Mysteria - Issue 22 - 1980 11

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA is a German-language magazine dedicated to UFO research and pre-astronautics. This issue, dated November 1980 (Nr. 11/80, 2. Jahrgang), features a cover illustration of a burial mound ('HÜGELGRAB') and the ancient stone bridge known as 'BRÜCKE VON TARR STEPS'. The price for a single issue is DM 3.50.

Editorial and Contents

The issue begins with a letter from the editor, Hans-Werner Sachmann, reflecting on a recent trip to Thailand and expressing gratitude for reader correspondence. He discusses plans to improve the magazine's punctuality and organizational flow. Sachmann also mentions the illness of a reader and contributor, Reinhard Habeck, and wishes him a speedy recovery. The editorial also touches upon the upcoming end of the year and potential delays in delivery.

The table of contents lists several articles:

• Page 1: Illustrations of Hügelgräber and the Tarr Steps bridge.
• Page 2: Contents, Editorial, and Imprint.
• Page 3: "Liebe Leser" (Dear Readers) - Editor's letter.
• Page 4: "Das Geheimnis der Hügelgräber" (The Secret of the Burial Mounds) by Michael Hesemann.
• Page 5: "Auf den Spuren einer vergessenen Kultur" (On the Trail of a Forgotten Culture) by Axel Ertelt.
• Page 9: "Schlagzeilen: Schildkröte bestätigt astronomische Berechnung" (Headlines: Turtle Confirms Astronomical Calculation).
• Page 10: "Oberst Mantell vom UFO entführt?" (Colonel Mantell Abducted by UFO?) by Michael Hesemann.
• Page 13: Reviews of books including "Alte Kulturen der Neuen Welt" by Rudolf Pörtner/Nigel Davies, and "Erich von Däniken der Besessene" by Peter Krassa.
• Page 16: "One-Day-Meeting in Fulda 1980" by H.-W. Sachmann.
• Page 17: "Kontroverse" by Walter Hain and Peter Krassa.
• Page 19: "Schlagzeilen: Kugelblitz schwebte durch Krämerladen; UFOs bei Paris gesichtet; Papst mit Geheimarchiv" (Headlines: Ball Lightning Floated Through a Shop; UFOs Sighted Near Paris; Pope Has Secret Archive).
• Page 20: "Geister in Flugzeug" (Ghosts in an Airplane) by Axel Ertelt.
• Page 22: Activities of the MYSTERIA editorial team and staff; Year-end reflections.

The imprint details the editorial team: Axel Ertelt (Editor-in-Chief, temporarily vacant) at Postfach 1227, D-5884 Halver 1; Herbert Mohren (Editorial, Düsseldorf) at Wilseder Weg 20, 4000 Düsseldorf 30; and Hans-Werner Sachmann (Editorial, Dortmund) at Ensinghofstr.35, 4600 Dortmund 15. The magazine is published monthly and operates on a self-cost basis, with no honorarium paid to authors.

The Secret of the Burial Mounds (Page 4)

Michael Hesemann explores the mystery of prehistoric burial mounds, or tumuli, found across Northern Europe. He questions their purpose, suggesting they might have been more than just graves. Hesemann references Johannes Fiebag's theory that they were bunkers used by ancient humans during a conflict involving 'gods' and atomic weapons. He also discusses their use by Germanic tribes as 'Thinghügel' for assemblies and legal proceedings, citing the Denghoog at Wenningstedt (circa 3000 BC) as an example. Hesemann notes that the stone settings often incorporate 'holy numbers' like 3, 7, 9, and 12, indicating a cultic purpose. He draws a parallel between the dome-like shape of tumuli and Kenneth Arnold's 1947 description of flying saucers, speculating that these mounds might be replicas of the 'gods' ' 'flying vessels' used for their return to the heavens.

On the Trail of a Forgotten Culture (Page 5)

Axel Ertelt discusses traces of forgotten, highly advanced cultures found not only in Egypt and South America but also in Europe. He suggests that prehistoric monuments in France, England, and Germany might be remnants of knowledge passed down from extraterrestrial beings, or 'gods-astronauts'. Ertelt recounts his research trips to France, England, and Germany, focusing on megalithic structures. He highlights the importance of these monuments, which he believes hold clues to an ancient, advanced civilization. The article specifically mentions the British Isles, noting that many of these monuments are little known to the general public.

Megalithic Monuments in Europe (Pages 6-8)

Ertelt continues his exploration of ancient European monuments. He introduces the Tarr Steps, an ancient stone bridge in England, and the New Grange passage tomb in Ireland, questioning their age and purpose. He also mentions the MEN-AN-TOL stone circle in Cornwall. Stonehenge is described as a Stone Age observatory, with Alexander Thom's research revealing its astronomical significance, leading to the concept of a 'Stone Age computer'. The article also touches upon Avebury Circle, a large stone circle near Stonehenge, and Silbury Hill, an ancient pyramid in England. Ertelt posits that these structures may hold cosmic information and suggest the influence of an unknown, possibly extraterrestrial, power.

