Magazin fur Grenzwissenschaften - No 17 - 1996-97

Magazine Overview

This issue of MAGAZIN FÜR GRENZWISSENSCHAFTEN (Magazine for Fringe Sciences), issue number 17, is dated December/January 1996-1997 and carries the cover headline "Mars: Neue Herausforderung für die NASA" (Mars: New Challenge for NASA). It also features "UFO-Rückblick" (UFO Retrospective) and "Vorläufer der Prä-Astronautik" (Precursors to Pre-Astronautics) as prominent themes, alongside "Tunguska-News" and "Und andere Themen der Grenzwissenschaften" (And other topics of fringe sciences).

Editorial and Announcements

The editorial, titled "Vorwort zu dieser MG-Ausgabe" (Foreword to this MG Issue), reflects on the nature of scientific truth and criticizes the "TERRA-PATROL" for misrepresenting the magazine's initials. The editorial team wishes readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 1997. It also announces that Dieter Wirgowski from "DER ANDEREN REALITÄT" will contribute to MG starting February 1997, broadening the magazine's reach to the esoteric community. Information about an existing MG-Club is also provided.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

Several events and initiatives are promoted:

• HELLSEHEN UND CHANNELING '97 Congress: Held from September 11-14, 1997, in Kisslegg/Allgäu, Germany, this congress will gather approximately 40 clairvoyants and channeling mediums from around the world. Various mediums and experts are listed, including Carole Gruskin, Phyllis Carmel-Schlemmer, Dr. Varda Hasselmann, Frank Schmolke, Dr. Ralph Jordan, The Scole Experimental Group, Elisabeth Vickers, Marita Lautenschläger, Elisabeth Dude, Ursula Völkel, Doris Forster, Betty Reeves, Peter Frankenberg, Karin Schnittger, Silvia-Maria Ourdil, Trude Roth, Petra Augustin, and Dr. Walter Frank as a scientific expert.
• Leserreise zu Dr. Raymond Moody (Reader Trip to Dr. Raymond Moody): Scheduled from June 5-15, 1997, this trip to Alabama offers participants the chance to attend a session with Dr. Moody at his Psychomantheum, with German translation provided. The trip also includes visits to mediums and spiritual individuals in Alabama and Georgia. The cost is 4,250 DM per person in a double room, and Karin Schnittger and Dieter Wiergowski will accompany the group.
• Weltkongreß der Indianer und Schamanen (World Congress of Indians and Shamans): This alternative environmental summit on ecology and spirituality is planned for May 29 to June 1, 1998 (Pentecost) in Neuss, near Düsseldorf, moderated by Rainer Holbe, featuring around 60 speakers from around the world.

Information and a free sample copy of "DIE ANDERE REALITÄT" can be obtained from their editorial office at Voßstr. 218, D-45966 Gladbeck.

MG-MIX Section

This section presents a collection of shorter news items and reports:

• Hexerei (Witchcraft): In a village in the Mexican state of Puebla, seven people were murdered due to accusations of witchcraft. Three men set fire to a family's home and attacked residents with machetes and firearms, claiming the family's patriarch had hexed and killed two of his daughters.
• Bienen (Bees): Swarms of so-called "killer bees" injured over 70 people in Mexico City, primarily those participating in a parade for the 89th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. It is suggested that the bright clothing may have provoked the bees' aggressive behavior. These bees are a hybrid of Mexican and African species.
• Kampflaser (Combat Laser): Lockheed and Boeing have received a large contract from the US government to develop a combat laser for a B-747 platform for the USAF. The project, estimated at $6 billion, is viewed with skepticism by laser technicians due to the technology's immaturity. The lasers are intended to combat cruise missiles and satellites up to 300 km away, but their effectiveness is limited by weather conditions, as clouds absorb laser beams.
• War nix! (It was nothing!): The DC-XA Clipper Graham, a successor model to the DC-X Clipper, suffered a hard landing in July 1996, resulting in the complete destruction of the system. The failure was attributed to the landing gear of the single-stage rocket. The manufacturer, McDonnell Douglas, intends to continue the project, aiming for a cost-effective alternative to the Space Shuttle, capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
• Ur-Ahn neu (New Ancient Ancestor): An American-Canadian-Israeli archaeological team discovered a nearly 2.33-million-year-old human lower jawbone in a swamp in the Hadar region of Ethiopia. Primitive stone tools and other artifacts were also found. The jawbone's oval teeth suggest it does not belong to an early ape, leading to renewed speculation among scientists.
• Pflaumen? (Plums?): In the Swiss canton of Aargau, an apple tree was found bearing a pear, baffling fruit-growing experts. The "black sheep pear" is being investigated, with manipulation by the apple tree owner ruled out.
• UFO?: A pilot of a Pakistani airliner reported seeing a mysterious beam of light during takeoff from New York to Frankfurt. Scientists attributed this phenomenon, observed on November 17, 1996, to a meteor shower. Flight personnel initially speculated about US Navy rocket launches, similar to one that may have caused the TWA Jumbo crash.

