JUFOF - Issue 264 - 2022 06

Magazine Overview

Title: jufof
Issue: 06-2022, Nr. 264
Volume: Jg. 43
Date: June 2022
Publisher: GEP e.V.
ISSN: 0723-7766
Price: 4,50 Euro

This issue of 'jufof' (journal für ufo-forschung) marks the 50th anniversary of the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) and features a cover story on "UFO Detection in and from Space Part 2." The magazine highlights the GEP's enduring commitment to UFO research over five decades and its continued publication of the 'jufof' journal.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Hans-Werner Peiniger, reflects on the 50th anniversary of the GEP and the 'jufof' journal. He expresses gratitude to long-term supporters and new contributors, acknowledging their role in sustaining the organization's work. The editorial mentions the recent UFO conference in Lüdenscheid, which, despite the cancellation of two speakers, was a successful event allowing for personal exchange and informative discussions. The presentations from the conference will be made available on the GEP's YouTube channel. Peiniger notes the increasing seriousness with which UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) are being treated globally, with many organizations now focusing on scientific methods for their study. He contrasts this with the predominantly private and individual-led research efforts in Germany, with the exception of initiatives like the University of Würzburg. The editorial also touches upon the growing interest in technical UFO research and detection, referencing an article by Walter Andritzky on methods for detecting UFOs/UAPs in and from space. The year 2022 is noted for its significant UFO-related topics, but also for the war in Ukraine and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The editorial concludes with well wishes for the holiday season and the new year.

50 Jahre UFO-Tagung, 5.11.2022, Lüdenscheid

This article by Danny Ammon and Hans-Werner Peiniger details the GEP's 50th-anniversary UFO conference held on November 5, 2022, at their headquarters in Lüdenscheid. The event provided an opportunity for GEP members and interested individuals to connect, exchange ideas, and learn about UFO research through various presentations. The conference took place in the 'Festsaal' in Lüdenscheid, with considerations for COVID-19 safety measures influencing the seating arrangements and logistics, including catering and technical equipment. The program experienced last-minute changes due to speaker cancellations, but Detlef Hoyer and Ingbert Jüdt stepped in as replacements. Hans-Werner Peiniger, the 1st Chairman of the GEP, welcomed attendees and specifically acknowledged Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP and Axel Ertelt, who were instrumental in the GEP's development in the 1970s and 1980s. The article highlights the historical collaboration between GEP and CENAP in critically examining the UFO phenomenon. Axel Ertelt, who founded the 'UFO-Gruppe Halver' and later the 'MYSTERIA' magazine, is also mentioned for his contributions to UFO research and organizing conferences.

Keynote Speeches and Presentations

Greetings

Hans-Werner Peiniger read two greeting messages. The first was from Gerald Mosbleck, a co-founder of the GEP, who could not attend but emphasized the importance of the GEP's "rational, scientifically oriented public relations work." The second greeting came from Dieter von Reeken, who has supported the GEP since its inception. Von Reeken is an author who has published brochures through the GEP and now runs a small publishing house reissuing older utopian-fantastic novels. He praised the GEP's work and Hans-Werner Peiniger's long-standing leadership.

Hans-Werner Peiniger: 50 Years of UFO Research by the GEP. A Historical Review.

Peiniger presented a historical overview of the GEP's 50-year journey, tracing its development from the 1970s to the present. He highlighted significant UFO cases that the GEP has investigated. Peiniger's personal involvement began at age 14 with the founding of the "UFO-Jugendclub Peiniger," which evolved into the GEP in 1972. The organization was officially registered as a non-profit association in 1981 and later renamed "Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens" in 1984.

Early History and Collaborations

The GEP's early contacts included the "private UFO research group Halver" led by Axel Ertelt and CENAP, founded by Werner Walter and Hansjürgen Köhler. The German UFO/IFO Study Group (DUIST) in Wiesbaden, led by Karl Ludwig Veit and Anny Veit, was also a significant entity, publishing UFO literature and the journal "UFO-Nachrichten." In 1973, the GEP joined the "UFO-Studio Mayen," led by August Wörner, who claimed to have observed over 400 UFOs and believed Earth was a focal point of a cosmic war. The GEP later separated from Wörner due to disagreements over methodology. A more fruitful collaboration was with CENAP in Mannheim.

'jufof' Publication and GEP's Recognition

The first issue of 'jufof' was published in January 1980, initially using a matrix printer. Prior to this, the GEP produced "UFO-Blatt" and "GEP-Nachrichten." After a four-year struggle, the GEP achieved non-profit status in 1988, supported by a statement from philosopher and science theorist Prof. Paul K. Feyerabend, who attested to the GEP's objective data collection and analysis.