Turtle Confirms Astronomical Calculation (Page 9)

This section reports on a remarkable discovery by Soviet scientists in Siberia: a 35,000-year-old turtle shell with an etched map of the northern hemisphere as it appeared at that time. The detailed carvings, including the 'Big Dipper' constellation, have been verified by computer calculations, confirming their accuracy despite slight differences from modern star positions. The article notes that the turtle is a symbol of the northern celestial pole in Asian mythology, explaining the artist's choice of medium. The presence of two unidentified stars in the 'Big Dipper' carving remains a mystery.

Colonel Mantell Abducted by UFO? (Page 10)

Michael Hesemann recounts the incident of January 7, 1948, when a UFO was sighted near Godman Field, Kentucky. Captain Thomas F. Mantell, an experienced fighter pilot, was dispatched with three aircraft to intercept the object. Despite the USAF's later explanation of the UFO as a weather balloon, the event remains a subject of debate, with witnesses unable to accept the official explanation. Mantell's final radio transmission indicated he was flying towards the Ohio River Falls before contact was lost. The article suggests that Mantell may have been abducted by the UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

MYSTERIA magazine consistently explores themes of ancient mysteries, advanced prehistoric civilizations, and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, often drawing parallels between ancient myths, megalithic structures, and modern UFO sightings. The magazine promotes the idea of 'astronaut gods' and extraterrestrial influence on human history, as exemplified by the articles on burial mounds, ancient monuments, and the Mantell UFO case. There is a clear interest in challenging conventional historical and scientific explanations, encouraging readers to consider alternative perspectives based on archaeological evidence, ancient texts, and eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of "UFO-Forschung" (UFO Research), dated 10/80, published by MYSTERIA, delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings, pre-astronautics, and related controversies. The magazine features detailed accounts, book reviews, and discussions on historical and contemporary mysteries.

The Mantell Case: A Pilot's Final Encounter

The lead article on page 11 recounts the tragic incident involving pilot Mantell. On January 7, 1948, Mantell reported sighting a massive, disc-shaped object, estimated to be 70 meters in diameter, with a ring and a dome, rotating rapidly. His altimeter registered 10,000 meters. The object appeared on radar, and Mantell's aircraft reportedly merged with it before crashing. The article questions conventional explanations like weather balloons or Venus, citing the object's size, shape, and speed as inconsistent with such theories. Mantell's last words, "My God, there are people in there!," suggest he saw occupants. The wreckage was found, but Mantell's remains were never recovered, leading to speculation that the UFO may have taken him. The official explanation remains that Mantell collided with a weather balloon.

Controversies and Investigations

Pages 12-19 explore several contentious topics. A reader's letter prompts a discussion about the Mantell case, with speculation that Mantell might have been taken aboard the UFO. The article also touches upon the mysterious "Men in Black" (MIBs), a phenomenon often linked to UFO sightings. Peter Krassa's book "Phantome des Schreckens" is discussed, which connects prominent people's deaths to these MIBs. Walter Hain critiques Krassa's work, dismissing the MIBs as a UFO myth and pointing out that individuals like Mozart and Morris K. Jessup died from natural causes or suicide, not MIB intervention. Krassa defends his work, arguing that he has evidence and permission to use Captain Raab's testimony and that Hain's criticism is unfair and uncollegial.

Book Reviews: Pre-Astronautics and Archaeology

Several book reviews highlight the magazine's interest in pre-astronautics and ancient cultures:

• "Alte Kulturen der Neuen Welt" (Old Cultures of the New World) by Rudolf Pörtner and Nigel Davies (Page 13) is reviewed. This book focuses on the archaeology of North, Central, and South America, detailing the findings on early cultures, Incas, Mayas, and Aztecs. It is praised for its comprehensive overview and rich illustrations.
• "Erich von Däniken – Der Besessene" (Erich von Däniken – The Obsessed) by Peter Krassa (Page 14) is presented as an objective portrayal of the controversial pre-astronautics researcher. Krassa aims to provide a balanced view of Däniken, who is known for his theories about extraterrestrial influence on ancient civilizations. The review notes Däniken's immense book sales and the polarized reactions he elicits.
• "Wenn Laeduma Träumt" (When Laeduma Dreams) by Sabine Schwartz (Page 15) is a report on the life of an African nomadic people, the Rendille, in Northern Kenya. The book details their struggle for survival and the impact of modern civilization on their traditions.

Conference and Sightings

Page 16 reports on a one-day meeting in Fulda in 1980, organized by the German-speaking section of the ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY. The event featured presentations by various researchers, including Erich von Däniken, and was described as a successful gathering for members to share information.

