Mysteria - Issue 20 - 1980 09

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA, a German-language magazine focused on UFO research and pre-astronautics, presents its issue Nr. 9/80, part of its 2nd year of publication. The cover prominently features the headline "DIE MARSMONDE" (The Mars Moons), with accompanying images of the sun, inner planets, and detailed photographs of Mars's moons, Phobos and Deimos. The issue is priced at DM 3.50.

Table of Contents and Editorial Information

The issue begins with a detailed table of contents, outlining articles on various topics including reports on Mars moons, the death of astronauts, ancient celestial events, reader letters, and UFO sightings. The editorial and imprint information reveals that the chief editor position is currently vacant, with Axel Ertelt serving as the contact person for editorial matters in Halver. The Dortmund editorial office is managed by Hans-Werner Sachmann. The magazine is published monthly, and while efforts are made to ensure timely delivery, delays may occur due to the production being based on part-time work. Copyright for signed articles belongs to the authors, while unsigned contributions are copyrighted by the editorial team. Reprinting requires written permission and the submission of two copies. Unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for return unless sufficient return postage is provided, and there is no obligation to publish submitted material. The editors reserve the right to edit or shorten reports. No honorarium is paid as MYSTERIA is a private magazine operating on a cost-recovery basis. An annual book prize is awarded to the best reader contribution. Readers are requested to include return postage for inquiries. Reader letters published in the magazine will generally not be answered personally.

MYSTERIA-privat: On Tolerance and Speculation

This section features a letter from the editorial team addressing reader feedback on the topic of tolerance towards differing viewpoints within the UFO community. The team clarifies that while the constitution guarantees freedom of speech, this is limited by the principle that it should not infringe upon the rights of others. They emphasize that while they advocate for listening to and respecting personal worldviews, even those that seem improbable, they do not extend this tolerance to individuals who are demonstrably mentally ill or engaging in fraudulent activities. These cases, they state, require professional or legal intervention.

MYSTERIA-privat: Retraction Regarding Astronaut Deaths

A significant portion of this section is dedicated to Axel Ertelt's retraction of a statement made in a previous issue (Nr. 5/80) concerning the deaths of three Apollo astronauts. Ertelt admits that his assertion that the astronauts were sacrificed by a cosmic entity to draw him into UFO research was a "crazy, speculative train of thought" that came to him suddenly while writing. He clarifies that he never truly believed this and that it was a lapse in judgment. He expresses regret for publishing such a statement and distances himself from it, emphasizing that he alone is responsible and none of the magazine's staff or authors were involved. He notes that the feedback from readers was overwhelmingly negative.

Lucifer: The Fall of a Prehistoric Moon

This is a continuation of a multi-part series by Walter Closs, exploring the theory that a prehistoric moon fell to Earth, causing immense volcanic eruptions, toxic gases, and ash that enveloped the planet for centuries, blocking out the sun and stars. The article draws parallels between this event and various ancient myths and flood narratives from cultures worldwide, including the Indian Vedas, Aztec accounts, and the biblical story of Noah's Ark. It suggests that these myths are echoes of a real, cataclysmic event. The text quotes biblical passages (Revelation 9:1-2) and references other ancient texts to support the idea of a celestial body falling to Earth and causing widespread destruction and darkness.

Catastrophe Theory: Global Flood Narratives

This section continues the theme of ancient catastrophes, examining flood myths from various cultures. It recounts the Finnish Kalevala's description of a fiery fireball causing destruction and a subsequent flood. Hawaiian myths speak of the moon goddess Hine causing a flood that drowned the Earth, with only two survivors. The article notes that the scale of these catastrophes would have depended on the size of the moon involved. It also references Malaysian legends of a flood that left only a vast ocean, and Washoe-Indian stories of a great tower built to escape a fiery descent from the sky, followed by earthquakes and a great flood. The article also mentions the biblical flood narrative and the Indian Mahabharata's account of Manu building a ship. Greek myths of Deukalion and the Persian story of Yima building a refuge are also cited. The article posits that after the water receded, the absence of the moon's gravitational pull led to changes in sea levels, with higher tides in polar regions and lower levels in equatorial zones. It quotes Psalm 104:6-8, which describes God setting boundaries for the seas.

Catastrophe Theory: The Moon's Arrival and Ancient Memories

This section further explores the consequences of the prehistoric moon's fall, suggesting that the Earth captured a new celestial body, which became the current moon. It references legends from the Tupi people and the Grimnir-Lied, which speak of the moon falling or being replaced. A legend from Tahiti is cited, where Hina promises to bring the moon back to life. The Dogon people's myth of Ogo is also mentioned, where Ogo transforms into a "pale fox" upon attempting to return to the sky. The article suggests that the detailed accounts of the moon's fall in the Wölwa myth, despite its personification, align with the chronological sequence of events. It argues that many ancient myths, personifying celestial bodies and events, refer to the moon as the "great evil" that caused immense catastrophe. The section concludes by listing extensive literature and sources used in the article, primarily focusing on comparative mythology and ancient texts.