GEP's Work with German Air Traffic Control

A significant development occurred in 2000 when the GEP was featured in the German Air Traffic Control's employee magazine. This opened a channel for communication, reducing the hesitation of air traffic control personnel to report UFO sightings to the GEP. Consequently, UFO witnesses calling the air traffic control's central telephone line are regularly forwarded to the GEP.

Academic Recognition

In 2007, social scientist Olaf Fritz conducted an empirical case study examining the scientific validity of UFO research in Germany, with a particular focus on the GEP. His conclusion was that the GEP's UFO phenomenon research is characterized by a clearly defined subject matter, a systematic and traceable approach to knowledge acquisition, and is reproducible, controllable, and thus criticizable by third parties.

T. A. Günter: Where Are We Going? The GEP's Guiding Principles for the Future.

Günter discussed the development of a guiding principles document for the GEP, aimed at defining its vision, mission, and values. This initiative seeks to emphasize the organization's content-driven aspirations and set ambitious goals, potentially counteracting perceptions of the GEP as overly bureaucratic. Günter led the project for this guiding principles document, which was presented at the conference.

Danny Ammon: The Future of UFO Research. An Outlook for the Coming Years.

Ammon, the second GEP chairman, provided an outlook on the future of UFO/UAP research, categorizing it into UFOs/UAPs, research, and myth. He emphasized the need for data-driven research to optimize the analysis of collected information and generate new insights. Ammon also suggested that sub-fields of UFO/UAP research should become more distinct to produce independent methods and results compatible with 'normal science.' The current unifying factor for topics like object sightings, close encounters, and abduction experiences is the 'UFO myth.'

Jochen Ickinger: UFO Drawings & IFO Perception. What Significance Can We Assign to Drawings?

Ickinger's presentation focused on the relevance of drawings in UFO case investigations. He found that drawings often deviate significantly from the actual objects and contain subjective interpretations, making them of limited value for reliable identification or exclusion of conventional objects. He recommended that witnesses create drawings as early as possible and that the depicted forms and details be interpreted cautiously, ideally in conjunction with other evidence. Ickinger suggested that further research and experiments could explore how drawings can aid in understanding witness recollections of UFO experiences.

Detlef Hoyer: Possible Propulsion Technologies of Unconventional Flying Objects.

Hoyer, a physicist, discussed reports of objects exhibiting unconventional movement patterns, citing the GEP's statistics indicating about 5% of unexplained cases involve such reports. He referenced the USAF's "Project Sign," which in 1949 found no conclusive evidence for unconventional craft but recommended continued reporting and analysis. Hoyer explored theoretical physics concepts, including interstellar travel and potential propulsion systems like warp drives and the Kaluza-Klein theory, which could explain the movement of unconventional craft and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation.

André Kramer: The Oz Factor in GEP Cases. Preliminary Study for a Possible Explanatory Approach.

Kramer investigated the "Oz-factor" phenomenon, described as alterations in the perception of time and space during UFO sightings, as identified by UFO researcher Jenny Randles. He analyzed GEP cases and identified 20 instances involving the Oz-factor, including time loss, absence of environmental sounds, and abrupt cessation of observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the history and ongoing development of UFO research, particularly within Germany through the GEP. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology, data collection, and the increasing acceptance of UAP studies by mainstream institutions. The GEP's stance appears to be one of rational, evidence-based investigation, while acknowledging the enduring mystery and public fascination with the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also highlights the importance of collaboration and the dissemination of research findings through publications and online platforms.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Ausgabe 6-2022, NR. 264, focuses on the topic of UFO detection from space. It features articles and discussions from a GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.) event, including presentations by André Kramer and Ingbert Jüdt, and a detailed article by Walter Andritzky.

Presentations and Discussions

André Kramer's Hypothesis

André Kramer presented a hypothesis suggesting that UFO phenomena could be explained by 'depersonalization' and 'derealization.' He proposed that close encounters with UFOs might represent traumatic experiences for witnesses, leading to the misinterpretation of bizarre side phenomena by both the witnesses and investigators. To verify this hypothesis, Kramer emphasized the need to quantify the research subject, incorporate data from GEP cases, and collaborate with experienced psychologists or psychiatrists.