Porträt einer Selbsthilfegruppe: G.I.V. (Portrait of a Self-Help Group: G.I.V.)

This article introduces the G.I.V. (Gemeinschaft zur interterrestrischen Vereinigung - Community for Interterrestrial Union), a self-help group for individuals who believe they have experienced "CE-IV contact" (close encounters of the fourth kind). The group aims to provide a platform for those who feel marginalized by society and the medical/psychological professions due to their experiences. G.I.V. seeks to help affected individuals process their traumatic experiences, regain autonomy, and integrate their encounters into their daily lives. The group also publishes a non-commercial newspaper called "Victims Voice" to bridge the gap between those affected and the general public, aiming to foster understanding and transparency regarding the phenomenon of alien abduction.

Roland M. Horn: Dorthin, wo noch kein Mensch zuvor gewesen ist (To Where No Human Has Gone Before)

This section focuses on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). It describes the HST as a light collector in orbit 370 miles above Earth, designed to observe faint infrared and ultraviolet light that has traveled for billions of years. The telescope's primary mirror, a technological marvel of pure aluminum, is described as exceptionally precise. The article details the HST's optical path, its detectors, and how data is transmitted to ground stations for processing into images. It highlights the HST's unique characteristics as an observatory, such as its lack of a dome and its operation by remote control. The article emphasizes that the HST represents a revolutionary step in astronomy, enabling investigations into the universe's origins and evolution.

The Man Behind the Telescope: Edwin P. Hubble

The article then delves into the life and work of astronomer Edwin P. Hubble, after whom the telescope is named. It recounts his early life, his diverse career path including boxing and law, and his eventual dedication to astronomy. Hubble's research at the Mount Wilson Observatory, particularly his work with the 100-inch Hooker telescope, led to groundbreaking discoveries. He studied spiral nebulae, including the Andromeda nebula, and in 1924, he definitively proved that these were "island universes" – separate galaxies – by observing Cepheid variable stars. This allowed him to measure the distance to Andromeda, confirming it was far beyond our own Milky Way galaxy. Hubble's classification of galaxies and his measurement of cosmic distances up to 500 million light-years laid the foundation for understanding the scale of the universe.

Hubble's Law and the Expanding Universe

The article explains Hubble's Law, which states that galaxies are moving away from Earth at speeds proportional to their distances. This observation supports the Big Bang theory of the universe's origin and its ongoing expansion. The Hubble constant, representing the ratio of a galaxy's recession velocity to its distance, is discussed as a crucial but still imprecisely determined astrophysical value. Astronomers are using the HST to refine measurements of the Hubble constant, aiming for an accuracy of up to 10%. Two teams of astronomers using the HST have reported results for the Hubble constant that suggest an age for the universe between 9 and 14 billion years, with ongoing debate about the universe's ultimate fate (continued expansion or collapse) depending on its density.

