Mysteria - Issue 28 - 1981 05

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA, issue 5/81, 3rd year, is a German-language magazine dedicated to UFO research and pre-astronautics. The cover features an illustration of a lunar base and the headline "UNSERE ZUKUNFT..." (Our Future...). The issue is priced at DM 3.50.

Contents

The table of contents on page 2 outlines the articles in this issue:

• Page 1: Fictional depiction of a moon base (related to an article on page 18).
• Page 2: Contents, Editorial, Imprint, In Our Own Interest.
• Page 3: MYSTERIA-Privat (Axel Ertelt); UFO Invasion over the Black Forest?
• Page 4: Long before Hiroshima by Peter Krassa.
• Page 12: Mythology of North America by Fernd Brasser.
• Page 14: Trial against the Theory of Evolution by Johannes and Peter Fiebag.
• Page 15: Reader's Letter (Peter Krassa); Editor's Reply (Axel Ertelt).
• Page 16: Spectacular and speculative considerations about the origin of man and his gods by Axel Ertelt.
• Page 18: Our Future: Raw materials and economic goods from space by Michael Appel.
• Page 20: UFO bases on the moons of Saturn? by Michael Hesemann.
• Page 23: Stonehenge - a power plant? by Wilhelm Lechler.
• Page 26: (Continuation from page 3:) UFO Invasion over the Black Forest?

Editorial and Publisher Information

The editorial team consists of Axel Ertelt (Editor-in-Chief) in Halver and Hans-Werner Sachmann (Editor) in Dortmund. MYSTERIA is published monthly by its own publishing house. The printing is done by Druckerei Sperl in Forchheim. Orders for single issues (DM 3.50) and annual subscriptions (DM 38) can be placed. Payment can be made via bank transfer or postal check.

In Our Own Interest

The MYSTERIA publishing house has taken over the self-publishing team of authors, making two anthologies available: "RÄTSEL SEIT JAHRTAUSENDEN" (Riddles Since Millennia, 1978) and "DIE KOSMISCHEN EINGEWEIHTEN" (The Cosmic Initiates, 1981). A new postal check account has been established for payments. A promotional flyer announced in issue 1/81 will not be published; instead, a complete catalog of their productions will be released soon. Readers will also receive their annual Christmas gift separately.

MYSTERIA PRIVAT: UFO-Forschung

This section on page 3 addresses a claim by Klaus Webner from Wiesbaden, who is described as an "anti-UFO" proponent. Webner has reportedly exposed a UFO photo, previously believed to be genuine, as an April Fools' joke. This photo, featured in Charles Berlitz's book "The Roswell Incident," allegedly showed a small extraterrestrial between two uniformed individuals. The magazine is investigating this case further with Webner.

UFO-Invasion über dem Schwarzwald?

This article details a reported UFO sighting by Erwin Hoffmann, a hotel assistant, on November 3, 1978, around 11:30 PM in the Black Forest. Hoffmann claims to have photographed a peculiar oval-shaped object. He states he went out specifically to photograph UFOs and succeeded. The article notes that this deliberate intent makes the case seem less credible to some researchers. Manfred Saier from Waldkirch provided the original prints and negatives, claiming to have seen and photographed numerous UFOs himself. The article also references a publication called "Botschaft des Kommenden" (Message of the Coming), which mentions Manfred Saier's success in photographing unknown flying objects.

Lange vor Hiroshima (Long Before Hiroshima)

This article by Peter Krassa on page 4 discusses the Tunguska event of 1908. It begins by describing the devastation in Hiroshima following the atomic bombing. Alexander Kasanzew, a Soviet engineer and physicist, visited Hiroshima in 1945 and was struck by the similarity between the destruction and the appearance of trees in the Siberian Taiga after the Tunguska event. He noted that in both cases, the trees, though scorched and stripped of branches, remained standing, resembling telegraph poles. Kasanzew hypothesized that the Tunguska event was not the first instance of atomic-like destruction, comparing it to a much earlier event in Siberia.

The article details the Tunguska event, which occurred on June 30, 1908, at 7:17 AM. It describes a massive explosion that flattened an estimated 800 square miles of forest. Eyewitness accounts from S. P. Semjonow and P. P. Kosolapow describe a huge fireball, intense heat, a deafening thunderclap, and a powerful shockwave that caused widespread destruction, including uprooting trees and shattering windows. The event was accompanied by unusual atmospheric phenomena, including glowing clouds and strange colored rays.

