, was filmed by the crew of an Apache AH-64 combat helicopter near Tucson, Arizona, USA. The video shows three seemingly distant objects exhibiting unusual aerial movements. Journalist and UFO researcher Dave Beaty stabilized and sharpened the video. Magnified views suggest the objects are likely birds or bats, with wing beats visible. Links to further details are provided: www.grenzwissenschaft-aktuell.de and www.metabunk.org.

UFO Conference and GEP Member Meeting Announcement

The issue announces a "UFO-Tagung" (UFO Conference) and "GEP-Mitgliederversammlung" (GEP Member Meeting). The UFO conference will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2022, starting around 10 AM. The GEP Member Meeting will be on Sunday, November 6, 2022, also starting around 10 AM. Both events will be held at the Festsaal Lüdenscheid, Heedfelder Straße 41, 58509 Lüdenscheid, Germany.

Speakers for the conference include Hans-Werner Peiniger, Dr. Danny Ammon, André Kramer, and T.A. Günter, along with other experts and guests. The conference fee is €36.00 for GEP members and €45.00 for others. Participation in the GEP Member Meeting on Sunday is free of charge, but only GEP members are admitted.

Registration for the 50th-anniversary event can be done via email at [email protected] or online at www.ufo-forschung.de/tagung2022. The organizers express their hope to welcome attendees in Lüdenscheid in November.

Book Announcement: Das UFO von Roswell

A new publication by Uli Thieme, titled "Das UFO von Roswell: Ein Mythos stürzt ab" (The UFO of Roswell: A Myth Collapses), is announced. This 356-page paperback book, DIN A5 size with illustrations, is an expanded and revised edition of "Roswell, Summer 1947 – ein UFO-Mythos stürzt ab". It contains translations of original sources such as newspaper articles, teletype reports, and witness testimonies, allowing readers to form their own judgment on the Roswell UFO case. The book costs €24.00 (€19.20 for GEP members), plus shipping. The first 15 GEP member purchasers will receive a signed copy from the author. Orders can be placed via the GEP-Shop at shop.ufo-forschung.de or by contacting GEP e. V.

GEP Anniversary Puzzle Contest No. 3

To celebrate "50 Years of UFO Research by GEP", a puzzle contest is being held in each issue of "jufof". In this issue, GEP members have the chance to win a year of free membership. The question is: "What is the founding year of GEP?". Two one-year free memberships will be raffled among correct entries. Submissions should be sent to [email protected] or by post to GEP, Jahnstr. 15, 58509 Lüdenscheid. The deadline for entries is July 15, 2022. Only GEP members are eligible to participate.

GEP and UFO Information

The "GEP" section explains that the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (Society for the Investigation of the UFO Phenomenon) is the largest non-profit scientific organization in Germany dedicated to UFO research. GEP uses questionnaires, interviews, and background research, supported by various authorities and scientific institutions.

The "UFO" section defines a UFO as a perceived object or light in the sky or on land whose appearance, trajectory, and general dynamic and luminous behavior cannot be logically explained by conventional means, and which remains unidentified after thorough examination by technically capable individuals.

The "jufof" section states that the Journal for UFO Research has been critically documenting the UFO phenomenon since 1980. As the official publication of GEP, it includes documentation of sighting reports, their classification, and case investigations. The second part features competent technical reports on the UFO phenomenon, case studies, and international reports and analyses, along with a review and letters section.

The "UFO-Meldung" (UFO Report) section provides instructions for reporting UFO sightings. Contact can be made via the 24/7 hotline 02351 23377, email at [email protected], or through the websites www.ufo-forschung.de and www.jufof.de, which also offer web forums and chats. GEP e.V. can be contacted online, and their UFO observation reporting center can be reached at the provided phone number and email.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO research, historical cases, and the popularization of UFO phenomena through books and media. The editorial stance, as reflected in the journal's publication and the GEP's activities, is one of critical, scientific investigation and documentation of UFO reports, while also engaging with the broader cultural impact of UFOs and providing accessible information for both researchers and the general public. The journal aims to be a factual and critical source of information, encouraging readers to form their own judgments based on presented material.