Other Science News

• Egypt: New Discoveries Under the Sphinx: (Mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text).
• Tunguska! New Discoveries: (Mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text).
• Renate Schäfer: Meteors - An Overview: (Mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text).
• News from the World: (Mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text).
• Sensation in the Antarctic: (Mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text).
• Wladislaw Raab: On the Trail of the Watchers: (Mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the intersection of science, mystery, and the unexplained. Recurring themes include UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial intelligence, ancient mysteries (like pre-astronautics and Egyptian enigmas), and alternative scientific theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into subjects often dismissed by mainstream science, providing a platform for researchers and experiencers in the field of fringe science and esotericism. The magazine also actively promotes events and communities within this sphere, such as self-help groups and esoteric congresses.

This issue of "Magazin für Grenzwissenschaften" (Magazine for Frontier Sciences), identified by page numbers 920-927 and a cover date of November 1995, delves into several key areas of astronomical research and related topics.

The Investigations (Die Untersuchungen)

The "Schlüssel-Projekt-Team" is halfway through its three-year program aimed at determining the expansion rate of the universe by measuring Cepheid distances to galaxies. They have measured these distances for several galaxies in the Fornax Cluster, estimating it to be about 60 million light-years away, comparable to the Virgo Cluster. The team uses various methods to measure distances, including the Tully-Fisher relation and Type Ia supernovae, aiming to cross-reference these with Cepheid measurements for a comprehensive understanding of cosmic expansion.

The Hubble Space Telescope Explores the Orion Region

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has provided stunning images of celestial objects, including the Orion Region. A significant release on November 20, 1995, was a spectacular color panorama of the Orion Nebula's center, a star-forming region 1500 light-years away. This mosaic, composed of 15 individual HST images, covers an area of about 5% of the sky. The images reveal details of star birth, gas clouds, and a star cluster. The Orion Nebula serves as a laboratory for studying the processes that formed our own solar system. The images highlight protoplanetary disks, which are believed to be the precursors to planetary systems. The presence of numerous such disks strengthens the argument that planet formation is a common event in the universe.

Hubble's Deepest Look into the Universe Reveals Astonishing Galaxies Over Billions of Years

The Hubble Deep Field (HDF) image, released on January 15, 1996, represents the deepest optical view of the universe ever achieved. It was created from 342 separate exposures, revealing thousands of galaxies, some dating back to within a billion years of the Big Bang. The HDF covers a tiny fraction of the sky, equivalent to the width of a dime viewed from 75 feet away, yet it is statistically representative of the universe's distribution of galaxies. The image shows a variety of galaxy shapes and colors, with blue objects indicating young stars and red objects suggesting older stellar populations.

Protoplanetary Disks. Orion Nebula

This section details four new images from the HST showing protoplanetary disks around young stars in the Orion Nebula, 1500 light-years distant. These gas and dust disks are thought to be early stages of planetary formation. The disks are observed as dark silhouettes against the bright background of the Orion Nebula. The central stars are young, about a million years old, and their masses are between 30% and 15% of our Sun's mass. The article suggests that these disks may evolve into planetary systems, similar to our own solar system which formed about 4.5 billion years ago.

Edge-On Protoplanetary Disks in the Orion Nebula

One specific image shows a protoplanetary disk viewed edge-on, resembling an interstellar frisbee. This disk, around a young star 1500 light-years away, is one of the largest discovered in the Orion Nebula. The image was created using a 3-color composite of blue, green, and red emissions. The article explains how these disks might form planetary systems and notes that the Orion Nebula is located in the sword region of the Orion constellation.

The Hubble Space Telescope Captures the First Direct Image of a Star

This section reports on the first direct image of a star, Alpha Orionis (Betelgeuse), captured by the HST. The image reveals a massive ultraviolet atmosphere with a mysterious hot spot. This phenomenon suggests new physical processes at play in stellar atmospheres. Further research is needed to understand if this hot spot is related to stellar oscillations or magnetic fields.

The ALH84001,0 Debate Continues!

This article revisits the controversy surrounding the Mars meteorite ALH84001. While some scientists believe the meteorite contains evidence of past life on Mars, others argue that the findings are due to terrestrial contamination. The meteorite, estimated to be 4.5 billion years old, contains organic material and small globules of iron and magnesium carbonates. The debate centers on whether these features are biological or non-biological in origin.

