Mysteria - Issue 11 - 1979 11

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA, Fachzeitschrift für UFO-Forschung und Prä-Astronautik, Issue No. 11/79, 1st Year, priced at DM 3.50, is a German-language magazine dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects and pre-astronautics. This issue, dated November 1979, features a prominent cover story titled "UFOs über Kiel in Pro und Contra," indicating a debate on a specific case.

Table of Contents and Editorial Information

The issue's table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles. It begins with the cover image related to the lead article on page 6. Other articles include "Why Things Appear and Disappear - An Attempt at Interpretation" by Manfred Lies, "UFO Chased a Charter Plane" by Josef Wanderka, "Have the USA been in Contact with UFO Pilots Since 1943?" by Roland Horn, and "My Encounter with the Occupants of a UFO" by J. Wanderka. The issue also reviews the book "The UFO Evidence" and announces upcoming publications and advertisements. The editorial team includes Chief Editor Axel Ertelt (based in Halver) and Editor Hans-Werner Sachmann (based in Dortmund). The magazine is published monthly, with copyright for signed articles belonging to the authors and for unsigned contributions to the editorial team. Unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for return unless sufficient return postage is included. No honorarium is paid as it is a self-funded private publication, with a book prize awarded annually for the best reader contribution.

Liebe Leser (Dear Readers)

In the "Liebe Leser" section, Chief Editor Axel Ertelt addresses a criticism from a Düsseldorf private magazine that accused MYSTERIA of publishing articles by "black magicians" and advertisements for witches. Ertelt clarifies that an advertisement was for a private UFO magazine and that MYSTERIA merely pointed out its existence. He requests readers to inform him of any similar "machinations" by this woman. He also revisits the article "Iron from the Moon" by Johannes Fiebag, noting that Soviet scientists are experimenting with iron under moon-like conditions, and that iron pearls from Luna 16 show no rust. Ertelt announces that this issue is dedicated to UFOs due to a recent surge in reports after a quiet period, with the next issue focusing more on pre-astronautics.

Key Incidents and Reports

Pontoise, France Incident (November 26, 1979)

The issue details a sensational event in Pontoise, France, on November 26, 1979. Three young men encountered a strange luminous cloud between houses around 4 AM. While one, Franck Fontaine, drove towards it, the others went to get a camera. Upon their return, the car was 200 meters away, surrounded by a luminous ring and four misty points of light. The phenomenon vanished, the car door was open, and Franck Fontaine was missing. Hundreds of residents reported strange noises and vibrations, and saw peculiar lights.

Swedish Air Traffic Controller Sighting (November 20, 1979)

A report from "Die Welt" on November 20, 1979, describes Swedish air traffic controller Lars Aake Hedin observing two high-speed objects while guiding two aircraft. These objects were not detected by radar, and one of the pilots also saw them. Lab technician Niker Sture Wikkerts from the Defense Research Institute for Space Observation ruled out satellites or meteors.

Spekulationen zur UFO-Forschung (Speculations on UFO Research)

Why Things Appear and Disappear: An Interpretation by Manfred Lies

Manfred Lies attempts to explain phenomena like the sudden appearance of "Kriebelmücken" (a type of midge) in Jülich, Germany, and the existence of trees and banana plants in regions where they are not indigenous. He posits that UFOs might be responsible for transporting these entities through their energy fields. He suggests that objects and living beings entering these fields might be instantaneously moved to another location, appearing as if they vanished or were abducted. Lies draws a parallel to how fish spawn can be transported by waterfowl to new, unpopulated ponds. He extends this theory to explain how advanced civilizations might have transported plant seedlings from their home planets, leading to their appearance on Earth. He also speculates that UFOs might have influenced the aggression of the midges in Jülich.

The Kiel UFO Case: Pro and Contra

This section extensively discusses a UFO sighting in Kiel, Germany, previously reported in MYSTERIA Nr. 4/79 by Herbert Mohren. The case generated significant debate, particularly regarding a photograph taken of the alleged UFO. The magazine explains why it published a drawing instead of the actual photo in the earlier issue: due to the high costs associated with rastering and offset printing for a limited subscriber base at the time. Axel Ertelt of MYSTERIA received inquiries from Helmut Bähr of the "Privaten UFO-Club Bremen" questioning the photograph's authenticity and requesting details about the camera, lens, and exposure time. Bähr, in a subsequent letter, accused MYSTERIA of publishing a fake and criticized the magazine's contributors, including photographer Ferdi Heller, whom he deemed unqualified despite his stated experience.