Reader Letters

This section features several reader letters. One letter from Malonna discusses a book titled "Malonna: Der Untergang des Asteroiden-Planeten" by Leopold Engel, which reportedly describes the fate of a fifth planet and draws parallels to current Earth situations, suggesting divine intervention will prevent total destruction this time. Another letter from Manfred Marks references the works of Jakob Lorber. The editorial response to Marks acknowledges the lighthearted nature of previous comments and proposes forming a "hunting party" to investigate "stones" (meteorites) related to the topic. A letter from Michael Hesemann critiques a book review, pointing out inaccuracies in the reviewer's interpretation of the author's origins and the book's language.

Author's Thanks and Reflections

Walter Hain expresses gratitude to Michael Hesemann for his article, stating that the goal of any article should be to provoke thought about the past and future. He acknowledges that this may lead to a revision of one's worldview. Hain also advises caution regarding encounters with "Mars beings" and alleged radio contacts, suggesting that such beings may no longer exist on Mars. He clarifies that his article did not intend to "unjustifiably raise hopes," but rather to discuss the possibility of extraterrestrial life on Mars, a topic being researched by NASA scientists. He concludes by stating that references to prehistoric astronaut contacts should be viewed critically.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MYSTERIA revolve around the mysteries of space, particularly the moons of Mars, and the interpretation of ancient myths and legends as evidence of past extraterrestrial interactions and global catastrophes. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical thinking and speculation, while also acknowledging the need for evidence-based research and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims. The editorial team emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech within the UFO community but also stresses the need for responsible discourse and the avoidance of unsubstantiated or harmful speculation. The magazine actively engages with its readership through the "Leserbriefe" section, fostering a dialogue on these complex topics.

This issue of 'Das aktuelle Buch' (The Current Book) is a collection of book reviews and articles focusing on themes of astronomy, archaeology, history, and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The magazine appears to be a supplement or section within a larger publication, as indicated by page numbering like 'Seite 11' and 'Seite 12'. The publication date is inferred from the book reviews, with most books published in 1978 and 1980.

Book Reviews

BLICK INS WELTALL by Werner Büdeler

This review highlights Werner Büdeler's handbook for hobby astronomers. The book, published by Mosaik-Verlag in Munich in 1978, contains 207 pages with black-and-white illustrations, a lexicon of astronomical terms, and an appendix with a source directory and index. Priced at 36 DM, it is described as suitable for those new to astronomy, offering an understandable and engaging study of the subject. The first part introduces astronomy, while the second part details astronomical equipment, making it a valuable resource for the magazine's 'UFO-Forschung' (UFO Research) series. Büdeler, an author of over a dozen books on science and technology, has also hosted television programs on space travel and maintains personal contacts with leading figures in the field. This work is an expanded edition of his 1963 book, 'Den Sternen auf der Spur'.

AUF DEN SPUREN DER BIBEL by Magnus Magnusson

Reviewed as 'The most famous traditions of the Old Testament newly discovered by archaeology,' this book, translated by Ingrid Ahollinger with a foreword by Prof. James B. Pritchard, is 240 pages long and features numerous illustrations and color plates. Published by C. Bertelsmann-Verlag in Munich in 1978, it costs 38 DM. The review emphasizes that while scholars have debated the Bible's historical accuracy, archaeological evidence since the late 19th century increasingly supports its historical background. Magnusson focuses on findings from Israeli archaeologists, but also includes international excavations in Palestine, Syria, and Egypt. The book illuminates the early history of the Israelite people, including figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the exodus from Egypt, and the conquest of Canaan. It also covers the periods of the Judges and Kings, and the reconstruction of Jerusalem during the time of Kings David and Solomon, as well as the Assyrian-Babylonian threat. Magnusson, born in Iceland in 1919, is the Rector of the University of Edinburgh and President of the York Archaeological Society. A twelve-part BBC documentary was produced in conjunction with this book.

DAS ERSTE EISEN FIEL VOM HIMMEL by Wilhelm Sandermann

This book, published by C. Bertelsmann-Verlag in Munich in 1978, has 295 pages with approximately 125 text illustrations, 25 black-and-white photos, and a comprehensive index. It costs 34 DM. The review poses a question about whether readers knew about ancient inventions like seismometers, deep drilling, pipelines, aluminum alloys, sex hormones, dental amalgam, and smallpox vaccinations from China, or devices like differential gears, odometers, greenhouses, and elevators from Greece and Rome. It also mentions advanced ancient technologies such as platinum-gold alloys, Caesarean sections, and the compass from early Indian cultures. The author, Wilhelm Sandermann, focuses on documented inventions and discoveries from early cultures, presenting them in an understandable and factual manner. The book emphasizes that these developments are the result of natural human ingenuity, not extraterrestrial influence, as stated in the publisher's introduction: "The author's aim in this book is not, like some imaginative authors, to deal with mysterious and mystical wonders... 'All the 'wonders' of early technology are explainable, because they were created by humans and not by 'aliens'." Sandermann, a professor of organic chemistry and chemical technology, has extensive experience as a technical consultant and has conducted archaeological research in Maya and Himalayan regions.