SETI Research in Australia

This brief report mentions the work of bioastronomers at the SETI Institute in Australia, who are using a sensitive radio telescope to search for radar signals from extraterrestrial intelligence within a 155 light-year radius. So far, the search has been unsuccessful.

Life from All

This section discusses the panspermia theory, which posits that life can travel between planets and even star systems via meteorites. The article suggests that bacteria could survive such journeys, potentially colonizing large parts of our galaxy over millions of years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on frontier science, particularly in astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial life. It highlights the latest discoveries from advanced instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope and discusses controversial topics such as the Mars meteorite ALH84001 and the possibility of life beyond Earth. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and cutting-edge scientific research, often presenting findings from international sources and encouraging further investigation.

This issue of "Magazin für Grenzwissenschaften" (Magazine for Frontier Sciences), identified by page numbers 930-939, published by Verlag MG, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries. The content spans topics from space exploration failures and alleged government cover-ups to ancient civilizations and unexplained events.

Mars96 Mission Failure

The issue reports on the failed Mars96 mission, launched on November 16, 1996. The probe reportedly crashed into the Pacific Ocean on November 18, 1996, due to a failure in the third stage of the Russian launch vehicle. Experts had previously downplayed issues, but the failure became apparent. The article suggests a problem with the rocket's third stage not igniting as intended, which was crucial for placing the probe into orbit.

KGB UFO Files

An article titled "Sammelte der KGB UFO-Berichte?" (Did the KGB Collect UFO Reports?) discusses findings from ABC News. It suggests that following the collapse of the USSR, American media gained access to information previously held by the KGB. According to a mediator named David Ensor, the KGB allegedly compiled a comprehensive report of around 5000 pages detailing UFO sightings, including those from military personnel and civilians. Some reports and photos are noted as being faked, while others involved multiple witnesses.

Byelokoroviche Incident

A specific incident from October 4, 1982, near Byelokoroviche, Ukraine, is detailed. A motorcyclist reportedly observed a large, flying saucer-like object hovering over a ballistic missile launch facility. Witnesses described it as a giant flying saucer, approximately 900 feet in diameter. Lt. Col. Vladamir Plantonev, a guidance missile engineer at the base, confirmed the sightings and noted the object performed unusual maneuvers. The incident caused a temporary loss of control over the weapon systems and a disruption of communication with Moscow.

Kapustin Yar Incident

On February 23, 1988, the Soviet naval base at Kapustin Yar/Caspian Sea was placed on high alert due to an unidentified flying object. The base and the ballistic defense network of Central Russia were alerted. Fighter jets attempted to intercept the object but failed due to its extreme speed and climbing ability. The object disappeared from radar when a pilot attempted to engage it. The KGB reportedly confiscated radio recordings of the event.

Egypt: Mystery Beneath the Sphinx

A new theory proposes the discovery of an object beneath the Sphinx in Egypt. Using ultrasound, Egyptologists identified a mysterious box-like structure. I. Asyl suggests this object, potentially 30 feet high and 30 feet wide, might be a device capable of generating electromagnetic energy, possibly dating back 12,000 years. This is linked to ancient Egyptian beliefs about energy manipulation and the use of crystals for solar energy conversion.

Pre-astronautics and its Precursors

The article "Vorläufer" (Precursors) traces the origins of pre-astronautic thought back to around 100 years prior, within esoteric and fascist sects. It highlights Charles Fort as a key figure who, in 1919, first proposed the idea of ancient astronauts visiting Earth. The article lists various individuals and their contributions, including Madame Blavatsky, H.P. Lovecraft, Germanic esoterists, and the Nazi research society Ahnenerbe, who seriously considered pre-astronautic concepts.

Theosophy and Nazism

Esotericists like Pählke-Weißhaar and the Nazi research group Ahnenerbe, influenced by Theosophy, took pre-astronautic ideas seriously. SS leader Himmler, for instance, speculated about ancient Germanic myths related to lightning and thunderbolts, suggesting they pointed to advanced weaponry possessed by the 'Asen' (gods).