MYSTERIA's editorial team, including Ertelt and Heller, defended the photograph's authenticity. Heller, a photographer with 30 years of experience, stated that he developed the film himself and found no signs of manipulation. He explained that the "photogram" Bähr received, showing inverted colors, was due to a faulty development process of the black-and-white prints made from the original color film. Bähr, however, remained unconvinced, arguing that the photo was a deliberate fake, possibly created using simple methods like a white linen cloth with a hole. He suggested that the background should have been black at night and the object bright, contrary to the photo. He also criticized the camera used (Agfa Optima Rapid 500 V) as outdated and unsuitable for night photography, especially for a moving object.

Ertelt, in response to Bähr, stated that Bähr's report was unsuitable for MYSTERIA because it was based on false assumptions and insufficient research. Ertelt provided a detailed explanation of how the color film was processed into black-and-white prints, resulting in inverted color values, which he believed Bähr misinterpreted as a sign of falsification. Ertelt also outlined how a fake photo could be created, but maintained that the Kiel photo was genuine, based on the experience of Ferdi Heller and other photographic experts consulted.

Helmut Bähr, in his article, reiterates his belief that the Kiel UFO report and photo are a fabrication. He criticizes the explanation of inverted colors as a result of improper development and suggests that the photo was likely staged. He dismisses the idea of "field lines" as a method to identify genuine UFO photos, claiming they can be faked. Bähr concludes that the report and photo have nothing to do with a genuine UFO case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of MYSTERIA strongly emphasizes the "Pro and Contra" approach to UFO phenomena, particularly evident in the detailed examination of the Kiel UFO case. The magazine appears to champion the authenticity of UFO sightings and photographic evidence, while also acknowledging and addressing skepticism and claims of falsification. The editorial stance, as represented by Axel Ertelt, is one of open inquiry and a commitment to presenting evidence, even when controversial. The magazine seems to lean towards interpreting unexplained phenomena through the lens of potential extraterrestrial or advanced technological origins, as seen in Manfred Lies' speculative article. There is a clear dedication to UFO research, with a willingness to engage in lengthy debates and investigations, as demonstrated by the extensive coverage of the Kiel incident and the correspondence with the UFO-Club Bremen.

Title: UFO-Forschung
Issue: 11/79
Date: October 1979
Publisher: MYSTERIA
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of UFO-Forschung delves into various UFO-related phenomena, including a dramatic aerial encounter, personal accounts of close encounters, and speculative theories about extraterrestrial technology and interaction.

UFO macht Jagd auf Chartermaschine

This article by Josef Wanderka reports on an incident that occurred on November 11, 1979, involving a Spanish charter airline, TAE. A Supercaravelle aircraft, carrying over a hundred passengers, was en route to Mallorca when, after a brief stop, it was approached by several bright, luminous UFOs at an altitude of approximately 11,000 meters. The aircraft was traveling at 900 kilometers per hour. The pilot, to avoid a collision, initiated a steep dive, managing to level off at 2,000 meters and execute an emergency landing at Valencia airport. The Spanish press and television had reported on this event, initially suggesting a technical defect might have caused the landing. However, subsequent interviews with passengers and crew revealed the UFO encounter. The Spanish Air Force's radar also detected the UFOs, prompting a pursuit by an alarm squadron, which proved fruitless.

Stehen die USA seit 1943 mit den Piloten der UFOs in Verbindung?

Authored by Roland Horn, this section recounts an incident from October 7, 1975, in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada. Robert Suffern, a 27-year-old carpenter, witnessed a disc-shaped UFO, approximately 3.5 to 4 meters in diameter. He also encountered a 1.2-meter-tall figure dressed in a silver suit with a helmet. Later, on December 12, 1975, three men identifying themselves as high-ranking officers from the Canadian Army, Air Force, Pentagon, and Marine intelligence visited Suffern. They claimed that the USA and Canada had been cooperating with UFO occupants since 1943 and were privy to all their movements on Earth. They attributed the October incident to a malfunction of the UFO. The article also briefly touches upon the alleged Philadelphia Experiment of 1943, where a ship was supposedly made invisible using magnetic fields.

Neuester Erklärungsversuch für UFOs

This brief report from the "BILD-Zeitung" on September 26, 1979, presents a theory from the Soviet Union. The Soviet Academy of Sciences suggested that UFOs might be nothing more than disc-shaped dust layers in the atmosphere.

Atomarer "Blindgänger" ... Ein UFO?