The Tunguska Event: Theories and Investigations

Pages 5-10 delve deeper into the Tunguska event. The explosion's immense power is compared to that of hundreds of atomic bombs. The article discusses the scientific investigation of the event, particularly by Leonid Kulik, who searched for a meteorite crater but found none. Instead, he discovered a marshy basin. Various theories are presented, including that of a meteorite, a gaseous comet, or an extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Alexander Kasanzew proposes that the catastrophe was caused by the malfunction and explosion of an extraterrestrial spacecraft's radioactive fuel. He argues that the event released nuclear energy, not kinetic energy from an impact. This theory is supported by observations of unusual tree growth and radioactivity in the affected area. Geophysicist Alexej Solotow's research on tree growth rings suggests a significant increase in cell production after 1908, with some trees growing much larger and thicker than normal, indicating the presence of radioactive substances like Strontium-90, which he attributes to a nuclear explosion.

Astronomer Felix Sigel suggests that the unusual flight path of the object, which reportedly changed direction, indicates intelligent control, ruling out a natural meteorite. However, Professor Georgij Petrow of the Moscow University dismisses eyewitness accounts that differ from the general direction of the object's flight, attributing the event to a "snowball-like comet head" that disintegrated in the atmosphere. He believes the object was a comet weighing at least a million tons and measuring about 800 meters in diameter.

The article also touches upon the debate regarding the cause of the observed phenomena, with Kasanzew and Solotow pointing to evidence of an extraterrestrial craft, while Petrow maintains a natural explanation involving a comet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and their potential connection to extraterrestrial intelligence or advanced technology. There's a clear interest in historical mysteries like the Tunguska event and their reinterpretation through the lens of pre-astronautics. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional theories, providing a platform for researchers like Axel Ertelt, Alexander Kasanzew, and Alexej Solotow, who propose explanations beyond conventional scientific understanding. The magazine also engages with its readership through sections like "MYSTERIA PRIVAT" and "Leserbrief" (Reader's Letter), fostering a community of interest in these subjects.

This issue of "UFO-Forschung" (UFO Research) delves into a variety of speculative topics, ranging from unexplained aerial phenomena and ancient myths to scientific debates and future possibilities in space.

The Tunguska Event: Beyond a Meteorite?

The lead article examines the 1908 Tunguska event, challenging the conventional explanation of a meteorite impact. Aerodynamicists and eyewitness accounts are analyzed, suggesting the object was slowing down as it approached Earth. Calculations indicate that if it were a meteorite, it would have been a kilometer in diameter and weighed a billion tons, leaving a massive crater, which was not found. The article proposes that the object was the anti-matter fuel of a spaceship that exploded, completely destroying the craft as it decelerated over Siberia.

Was it Anti-Matter?

This section explores various hypotheses about the Tunguska object. It highlights the theory of three American scientists—Willard Libby, Clyde Cowen, and C. Atluri—who, in 1965, suggested in the journal "Nature" that an anti-matter meteorite might have caused the catastrophe. They calculated that even half a gram of anti-iron reacting with iron could release energy comparable to the Hiroshima bomb. Another theory from A. A. Jackson and Michael P. Ryan of the University of Texas proposed the object was a microscopic black hole that entered and exited Earth's gravitational field.

The Riddle Solved?

Russian researchers claim to have solved the Tunguska mystery. A team from the Kiev Institute for Geochemistry and Physics of Rocks reportedly detected radioactive carbon in peat ash from 1908. Using radiocarbon dating, they concluded the object was a meteorite that disintegrated in the atmosphere. However, the article notes that similar research dates back to 1971, with Dr. Juri Daglow's commission finding small, colored glass-like pellets in peat, identified as meteorite remnants, though their origin from the Tunguska bolide remained unproven. Professor Georgij Petrow is quoted as saying the low density explains the immediate energy release and explosion, suggesting it wasn't a typical meteorite.

Bernd Brasser: Mythology of North America

This section, authored by Bernd Brasser, explores Native American myths and legends, interpreting them through the lens of ancient astronaut theories.