Richard Shaver and the 'Deros'

Richard S. Shaver, a writer whose work was influenced by H.P. Lovecraft, believed he heard voices from 'Deros' (degenerate humans). He claimed these voices dictated the true history of Atlantis and Lemuria, suggesting these continents were inhabited by extraterrestrials who were the gods of legend.

Ufology and Pre-astronautics

By the 1960s, pre-astronautics had become a significant part of ufology. The article mentions various researchers and writers who contributed to this field, including Robert Charroux, Jacques Bergier, L. Pauwels, and Erich von Däniken, whose books popularized these ideas.

The Tunguska Event (Part 1)

This section details the Tunguska event of July 30, 1908. A massive explosion, described as more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Japan, occurred in the Tunguska region of Siberia. The event involved a fireball that left a long light trail and was followed by devastating explosions. The blast flattened trees over an area of approximately 2,150 square kilometers. The article describes the immediate aftermath, including the destruction of settlements, the incineration of people and animals, and the scattering of debris. The event was registered by seismographs in Tiflis and Jena, and atmospheric stations recorded significant pressure changes.

Scientific Investigations of Tunguska

Initial investigations by Leonid Kulik of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in the 1920s and 1930s aimed to find the impact crater and meteoritic fragments. However, despite extensive searches and drilling, no definitive evidence of a meteorite was found. Some speculated it might have been an ice meteorite. Later expeditions, including one in 1959 by the Soviet Academy of Sciences, also failed to find meteorite fragments or significant magnetic anomalies.

Theories on Tunguska

Various explanations for the Tunguska event have been proposed, including black holes and antimatter, but these are largely dismissed. The Japanese UFO group Sakura believes it was the explosion of an extraterrestrial spacecraft. Other researchers, like Berlitz and Moore, questioned the spacecraft theory in the 1980s, but later scientific understanding suggested it was likely a stony meteorite.

The Underworlders Are Here!

A new rumor circulating in the US suggests the existence of underground bases established by extraterrestrials. This rumor is linked to the general themes of UFOs, animal mutilations, and abductions. It is suggested that in 1933, the US government (or a similar organization) made a pact with other life forms, allowing them to establish underground bases in the United States in exchange for conducting experiments on humans and animals. This could potentially explain mysterious animal mutilations and abductions in areas like Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, ancient mysteries, and potential government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various theories and reports, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the article on Geomancy and the critical examination of pre-astronautic claims.

This issue of "Magazin für Grenzwissenschaften" (Magazine for Frontier Sciences) spans pages 940 to 949 and covers a range of topics related to unexplained phenomena, scientific discoveries, and historical mysteries. The content includes detailed articles on the Tunguska event, various meteorite impact craters, paleontological findings, and paraphysical aspects of historical visitor reports.

The Tunguska Catastrophe of 1908

The issue begins by revisiting the Tunguska catastrophe of 1908. It notes that early expeditions, like one led by Nickolai Vasiliev, found no clear evidence of a meteorite impact, leading to theories of antimatter from space. Later, an Italian group led by M. Galli analyzed resin from felled trees in the crash area and found cosmic components like calcium, iron, silicates, cobalt, and tungsten, consistent with meteorites. Their analysis suggested a meteorite impact in 1908, but this was dismissed by their employers (AKW). Western experts in 1992, including Roy A. Galan, observed biological effects such as stunted genetic growth and increased mutations along the object's flight path. These effects were compared to radioactive damage. The current consensus is that the object was a comet that broke into smaller pieces before impact.

The magazine highlights the 1996 TUNGUSKA International Workshop, which yielded surprising results, and mentions that the next issue will cover this topic. Images depict the devastation, with tree stumps scattered as if by a strong wind, leading to a theory that the object itself was catapulted back into space.

The Threat from Space

Under the heading "Die Brummer aus dem All" (The Buzzers from Space), the magazine contrasts humanity's preparedness for nuclear war with its powerlessness against extraterrestrial threats like meteorites. It mentions the idea of repurposing the SDI program for meteorite defense, but notes the financial infeasibility. The article then presents a list of major impact events on Earth, emphasizing that while ancient, they can recur.