Written by Josef Wanderka, this article discusses a mysterious nuclear explosion detected in the South Atlantic on September 22, 1979, by a US Army reconnaissance satellite. While initial reports suggested it might be a Soviet nuclear submarine accident, the article raises the possibility of UFO involvement. It references an earlier incident on August 2, 1963, where a US radar station tracked an unknown flying object that crashed into the sea near Cape Town. Professor Raol Smit, a South African radiochemist, conducted measurements at the crash site but found no radioactivity. The circumstances lead to speculation that the 1979 explosion might have been caused by a UFO, rather than a delayed detonation of a Soviet weapon.

Meine Begegnung mit den Insassen eines UFOS

This is the second part of Josef Wanderka's personal account of his UFO experiences, following a previous article in MYSTERIA Nr. 10/79. This section details an encounter that occurred in late summer 1955, near Vienna. Wanderka, while riding his moped in a forest, came across a clearing where a metallic, disc-shaped object, about 2.5 meters high and 10-12 meters wide, was situated. A ramp extended from the object. He entered the craft and met a group of five to six individuals, approximately 1.80 meters tall, with fair complexions and wearing seamless, silver-like suits that covered their entire bodies, including fingerless gloves and integrated footwear. Their heads were covered by what appeared to be a helmet or hood, with blond hair visible. The interior of the craft was illuminated by a pleasant, yellowish light. The occupants claimed to be from the "uppermost summit of Cassiopeia" and stated they had learned to speak German. They described their society as having no differences and being far more advanced than Earth's. Wanderka attempted to explain Earth's social disparities, including poverty and disease, and suggested they intervene. However, they replied that he, as an Earthling, should lead such an action, as he would best understand the situation. He refused, citing the corruption of Earth's leaders. The encounter ended with Wanderka leaving the craft, and the occupants bowing in a manner described as "Far Eastern."

UFO-Forschung - Ergänzung zum Artikel: "Atomarer Blindgänger" Ein UFO?

This section provides an addendum to the article on page 13, referencing a "BILD am Sonntag" article from October 28, 1979. It states that the commander of the South African Navy, Rear Admiral J.C. Walters, declared the September 22, 1979, nuclear explosion in the South Atlantic to be the result of a reactor accident on a Soviet nuclear submarine. Investigations by the South African government and military reportedly indicated that a Soviet "Echo-II" class submarine was in the area at the time of the explosion and has been missing since.

Erzfrachter spurlos verschwunden

This short piece connects to the South Atlantic nuclear explosion, mentioning the disappearance of a 224,000-ton ore freighter, the "Berge Vanga," with 40 crew members. The ship, flying the Norwegian flag, was carrying Brazilian iron ore to Japan and vanished 600 miles southwest of Cape Town. The article notes that the "Berge Vanga's" sister ship, the "Berge Istra," sank four years prior near the Philippines after mysterious explosions. The "Berge Vanga" disappeared about a month after the mysterious nuclear explosion in the same sea area.

UFOs wieder groß in Aktion!

This section compiles several recent UFO sightings. Following the TAE charter plane incident, numerous reports emerged, particularly from Spain. Spanish authorities confirmed a similar incident involving an Iberia flight between Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. Two UFOs were observed near Ibiza, with a young student reporting strange lights and a metallic object. In France, a sensational report of a UFO abduction is mentioned, with further details promised elsewhere. Four oval light discs were seen over Granada, causing lights to flicker. While the Spanish government suspects secret weapons, 100 scientists at a UNESCO conference concluded that Earth might be receiving visitors from space.

Das aktuelle Buch

This section reviews books related to pre-astronautics and UFO research, including topics like archaeology, mythology, space travel, and parapsychology. It highlights "Die UFO-Beweise" (The UFO Proof) by Judith M. Gansberg and Alan L. Gansberg. The book, with 304 pages and priced at DM 29.80, is described as featuring eyewitness accounts of "third-kind encounters" and alien abductions. Psychologists have reportedly verified that the abductees are not bluffing, and many have experienced parapsychological changes. The authors are Judith M. Gansberg, a historian and publicist working for The New York Times, and her brother Alan L. Gansberg, who studied journalism and theater sciences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, close encounters with alleged extraterrestrial beings, and the potential for advanced alien technology. There's a consistent effort to link seemingly disparate events, such as the South Atlantic nuclear incident and the disappearance of a freighter, to UFO activity. The magazine also explores personal testimonies and scientific speculation, suggesting a growing interest in UFOs from official and scientific circles, while also hinting at possible government secrecy or attempts to explain away sightings with conventional means. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting various accounts and theories without definitive conclusions, but leaning towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and advanced technology.