"People from the Sky"

Early accounts suggest Native Americans perceived the first European explorers as "men of the sky." Columbus himself was reportedly seen as a sky god. The legends of tribes around the Huron and Ontario lakes speak of a strange, white-clad figure descending in a basket suspended by an invisible thread, inviting people to ascend to the sky. Another legend describes a large craft hovering over Earth, emitting a melodic tone perceived as "music" by medicine men. Twelve occupants emerged, performing "dances" accompanied by a bright fireball, which the author likens to the movements of modern astronauts on the moon.

The "Thunderbird" and Flying Machines

The "thunderbird" myths are reinterpreted as descriptions of powerful, incomprehensible phenomena, possibly advanced flying machines. The author suggests that descriptions of these beings, accompanied by thunder and lightning, could be symbolic representations of technology beyond the understanding of the indigenous peoples.

Hopi Legends and Advanced Technology

The legends of the Hopi tribe are presented as offering a different perspective on early American history. They speak of magical shields called "taweyah" and "patuwvota," which allowed people to traverse the air. These were described as oval, divided aerial vehicles. The legends recount their misuse for warfare, with people being transported to distant cities for attacks. This led to a "Third World" ending, with the current era being the "Fourth World." The Hopi legends also mention sunken cities and their flying shields lying at the bottom of the sea, posing a challenge for underwater archaeologists. Another Hopi mystery is the "Kachina," beings from interstellar space who visited Earth annually for six months to offer guidance. They are described not as gods but as spirits capable of manifesting physically.

The author acknowledges that this is a brief overview of complex prehistoric mysteries.

Process Against the Theory of Evolution

This section, by Johannes and Peter Fiebag, discusses the challenges to Darwin's theory of evolution.

Darwin's Doubts and Modern Challenges

The authors quote Charles Darwin himself expressing doubts about his theory of the origin of species. Despite these reservations, the theory is still strongly defended. The article notes that objections to evolution are rarely acknowledged, and alternative theories are seldom given a platform. A court case in California is highlighted, where a decision was needed on whether to teach the biblical creation story alongside Darwinian evolution in American schools. The question is framed as having broader implications, as scientists have increasingly pointed out weaknesses in Darwin's ideas, and "pre-astronautics" proponents have also challenged the established scientific framework.

The California Court Ruling

The case concerned whether a paragraph should be added to the "Guidelines for Science Education in Public Schools" allowing teachers to explain multiple theories of human origin. The article points out that in American schools, only biology is taught, not religion, unlike in European schools where the biblical creation story could be presented. A petition signed by about 500 individuals with higher education in natural sciences supported the plaintiffs.

The California court's ruling was a compromise: Darwin's theory would continue to be taught, but the state would formally remind local schools that Darwin's account of human origins is not dogma.

The authors conclude that Darwin's position is precarious, and the California trial has exposed the gaps in his theory, mobilizing public opinion against traditional scientific doctrines. This is seen as an opportunity for proponents of pre-astronautics to present their theories of artificial, planned mutation by "star gods."

Letters to the Editor

August: A New Column

Peter Krassa informs Axel that the PERRY RHODAN MAGAZINE will change its title to "ORBIT" starting with the July issue (No. 7). The new magazine will focus on UFO phenomena and will include excerpts from Krassa's book "Feuer fiel vom Himmel" (Fire Fell from Heaven) and interviews with Reinhard Habeck on UFOs. The new "ORBIT" will cost DM 5,-- and feature more color pages. Krassa will also have a regular column titled "Phantastische Welt" (Fantastic World) starting with issue No. 8.

"Licht für den Pharao" (Light for the Pharaoh)

Krassa also reports that he and Reinhard Habeck are nearing completion of their joint book project, "Licht für den Pharao." The manuscript, which includes a section designed by electrical engineer Walter Garn, is expected to be finished by mid-May.

The editors express hope that Krassa and Habeck find a publisher quickly, suggesting that a specific publisher mentioned by Krassa would be ideal due to their strong promotional resources, which could ensure a high circulation.

Leserbrief/Prä-Astronautik

Axel Ertelt responds to Peter Krassa, expressing pleasure that Krassa will have a regular column in "PRM." Ertelt notes that the shift towards more fringe science topics like pre-astronautics and UFO research is desirable but fears it might alienate some traditional science fiction readers, especially those who have written critical letters about Krassa and Erich von Däniken.