It recounts an event on August 13, 1930, near the border of Peru and North Brazil, described by Catholic priest D. Alviano. The sun turned red, the sky darkened, and a whistling sound was followed by ash rain and three fireballs. The explosion was described as house-sized meteorites impacting with the force of a megaton.

A Catalog of Impact Craters

The issue provides detailed descriptions and images of numerous impact craters around the world:

• Barringer Meteor Crater, Arizona, USA: 35°02'N, 111°01'W; 1.186 km diameter; 49,000 years old. Known for its classic shape, its origin was debated. Fragments of the Canyon Diablo meteorite were found, and the impact's force scattered sandstone and debris.
• Chicxulub, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico: 21°20′N, 89°30'W; 300 km diameter; 64.89 million years old. Considered the most catastrophic impact in Earth's history, responsible for the extinction of dinosaurs. The meteorite, estimated to be 10-20 km in diameter, ejected billions of tons of sulfates and other material into the atmosphere, causing global cooling and mass extinction.
• Wolfe Creeke, Australia: 19°018'S, 127°46'O; 0.875 km diameter; 300,000 years old. A well-preserved crater in a desert plain, containing remnants of iron meteorites.
• Aorounga, Chad, Africa: 19°6′N, 19°15'0; 17 km diameter; 200 million years old. The impact scar is partially buried and eroded, with sand dunes forming dark streaks. Multiple impacts are suspected, possibly from a fragmented meteorite.
• Roter Kamm, Southwest Africa/Namibia: 27°46'S, 16°18'O; 2.5 km diameter; approx. 5 million years old. The crater floor is covered in sand, and the outer sandstone has fused into glass due to heat. It's considered a moderate impact.
• Clearwater Lakes, Quebec, Canada: 56°13'N, 74°30'W; 32 km diameter; approx. 300 million years old. A unique crater formation, possibly from a two-part meteorite impact. The ancient rock was vitrified and pulverized by the heat, and the crater is now filled with water.
• Mistastin Lake, Newfoundland, Labrador, Canada: 55°53′N, 63°18'W; 28 km diameter; approx. 40 million years old. An eroded, complex structure, partially filled with water. Analysis of the rim revealed quartz, feldspar, and vitrified rock, suggesting an iron meteorite impact.
• Manicouagan, Quebec, Canada: 51°023'N, 68°42'W; approx. 100 km diameter; approx. 212 million years old. One of the largest and best-preserved impact structures, featuring a 70 km diameter lake. It's believed an iron meteorite struck near an existing lake, which subsequently filled the crater.
• Gosses Bluff, Northern Territory, Australia: 23°50'S, 132°19'E; 22 km diameter; 143 million years old. An eroded structure, with remnants of water channels visible. The main crater rim has disappeared over time.
• Kara-Kul, Afghanistan: 38°57'N, 73°24'O; 45 km diameter; 10 million years old. A spectacular structure, partially filled by the 25 km diameter Kara-Kul Lake, located nearly 6,000 meters above sea level in the Pamir Mountains.
• Deep Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada: 56°024'N, 102°059'W; 13 km diameter; 150 million years old. A circular crater with a 5 km wide rim and 220 meters depth, unusual for the shallow water basin. Probe drillings in the rim zones revealed metallic elements.
• Bosumtwi, Ghana: 06°032'N, 01°025'W; 10.5 km diameter; 1.3 million years old. A relatively young crater filled by Lake Bosumtwi. Microtectites and iron residues were found, indicating a meteorite impact.

The compilation of Tunguska and meteorite documentation is credited to Walter L. Kelch, with assistance from JPL (NASA) and the Reviews of Geophysics Journal. Information was also sourced from DASA and ESA. The impact crater images are from NASA/JPL, and the Tunguska catastrophe images are from TASS and the Academy of Sciences, Russia. The magazine thanks contributors and mentions that the continuation of the TUNKUSKA-Meeting report will be in the next issue.