HÖLLE IM PARADIES by Wilhelm Ziehr

Published by ECON Verlag GmbH in Düsseldorf and Vienna in 1980, this 336-page book with 8 color photo pages costs 36 DM. It explores the decline of South Sea cultures. The review notes that after Captain Cook's discovery, less than 1% of the native Hawaiian population remained. It describes the remnants of ancient cultures found in remote areas of New Guinea and Pacific islands, whose gods and artifacts are now in Western museums. The arrival of Europeans led to the downfall of indigenous peoples, with white traders plundering the 'paradise' and missionaries and colonial administrations attempting to 'civilize' them, often through violence and disease. Ziehr's book examines the causes behind the end of these once-paradisiacal cultures. Ziehr, born in Berlin in 1938, holds a doctorate in Eastern European History, Art History, and General History. He works as an editor for Weltgeschichte at Brockhaus-Verlag and has published six books.

PHANTOME DES SCHRECKENS by Peter Krassa

This book, published by Caesar-Verlag in Vienna in 1980, has 240 pages with 33 black-and-white illustrations and a foreword by Walter Ernsting (Clark Darlton). It costs 12.80 DM. The review suggests that Peter Krassa's fourth book offers a wealth of new material for speculation and discussion, focusing on mysterious events that have influenced human history. Krassa investigates taboo subjects, including questions about Mozart's poisoning, Lawrence of Arabia's death, the assassinations of Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy, the plane crash that killed UN Secretary-General Hammarskjöld, and the potential dangers facing Ted Kennedy. The book is described as taking readers into an unknown world where Krassa discovered a connection between historical events and the existence of 'phantom-like beings' with a mission on Earth. The review expresses concern about the potential consequences of Krassa's revelations for these 'men in black'. Krassa, born in Vienna in 1938, is a journalist and author of three books translated into several languages.

Space Research / UFO Research

THE MYSTERY OF THE MARS MOONS SOLVED by Walter Hain

This article discusses the two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos. While astronomers had suspected their existence since the invention of the telescope, they were not discovered until 1877 by Asaph Hall. The article notes that Jonathan Swift described two Martian moons in his 1726 book 'Gulliver's Travels,' though his estimates for their distance and orbital periods differed significantly from modern measurements. The author suggests Swift might have based his description on the assumption that Mars, like Earth, should have moons. The article also touches upon the theory, proposed by Carl Sagan and Joseph Schklovskij in 1965, that Phobos might be an artificial moon, possibly a 'museum' containing documents from a highly civilized Martian civilization that foresaw its end. However, recent findings from the Mariner 9 and Viking 1 probes suggest Phobos resembles a large, cratered potato and Deimos is similar, with no evidence of artificial construction. The density of Phobos is comparable to meteorites, and its dark color suggests it is made of similar material to carbonaceous chondrites. The current hypothesis is that the moons were captured from the outer asteroid belt due to a cosmic event.

UFOs OVER GREAT BRITAIN

This section reports on a UFO sighting on August 24th near Wilton Bai (Newcastle), England. Lillian Middleton, a 33-year-old housewife, reported being followed by a luminous white object for over ten miles. The object hovered directly above her car. Her testimony was corroborated by other witnesses. A police investigation has been initiated. Another sighting occurred on August 30th in Dumfries, Scotland, where residents observed an elongated beam of light. A police officer described seeing five or six white lights that appeared to come from different parts of a spaceship. The object was seen hovering about 160 meters above the ground, but radar stations at a nearby airport and a dispatched aircraft could not detect it.

UFOS DECODED? by Peter Fiebag

This article presents a hypothesis by American scientists P. S. Callahan and R. W. Mankin, reported in 'Deutschen Ärzteblatt,' suggesting that UFOs might be large swarms of insects. Their theory posits that under certain environmental conditions, such as thunderstorms, the high atmospheric electricity could cause luminous phenomena that resemble UFOs. Laboratory experiments involving insect swarms and high voltage discharges reportedly produced bluish, green, and orange lights.