Ertelt wishes Krassa luck with his book and sends greetings from the "Kysteria-Relegschaft."

Spectacular and Speculative Considerations on the Origin of Man and His Gods

This article by Axel Ertelt discusses the origin of humanity and the concept of gods from a pre-astronautics perspective.

Science and Speculation

Ertelt argues that scientific understanding is limited and time-bound, and that what is considered true today might be disproven tomorrow. He suggests that scientific hypotheses are often based on incomplete knowledge of cosmic phenomena. He questions the scientific explanation of human evolution from apes, stating that even Darwin recognized significant gaps in his theory, making it scientifically untenable.

The Pre-Astronautics View of Human Origin

Ertelt posits that humans may have existed millions of years ago, during the age of dinosaurs. He suggests that apes and humans may have evolved simultaneously, or that humans evolved first, with apes being a "failed mutation" of humans. He proposes that human origin is due to a powerful entity or civilization that our ancestors perceived as divine due to their advanced technology.

Gods as Advanced Beings

Ertelt suggests that what ancient cultures called "gods" might have been highly advanced beings from cosmic civilizations. He speculates that humans might have been created through genetic manipulation and artificial insemination in a "retort," referencing the concept of cloning and David M. Rorvik's book "In His Image." He draws parallels to science fiction concepts like "Time Lords" and "Androids" from the "Perry Rhodan" series.

The Limits of Current Science

Ertelt criticizes current scientific understanding as being based on assumptions rather than proven facts. He believes that revealing the truth about human origins could disrupt established religious and scientific paradigms, leading to resistance from those unwilling to accept what contradicts their beliefs.

Our Future: Raw Materials and Goods from Space

This article by Michael Appel discusses future resource acquisition and economic possibilities in space.

The Club of Rome and Earth's Limits

Citing the "Club of Rome," Appel states that civilization faces collapse by the end of the 21st century due to overpopulation, resource depletion, and environmental pollution. He highlights critical elements like air, water, and sunlight, which are increasingly threatened by pollution, particularly in industrial areas.

Space as a Solution

Appel suggests that space offers a solution to resource scarcity. He mentions the US Space Shuttle as a means to establish space-based factories and bases on planets. The concept of "metal foaming" is introduced as a process for creating lightweight yet strong steel in space. He envisions self-sufficient "city-states" in space by the year 2000, but warns of potential political conflicts between major powers over these extraterrestrial territories.

Lunar and Jovian Resources

A lunar base is described as a self-sufficient settlement, potentially independent of Earth's resources. Lunar dust is noted for its potential to support plant growth, yielding 30% more than Earth-based agriculture. Ice reservoirs are believed to exist beneath the lunar surface. The article also discusses the possibility of "dismantling" Jupiter to utilize its mass as a raw material, a process that would require accelerating its rotation to ten times its current speed.

Colonizing Venus

Colonizing Venus is presented as a more promising project. Professor Carl Sagan's proposal involves using rockets to inject "blue or split algae" into the Venusian atmosphere, increasing oxygen levels and potentially creating a habitable environment with a "great rain." This could lead to vast agricultural areas and a Venusian civilization of 1.2 trillion beings within 300 years, equipped with 21st-century technology.

Asteroid Mining and Mars Bases

The article also touches upon the utilization of asteroids, estimated at 50,000 in number between Mars and Jupiter, as a source of material for new cities. This operation would ideally be launched from Mars once bases are established there. Sagan anticipates the melting of the polar ice caps on Mars, distributing water across the planet, with a manned landing planned for around 1990.

Encountering Extraterrestrials

Appel concludes by cautioning that unforeseen difficulties might arise, including the possibility that "someone" has already established a presence in space. He suggests that humanity might not have the right to claim ownership of planets and may only be tolerated by existing extraterrestrial civilizations.

UFO Bases on Saturn's Moons?

This short piece reports on a claim from the American publication NATIONAL ENQUIRER, citing Soviet scientists who believe UFOs originate from space and that an extensive space station exists on Titan, a moon of Saturn. Astrophysicist Dr. Sergei Bozeman is quoted as stating his conviction that "Ways from other planets have made Titan into a space station."