Paleontological Discoveries in Antarctica

An article titled "Arktische Paleontrologen finden neue Fossilien!" (Arctic Paleontologists Find New Fossils!) discusses the benefits of melting Arctic ice for paleontologists. Recent finds on the Antarctic continent include a giant mollusk and a large armadillo-like creature (Glyptodont) on the Seymour Islands. These species, dating back about 25 million years, are considered evolutionary links. The discoveries suggest that Antarctica was once a much warmer continent. The expedition, funded by the National Science Foundation, also uncovered layers dating back 40 to 80 million years, including evidence related to the extinction of species 65 million years ago. Other finds include fossilized penguins, a large creature called Diplomoce ras Maximum (related to the Nautilus), and Mosasaurus and Plesiosaurus fossils, indicating a rich marine ecosystem during the Cretaceous period. The Glyptodont, usually found on Californian coasts, was surprisingly large in this northern region.

Other News and Reports

• Arm Sensation?: A mummified child's arm found in a St. Bernhard hospital in Germany, dating back 2800-4000 years, was found not to belong to the child's body. Egyptologists suggest the arm might have been replaced during burial to ensure the deceased's completeness for the afterlife, as mutilated bodies were not believed to enter the afterlife.
• DINOs kommen? (DINOs Coming?): British researchers are attempting to isolate dinosaur DNA from fossilized eggs to potentially resurrect dinosaurs, similar to the "Jurassic Park" concept. They hope to raise funds through the auction of dinosaur eggs. Paleontologist Arthur Cruickshank believes it's possible, citing Chinese researchers' success with isolating dinosaur DNA. However, others are skeptical, questioning the viability of such resurrected creatures and the availability of suitable surrogate mothers.
• Knochen-Money (Bone Money): A Tyrannosaurus Rex bone, discovered by a dog in South Dakota, was confiscated by US archaeologists. After a legal battle, a Sioux Indian named Maurice Williams was recognized as the rightful owner. The bone is expected to fetch around a million dollars at auction, potentially leading to increased activity from "bone robbers."
• Schon wieder! (Again!): An American-Canadian-Israeli archaeological team found a 2.33 million-year-old human jawbone in a swamp area near the Hadar River in Ethiopia. Primitive stone tools and other artifacts were also discovered, along with the jawbone, which has oval teeth not typical of early apes, deepening the scientific mystery.
• Flattermann: Spanish anthropologists discovered a 115-million-year-old bird, "Eoalulavis hoyasi," which could fly like modern birds, predating the Archaeopteryx by 30 million years. The bird's wing structure was considered less developed than that of a newly discovered bird.

Cover Story: On the Trail of the Watchers

The cover story, "Auf den Spuren der Wächter: Paraphysikalische Aspekte bei historischen Besucherberichten" (On the Trail of the Watchers: Paraphysical Aspects in Historical Visitor Reports), by Wladislaw Raab, discusses the theories of American author Raymond Fowler. Fowler suggests parallels between near-death experiences (NDEs) and UFO abductions, noting that many abductees report out-of-body experiences on alien craft. The article examines historical accounts, such as that of the biblical Enoch, whose body was reportedly transformed into a radiant light body, to explore whether such phenomena have ancient roots or are modern fabrications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, mystery, and the unexplained. Recurring themes include extraterrestrial phenomena (Tunguska, UFOs, meteorites), ancient mysteries (Egyptian mummies, dinosaur resurrection), and the frontiers of scientific discovery (paleontology, archaeology). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence from different scientific and fringe perspectives, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding. The publication aims to inform readers about ongoing research and historical accounts that challenge established scientific paradigms.

This issue of Magazin für Grenzwissenschaften (Magazine for Frontier Sciences), covering pages 950-955, is dated February 1997. The main cover story, "UNKNOWN REALITY DIE WELT DES UNERKLÄRLICHEN" (Unknown Reality: The World of the Unexplained), highlights news and topics from the fields of ufology and pre-astronautics, featuring a striking image of a mushroom-shaped UFO over a mushroom cloud.