Ingbert Jüdt on the UFO Taboo

Ingbert Jüdt revisited the 'UFO Taboo,' discussing the historical reluctance of governments to fund UFO research. He traced recent developments, particularly within the Pentagon, where funding has been allocated for such research. Jüdt detailed the US AATIP/AAWSAP project and its connection to billionaire Robert Bigelow, who financed anomalous investigations, notably at the 'Skinwalker Ranch' in Utah, where unusual phenomena have reportedly been observed. Jüdt's core thesis is that the UFO taboo is dissolving as government research becomes more transparent.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion, moderated by Ingbert Jüdt, brought together speakers to discuss the lectures, research findings, and the future of UFO/UAP research and the GEP. Topics included the history of UFO research cooperation in Germany, the distinction between subjective and instrument-oriented research, the influence of researchers' worldviews, and the prospects for UFO research given the GEP's current activities and new mission statement. The discussion concluded with a broad overview of how the topic is being addressed globally and within the GEP.

GEP Members' Meeting

The issue also reports on the GEP's biennial members' meeting. Vereinsvorsitzender (Club Chairman) Hans-Werner Peiniger presented the club's activities and formal matters from the past two years, including financial reports, publications, case investigations, and public relations. The meeting also addressed adapting the club's statutes to modern procedures, such as online meetings. The previous board was re-elected, with Hans-Werner Peiniger as first chairman, Danny Ammon as second chairman, and André Kramer and T.A. Günter as board members.

UFO Detection from Space (Part 2) by Walter Andritzky

This extensive article by Walter Andritzky explores the capabilities and implications of detecting UFOs from space, focusing on military and intelligence applications.

Space Force and Cislunar Surveillance

The US Space Force is responsible for UFO detection in cislunar space (the region between Earth and the Moon). The article highlights the vast volume of this space and the challenges of tracking objects due to the '3-Body Problem.' The Space Force's mission includes space situational awareness, and its self-understanding is rooted in military maxims like 'high ground' and 'full spectrum dominance.' The article notes the integration of various Air Force departments into the Space Force and its view of space as a future theater of operations.

Missile Defense Systems and UFO Detection

The article examines various missile defense systems, including the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS), the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), and systems developed by DARPA and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). It suggests that these systems, designed to detect missile launches, could potentially be adapted or repurposed for UFO detection. SBIRS, for instance, has reportedly detected UFOs that maneuvered in ways unlike meteors. The article also discusses advanced concepts like the 'Glide Breaker' for hypersonic missile defense.

Satellite Technology for Earth Observation and UFO Detection

Numerous satellite systems are discussed for their potential in detecting UFOs, particularly in Earth orbit. These include:

• USAF and Intelligence Satellites: Systems like Space Fence and SSN, along with commercial satellites, feed data into the Unified Data Library (UDL) of the Space Force. The 19th Space Defense Squadron's Project Cislunar Highway Patrol Systems (CHPS) aims to detect and track objects in cislunar space.
• Earth Observation Satellites: The article details various satellite programs from NASA (EOSDIS, Landsat), Maxar Technologies (WorldView Legion), Blacksky, and Chinese programs (Gaofen). These satellites provide high-resolution imagery of Earth's surface, which could be used for detecting landings or crashes of unidentified objects. While their primary purpose is environmental monitoring and intelligence gathering, the data could be leveraged for UFO research.
• Commercial Constellations: Planet and Iceye offer constellations of satellites with high-resolution imaging capabilities, making detailed surface observation possible. These platforms are increasingly accessible for scientific and research purposes, including potential UFO investigations.
• Keyhole and Hexagon Systems: Historical US spy satellites like Keyhole and Hexagon are mentioned for their advanced imaging capabilities, suggesting that such technology has long been used for surveillance.

Advanced Detection Concepts

The article touches upon future concepts like the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA), which aims to integrate various layers of satellite capabilities (transport, tracking, custody, deterrence, navigation, battle management, support) for comprehensive space awareness. It also mentions Avi Loeb's private project, Galileo, which seeks to obtain high-definition images of UAPs and search for interstellar objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a growing trend of increased official interest and technological development in the field of UFO/UAP research, particularly from military and intelligence agencies. The "Journal für UFO-Forschung" appears to be documenting these advancements, bridging the gap between the scientific community, government initiatives, and the persistent public interest in the phenomenon. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, exploring both conventional and unconventional explanations, and highlighting the technological means that could aid in understanding these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the potential for advanced satellite and defense systems to contribute to UFO detection and research, moving beyond the historical 'taboo' surrounding the subject.

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Issue 6-2022, Nr. 264) focuses on the intersection of advanced technology, particularly satellite observation and artificial intelligence (AI), with the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP).