WAITING FOR THE 'SAUCER' by Frank Fontaine

This report from the 'Wiener Kurier' (August 18, 1980) describes thousands of people waiting in Pontoise, France, for a predicted UFO landing by Frank Fontaine, who claimed to have been held aboard a flying saucer. The landing did not occur, leading to disappointment. Fontaine had predicted another landing in three years. The editorial note expresses skepticism about Fontaine's claims, suggesting they damage serious UFO research. Josef Wanderka, the magazine's Austrian correspondent, is quoted as agreeing that such prophecies harm objective UFO research and can trigger unnecessary military actions.

'THE UFO IS REAL!' by Michael Hesemann

This article investigates a UFO sighting by two girls in Kiel, Germany, reported in MYSTERIA Nr. 4/79. The author, Michael Hesemann, contacted the main witness and photographer, Filiz Tunamann, and visited Kiel in July to examine the case. He found the witnesses credible and the photograph to be authentic. However, inquiries to the Navy, Air Force, airport authority, and local news outlets did not yield confirmation. The Marine personnel stated that their logbook had no entries for unusual phenomena. The airport authority reported no radar facilities, and the weather station had no special records.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reviews books that delve into the unexplained, the historical, and the scientific, with a particular focus on UFO phenomena. There is a clear interest in exploring fringe science, archaeology, and ancient mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various hypotheses and findings while also expressing skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the commentary on Frank Fontaine's prophecy. The magazine aims to inform readers about current research and popular books in these fields, encouraging discussion and further investigation. The emphasis on 'Das aktuelle Buch' suggests a regular feature dedicated to reviewing new publications relevant to the magazine's readership.

Title: UFO-Forschung
Issue: 21
Volume: 4/80
Date: August 1, 1980

This issue of UFO-Forschung focuses on a specific UFO sighting and includes reader engagement sections.

UFO Sighting in Kiel-Emschenhagen

The main feature details an interview with Filiz Tunamann, who describes a UFO sighting on the evening of September 12, 1978. She initially noticed strange red spheres in the sky for two days prior. On the 12th, she observed these red spheres again, accompanied by UFOs described as elliptical spacecraft. Tunamann immediately fetched her brother and her camera, managing to take four photos, though only one turned out well. She described the red spheres as "knallrot" (bright red) and "Feuerkugeln" (fireballs), noting they did not change color. The sighting involved multiple craft: groups of elliptical ships, smaller craft, the red spheres, and a larger spacecraft. Tunamann stated she photographed four of the craft, but only one photo was usable, showing a single spacecraft because the flash was insufficient for the others.

She also mentioned that her classmate Hilda and her friend saw bright lights in the sky that evening, observing them for about half an hour.

Tunamann estimated seeing more than ten red spheres and eight to nine spacecraft, which flew in groups of four or five. The sighting lasted from shortly before 9 PM until just before midnight, a duration of approximately three hours. She went to bed because she was tired and had school the next day.

Regarding the weather, Tunamann described it as clear, allowing for good observation of the stars. The Schleswig weather office confirmed "good visibility" at the time of the sighting.

Tunamann admitted to having believed in UFOs prior to this experience. When asked about the purpose of the demonstration, she responded with "Zufall?!" (Coincidence?!). She described the UFOs as metallic objects with yellow-green lights on their edges.

Her brother expressed astonishment at the event happening in Emschenhagen.

Other Sections

Kieler Nachrichten, 1.8.80: A brief excerpt from the Kieler Nachrichten mentions several UFO reports from Kiel, stating "Anbei einige UFO-Meldungen. Aus Kiel ist nichts dabei." (Attached are some UFO reports. Nothing from Kiel.)

Crossword Puzzle Solution: Page 23 reveals the solution to a crossword puzzle from issue 4/80. The letters found in marked fields, when arranged in order, spell "FRANK EDWARDS," which was the correct solution. The prize, a book titled "Das UFO-Phänomen" by Johannes von Buttlar, was won by Wilhelm Lechler from Bremen.

Diagram: A sketch illustrates the Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, with their radii and distances from Mars, related to a contribution titled "Das Rätsel der Marsmonde gelöst" (The Riddle of the Martian Moons Solved), which starts on page 16.

• Short Communications (Kurzmitteilungen):
• MYSTERIA Reader Meeting: Readers are reminded of a planned meeting for the following year. Interested individuals are asked to contact the editorial office. While Externsteine was considered as a meeting point, other suggestions are welcome.
• MYSTERIA Special Edition: The first MYSTERIA special print is going to press and excellent material has been gathered. Inquiries can be directed to the editorial office.
• MYSTERIA Contest: MYSTERIA is planning a new contest, with more details to be announced in upcoming issues.
• Editorial Request: The Dortmund editorial office is requesting reader feedback on which cover designs have been most popular among past issues to help improve the magazine's layout.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO phenomena, featuring witness accounts, interviews, and related puzzles or discussions. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of UFO-related events, encouraging reader participation through feedback and contests. The inclusion of weather reports and confirmation from meteorological offices suggests an effort to provide factual context to sightings.