Paraphysical Aspects of UFO Phenomena

The magazine explores the paraphysical dimensions of UFO experiences, drawing significant parallels between the accounts of Native American seer Schwarzer Hirsch and those of modern UFO abductees. The article posits that these experiences, regardless of the individual's religious background (e.g., Betty Andreasson's fundamentalist Christianity, Henoch's Judaism, or the Hindu background in India), share common themes.

The Experiences of Schwarzer Hirsch

Schwarzer Hirsch, a member of the Ogalalla-Sioux tribe, recounts profound spiritual and physical encounters. At a young age, he heard voices and experienced what is described as an "Unheimliche Begegnung der Dritten Art" (Uncanny Encounter of the Third Kind), involving beings descending from the clouds. Later, during a spiritual journey, he felt his legs ache and then experienced a sensation of waking from a dream, a phenomenon also reported by UFO abductees.

His most significant experience involved an out-of-body journey. While lying in his tipi, he was called by two beings who descended from the clouds. He felt himself being lifted and transported by a cloud-like vehicle. He describes seeing his mother and father below and then ascending to a realm of clouds where he encountered "six elders" or "great-grandfathers." These beings, described as ancient and powerful, conveyed that he was called to be taught. This experience is likened to an initiation journey, leaving him with a profound understanding and memory of the visions and words he received, even as a nine-year-old.

Schwarzer Hirsch also reported experiencing a "combined UFO-Entführungs- Ausleibigkeitserlebnis" (combined UFO-abduction-out-of-body experience), which led to him feeling detached from his earthly existence and experiencing "extraterrestrial homesickness." This feeling of not belonging to his own people is also noted among other UFO abductees.

He developed precognitive abilities and became a healer, and he described seeing a "strange, multicolored light with rays reaching into the sky," which the magazine suggests is a description of a UFO with "Solid Light."

Another incident detailed is an out-of-body experience where his house ascended, and he was taken on a cloud, observing cities and landscapes from above. He eventually found himself over a large gathering of his people and saw his parents' tipi. His mother later recounted a dream where he returned on a cloud but could not stay.

Parallels with Other Accounts

The magazine draws strong parallels between Schwarzer Hirsch's experiences and those of other abductees, such as Betty Andreasson and Villas Boas, who reported similar sensations and encounters after being taken aboard UFOs. The concept of a spiritual journey to another realm, encountering beings, and receiving messages is presented as a recurring theme.

Raymond Fowler's theories about UFO phenomena are cited, particularly his work on "Die Wächter II" (The Watchers II), which connects UFOs and near-death experiences. The article notes that Schwarzer Hirsch's accounts, particularly the transition to another plane of existence with spiritual guides, align with ancient traditions of "death companions" like the Valkyries, who guide souls.

Other Content and Publications

The issue also features information about UFO-NACHRICHTEN, described as the oldest German-language newspaper specializing in UFOs, founded in 1956. It offers comprehensive information on UFO sightings, contacts, and related research.

Additionally, an advertisement for the Münchner Akademie für bewußtes Leben (Munich Academy for Conscious Living) is included, offering seminars and courses on a wide range of holistic knowledge, including astrology, Ayurveda, energy work, and even UFO studies.

The magazine also includes a section on upcoming topics for "Magazin für Grenzwissenschaften" in February 1997, which include a year-end review of UFO sightings, the Tunguska event, pre-astronautics, alien abductions, Mars projects, astronomy, and current events in the UFO scene.

Editorial Stance

The magazine encourages readers to pursue the study of these exotic and uncomfortable topics, suggesting that only by distancing oneself from conventional thinking can one truly understand the UFO phenomenon. The overall tone is one of exploration and open-mindedness towards unconventional phenomena and experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the interconnectedness of UFO phenomena, spiritual experiences, and ancient myths. The editorial stance is one of encouraging deeper investigation into these areas, suggesting that conventional paradigms are insufficient to explain the full scope of these events. The magazine promotes a holistic view, linking paraphysical experiences, extraterrestrial contact, and spiritual development, and encourages readers to challenge their existing beliefs to gain a more comprehensive understanding of reality.