Satellite Technology and UFO Detection

The journal highlights how companies are leveraging satellite technology for object detection and identification. SpaceKnow specializes in object detection and count estimations. The research into a UFO incident on May 12, 2020, in Magè, Brazil, utilized Planet Skysat imagery. While the initial 3m resolution was insufficient, the article suggests that higher-resolution, paid versions (50 cm) might be adequate for identifying a reported 3m object. Planet is considered suitable for documenting UFO crashes and landings due to its high resolution and rapid revisit rate (up to seven times a day).

The Finnish operator ICEYE offers Spotlight High SAR images with 25 cm resolution and 15 orbits per day, with a response time of 12 to 36 hours. Their capabilities are used for tracking vessels that disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS), a task analogous to tracking ground-based UFOs.

Future developments include apps for detecting wildfires, volcanic activity, and energy consumption using data from 350 other US satellites. China has launched 60 Earth observation satellites, providing vast amounts of data. They are employing AI to analyze unidentified air conditions, aiming to eliminate biases and perceptual errors. The People's Liberation Army has a three-tiered reporting system for UFOs, involving radar stations, pilots, police, and weather stations, with data analyzed by regional commands and national authorities who assign a 'threat index' based on the object's behavior, design, and radioactivity.

The company Hypergiant, founded by Bernd Lamm, is developing AI software called 'Contact' to analyze 3D satellite data over time, cross-referenced with flight movement data, to identify aircraft, weather balloons, or potential UFOs. Their 36 Hypergiant satellites in the Chameleon Constellation are reprogrammable, potentially for UFO reconnaissance.

Labelbox offers an AI software platform that uses hundreds of labeled images to train algorithms for identifying UFO types and movement patterns. Thales Alenia Space's Skylark constellation aims to monitor space up to GEO with optical sensors, providing data on space traffic for collision avoidance and navigation.

The Sentinel-2 satellites from ESA's Copernicus program provide high-resolution imagery of Earth's surface, useful for monitoring environmental issues. While Sentinel-2's 10m resolution might be insufficient for detecting UFOs on the ground, other systems like SAR-Lupe offer 1m resolution radar imagery, and SARah and OptSat are expected to surpass this, enabling weather-independent UFO landing detection, though data access may be limited.

AI and Future UFO Research

The article posits that the future of UFO research will shift from visual sightings and radar cases to the analysis of data from these sophisticated instruments. The accessibility of this data to private researchers versus state-controlled military research remains an open question.

AI is seen as crucial for analyzing Earth observation data, identifying known UFO forms and flight behaviors. ESA's educational programs, like 'Fly your Satellite,' which involve students building CubeSats, could also contribute to UFO detection efforts.

Future satellite constellations, like those from NetSat, will be able to self-organize in three dimensions and communicate with each other, potentially providing more comprehensive 3D data.

The 'Old Hag' Phenomenon and Sleep Paralysis

A significant portion of the journal is dedicated to a review of David J. Hufford's book, "The Terror That Comes In The Night: An Experience-centered Study Of Supernatural Assault Traditions." Hufford, a folklorist and ethnographer, investigates the 'Old Hag' phenomenon, a term used in Newfoundland for sleep paralysis experiences. These experiences are characterized by waking up paralyzed, sensing a presence, and feeling pressure on the chest.

Hufford's research, based on extensive interviews, explores whether these experiences are purely cultural constructs or rooted in genuine, albeit anomalous, personal experiences. He identifies four core characteristics of the 'being hagged' experience: occurring during waking or falling asleep, sensing an intruder, chest pressure/choking, and inability to move or scream.

The review contrasts cultural explanations (like folklore, witchcraft, demons) with psychological ones, including nightmares, pavor nocturnus, and sleep paralysis. Hufford's work suggests that a significant portion of traditional spiritual or paranormal beliefs are associated with accurate observations that can be rationally interpreted, even if the underlying cause remains unexplained.

The review highlights the parallels between the 'Old Hag' experience and 'Bedroom Visitor' cases often reported in UFO abduction literature. Both involve similar elements of paralysis, a sense of presence, and encounters with entities. The article notes that while psychological explanations for sleep paralysis exist, the etiology of these complex experiences with hallucinations remains unclear and is perceived as real and culturally independent.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently emphasizes the growing role of technology, particularly satellite observation and AI, in the field of UFO research. It suggests a potential shift from anecdotal evidence to data-driven analysis. The review of Hufford's work introduces a cross-disciplinary perspective, linking folklore, psychology, and anomalous experiences, including UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, exploring both technological advancements and the psychological and cultural dimensions of unexplained phenomena, while maintaining a critical perspective on the interpretation of data and experiences.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Ausgabe 6-2022, Nr. 264) is primarily dedicated to exploring the phenomenon of sleep paralysis and its connection to anomalous experiences, while also touching upon pre-astronautics and the concept of a simulated reality. The journal critically examines various interpretations and research methodologies within the UFO field.