Title: UFO-Forschung
Issue: 21
Date: Approximately 1983 (based on content and issue number context)
Publisher: UFO-Forschung
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of UFO-Forschung delves into several intriguing topics related to UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

UFOs and the Titan Connection

The lead article discusses the findings of Dr. Bozhich, a prominent Russian astronomer. He claims that advanced computer analysis has tracked hundreds of UFO flights originating from the vicinity of Saturn, with Titan identified as a common destination. Bozhich also reports the detection of unique radio signals between Earth and Titan, which he speculates could be a 'radio buoy' guiding extraterrestrial craft. These findings, he asserts, were made possible by new detection equipment deployed in Soviet and Antarctic stations, with the involvement of Russian space satellites.

According to Bozhich, UFOs leaving Earth's atmosphere exhibit a powerful upward thrust before gliding on a direct path to Titan. The computer tracking system reportedly confirmed this trajectory, indicating that these craft were traveling at incredible speeds.

The Soviet study on UFOs has apparently gained traction in higher circles, prompting the Soviet Academy of Sciences to solicit UFO sighting reports from the public, establishing a nationwide observation network. American experts also reportedly agree that Titan, larger than Mercury, could potentially harbor life.

Ancient Megaliths as Power Plants

The issue features an extensive article by Wilhelm Lechler titled "STONEHENGE - ein Kraftwerk?" (Stonehenge - a Power Plant?). This section explores theories surrounding prehistoric megalithic structures, focusing on Stonehenge. It discusses various hypotheses, including its use as a prehistoric observatory for celestial events. However, a more prominent theory suggests that these structures were linked to highly developed astronomical observations and potentially served as 'power plants' harnessing Earth's telluric currents.

Supporters of this theory, like those of the 'Old Straight Track' school, believe that these ancient sites were built at intersections of powerful magnetic energy lines. They posit that ancient peoples, possibly with knowledge passed down from lost civilizations like Atlantis or from extraterrestrial visitors, could tap into these energies. This energy could have been used not only for communication but also for moving heavy objects, explaining the construction of megaliths like Stonehenge. The idea is that stones could be levitated and guided to their designated spots by activating the correct energy line with a spoken command.

This theory is further supported by research into the 'Rollright Stones' and other megalithic sites in Brittany and Britain, as referenced in various publications and books by authors like Erich von Däniken and Louis Charpentier.

Charpentier's work on the Basque people is cited regarding dolmens, which are described as having a unique stability despite resting on fine points. He suggests these structures might vibrate and produce ultrasonic sounds, and are often located at nodes of telluric currents, possibly originating from Earth's magma or groundwater.

The article also touches upon legends from various islands, including the Easter Island, and mentions the 'Holestone' in Northern Ireland, believed to possess healing properties and to be a focal point for Earth currents.

Analysis of Alleged UFO Photos from Schwarzwald

The latter part of the magazine addresses alleged UFO sightings and photographic evidence from the Schwarzwald region in Germany. Initially, the magazine reports on UFO sightings by Manfred Saier and Rainer Weiss, including photographs and a description of an encounter with a 1.40-meter tall being in a silver suit.

However, following an editorial review and analysis of the submitted photos and negatives, the magazine concludes that the evidence is likely fabricated. The analysis suggests that the photos were either simple fakes, possibly involving someone wrapped in silver foil and wearing a headset, or were manipulated through techniques like retouching, pasting objects onto landscape photos, and re-photographing them. The lighting conditions and sharpness of the images were found to be inconsistent with the reported times of the sightings. The magazine states that no verifiable evidence of unidentified objects of unknown origin was found in any of the submitted materials.

Therefore, the magazine concludes that a UFO invasion in the Schwarzwald did not occur, and advises caution and skepticism when dealing with such claims, regardless of whether the individuals involved were perpetrators or unwitting participants in the manipulation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of potential extraterrestrial intelligence and its connection to our planet, both in contemporary sightings and ancient history. The magazine presents various theories, from Soviet astronomical observations of UFOs heading to Titan to the idea of ancient megaliths as advanced technological sites. However, it maintains a critical and analytical stance, particularly evident in its thorough debunking of the Schwarzwald UFO photos, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor and skepticism in UFO research.