Several brief reports on sightings are included:

• Ball Lightning in Isjum, Ukraine (Page 19): A football-sized ball of lightning was observed entering and exiting a grocery store.
• UFOs near Paris (Page 19): Multiple witnesses in Creteil reported seeing and photographing three unidentified flying objects in the morning sky, described with various colors and movements. Air traffic control at Orly Airport reported no unidentified aircraft.

Other Mysteries

• The Pope's Secret Archive (Page 19): The establishment of a new, large concrete bunker for secret Vatican archives is noted, raising questions about what information is being withheld from the public.
• Ghosts in Aircraft (Page 20): An article discusses the ZDF documentary "Der Geist von Flug 401" (The Ghost of Flight 401), which recreated the events following the crash of an L 1011 Eastern Airlines aircraft in Florida. The film reportedly focused on the alleged ghostly appearances of flight engineer Don Repo and Captain Bob Loft, based on accounts from subsequent flights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, questioning official explanations, and presenting alternative theories, particularly in the realm of UFOs and ancient mysteries. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded but critical stance, encouraging readers to form their own judgments, as seen in the call for readers to evaluate the controversy surrounding Peter Krassa's book. The editorial approach seems to favor detailed accounts and in-depth discussions, often referencing books and research from the field of ufology and related disciplines.

Title: Mysteriöses
Issue: 21
Date: Unknown (content refers to 1981 activities)
Publisher: MYSTERIA-Redaktion
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of 'Mysteriöses' focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena and mysterious events, particularly those involving aviation. It presents eyewitness accounts and discusses the broader context of UFO research.

Reported UFO Encounters

The TU 104 Incident

The magazine recounts a strange event that occurred in the spring of 1959 on a passenger flight, 'TU 104', traveling from Alma Ata to Moscow. A mysterious 'fireball' was observed by the passengers. A Polish journalist, who was among the witnesses, later published a report detailing comprehensive testimonies. Despite being urged not to discuss the experience, the witnesses described the object as disk-shaped and appearing to be pure energy, without emitting heat or odors. The article highlights the flight number '104' and draws a parallel to 'Flug 401', noting the numerical similarity.

Ibizza to Hannover Flight Experience

Another incident is described, involving a flight from Ibizza to Hannover that took place a few years prior to the publication. The magazine managed to find a witness, identified as M. G. from Herford, whose account is presented in her own words. She describes a moment during the flight when a 'force' seemed to transfer to everyone on the plane, leaving her feeling paralyzed but without fear. The pilot, speaking with difficulty, informed the passengers that he didn't know what was happening and that the plane seemed to be flying on its own. Despite the pilot's concerns about delays, the flight arrived earlier than expected. While there was no panic, the passengers' expressions indicated relief upon landing.

UFO Research and Publications

Overview of Editorial Activities

The 'MYSTERIA-Redaktion' provides a year-end overview of its activities and those of its contributors. They acknowledge that while the past year was productive, the results of their investigations and research will be published in the coming months.

Upcoming Publications

The editorial team highlights several forthcoming publications:

• The first 'MYSTERIA' special print, titled 'UFO-INVASION ÜBER WESTFALEN?'.
• A new anthology featuring contributions from Axel Ertelt, Johannes Fiebag, Peter Fiebag, and Hans-Werner Sachhann, part of the 'RÄTSEL SEIT JAHRTAUSENDEN' series, with the promising title 'DIE KOSMISCHEN EINGEWEIHTEN'. This work includes a foreword by Peter Krassa and an afterword by W. Raymond Drake.
• A new book by Axel Ertelt and Herbert Mohren, scheduled for publication in the following year (1981) by Verlag 2000, with the main title 'SIE KOMMEN VON ANDEREN WELTEN'.
• The article also mentions that further books are in preparation by various publishers, including works by Johannes Fiebag and Axel Ertelt, suggesting an interesting year for pre-astronautic and UFO research in 1981.
• 'DAS MENSCHHEITSRÄTSEL' by H. Mohren is also slated for release in 1981.

Media Coverage

The magazine expresses appreciation for a television program that presented a genuine event from the 'supernatural' realm in an unadulterated format as a feature film. They commend this effort, contrasting it with their usual criticism of repetitive and uninteresting television programming. They suggest this particular film should be repeated, ideally in prime time.

Editorial Closing and Greetings

The 'MYSTERIA-Redaktion' extends warm wishes for the holidays and a happy, healthy, and successful New Year 1981 to all its readers and collaborators. They express gratitude for the readers' loyalty, numerous letters, suggestions, and tips, as well as for their donations, which help sustain the magazine. The editorial team promises a small gift as a token of appreciation and hopes for continued loyalty.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the intersection of these mysteries with aviation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal and unexplained, encouraging research and publication in these fields. The magazine actively promotes the work of authors and researchers in the UFO community and expresses a desire for more mainstream media coverage of such topics.