Sleep Paralysis and Anomalous Experiences

The issue delves into the research of David Hufford, particularly his work on sleep paralysis and the 'Old Hag' phenomenon. It highlights that while biological explanations for sleep paralysis exist, focusing on REM sleep, the overall experience, including tactile sensations and the genesis of multimodal hallucinations, remains unclear. Current psychodynamic theories are also noted as lacking. The article references Sharpless and Doghramji's (2015) English-language work and Fuhrmann and Mayer's (2016) German overview.

Hufford's research extended to broader populations, generalizing 'Old Hag' experiences to 'Mara Attack' and emphasizing their spiritual or paranormal components. These are categorized as hallucinatory sleep paralysis experiences where the causal links between anomalous beliefs and experiences are described as a potentially non-linear, reciprocal process that warrants further research.

The journal contrasts the diverse disciplinary approaches to these experiences, noting that since AgE (Anomalous General Experiences) cannot be attributed to single identifiable causes, unknown properties might emerge when cultural interpretations (aliens, shadow people, ghosts, witches) are removed. However, the UFO abduction narrative is also described as modern folklore, potentially driven by cultural conditioning.

Forty years after the initial publication of 'The Terror That Comes In The Night', research continues with an experience-based approach, influenced by the digitalization of everyday culture. People now share their sleep paralysis experiences and interpretations on platforms like YouTube, with interviews with researchers like David Hufford also available online.

The issue emphasizes the value of Hufford's 1982 book for its sober, scientific treatment of experience-centered case studies, its methodology (questionnaires, qualitative interviews, avoiding leading questions), and its clear separation of tradition, experience, and theory. The article points out that in UFO research, the close association with the UFO myth and the equation of UFOs with extraterrestrials can lead to the omission of 'undesirable' data that doesn't fit pre-determined hypotheses, thus hindering the discovery of true causes.

Two examples from GEP case documentation illustrate this problem: a case (S0073) interpreted by the witness as an 'alien encounter' but fitting the 'Old Hag' experience profile, and another (20150116 A) involving a sighting within a craft where the object's behavior towards the witnesses was key. The article questions how many cases are missed due to a 'pre-selection' for 'UFO/Alien' and the distortion in the pool of unexplained cases.

Hufford's quote, "In my opinion, the tendency to grant validity to a single anomalous category while explaining away all other categories is a serious obstacle to research," is highlighted as a critical point for UFO research.

Book Reviews and Publications

The issue features reviews and mentions of several books:

• 'The Terror That Comes In The Night' by David J. Hufford: This foundational work on sleep paralysis and anomalous experiences is discussed in detail, with its methodology and approach being praised as exemplary for UFO research.

• 'Geheimnisse der Matrix' by Luc Bürgin: This book explores the idea of reality as an illusion or a virtual simulation, tracing the concept back to the 1960s and films like 'Welt am Draht'. While entertaining, the reviewer, Hans-Werner Peiniger, finds the book lacks substance, often relying on coincidences and superficial connections, though it does touch upon UFO phenomena with some interesting cases.

• 'Paläo-SETI' by André Kramer: This book examines pre-astronautics, which posits extraterrestrial visits to Earth, and analyzes its methodologies. Kramer argues that current pre-astronautics methods are scientifically insufficient and lead to errors. He proposes Paläo-SETI as a more serious research paradigm, based on extensive literature research and travel.

GEP and Journal Information

The journal also provides information about the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP), described as Germany's largest non-profit scientific UFO research organization. It details the GEP's methods, including questionnaires, interviews, and background research, and its interdisciplinary approach supported by authorities and institutions.

'jufof' (Journal für UFO-Forschung), the GEP's publication since 1980, is presented as a critically objective journal. It documents UFO sightings, their classification, and case investigations, alongside competent, scientifically-methodical expert reports on UFO phenomena and international analyses. It also includes a review and reader letter section.

Information is provided on how to report UFO sightings via phone, email, or the GEP website, and details are given for ordering books and participating in GEP's anniversary prize raffles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of anomalous experiences, particularly sleep paralysis, and their interpretation within the UFO research context. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology, the dangers of premature categorization, and the need for open-minded, evidence-based research. The journal promotes a sober, analytical approach, contrasting it with more speculative or folklore-based interpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a clear distinction between empirical data and cultural narratives, while acknowledging the complexity and often unexplained nature of the phenomena studied.