Mysteria - Issue 30 - 1981 07

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA is a German-language magazine for UFO research and pre-astronautics. This issue, Nr. 7/81, from the 3rd year of publication, was released in January 1981 and priced at DM 3.50. The cover features a dramatic illustration of a city skyline under a sky filled with UFOs, hinting at the magazine's focus on unexplained aerial phenomena.

Table of Contents and Editorial Information

The issue includes a detailed table of contents, listing articles on topics such as 'Trickfoto' (Wiesbaden), the 'Heidelberger Schloß Riddle', a US Airforce Colonel being paralyzed by a UFO, the 'Mister X' April Fool's joke, the mystery of Fatima, and 'God-Astronauts and Atlantis'. It also features reports from international correspondents, including an interview with bestseller author Charles Berlitz, and press releases on various UFO sightings and related news.

The editorial section provides contact information for the chief editor, Axel Ertelt, and the Dortmund editorial office, headed by Hans-Werner Sachmann. It states that MYSTERIA is published monthly by MYSTERIA-Verlag and distributed mid-month for the previous month. Copyrights for contributions belong to the authors, otherwise to the editorial staff. Reprints require written permission and two sample copies. Unsolicited manuscripts are not liable for return unless sufficient postage is included, and publication is not guaranteed. The editorial board reserves the right to edit or shorten submissions. The magazine operates on a cost-basis for honoraria, with an annual book prize awarded to the best reader contribution.

MYSTERIA privat: Debunking the Schwarzwald UFO Wave

In this section, the editorial staff addresses a previous report about a supposed UFO wave in the Schwarzwald (Black Forest). They reveal that the submitted negatives were not originals but copies of photos, rendering computer analysis unreliable. The editorial team concludes that while some photos might appear to show UFOs (like a sunset presented as a UFO), further investigation proved there were no UFOs in the Schwarzwald. Some photographers involved have reportedly admitted to deliberate falsifications.

The 'Mister X' April Fool's Joke

A major focus of this issue is the debunking of a sensational UFO report by Klaus Webner. He details how a story published in the Wiesbadener Tagblatt on April 1, 1950, about a crashed flying saucer and an alien named 'Mister X' near Wiesbaden was, in fact, an elaborate April Fool's joke. The article explains how the newspaper fabricated the story using photo montages of the Kurhaus fountain's glass panes as UFOs and involving local authorities and even the photographer's son as 'Mister X'. The report was so convincing that it was later picked up by other publications and even ended up in the FBI archives, eventually being presented as fact in a book by Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore.

Webner criticizes Berlitz and Moore for not verifying the origin of the 'Mister X' photo, which he discovered was from a local German newspaper's prank. He argues that serious UFO research requires rigorous investigation rather than blind belief.

Nellis AFB UFO Incident

Another article discusses a report from UFO researcher Leonhard Stringfield concerning an incident at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada in 1968. According to the report, a large UFO hovered over the base for three days, accompanied by smaller craft. One of the smaller craft landed, and a humanoid emerged, directing a paralyzing beam at a Colonel. Despite attempts to fire on the UFO, weapons reportedly failed. The UFOs then departed. Stringfield claims to have confirmed this account with multiple firsthand witnesses who were former US Air Force or CIA members.

Charles Berlitz and the Bermuda Triangle

In the 'Anmerkungen der Redaktion' (Editorial Notes), the magazine discusses Charles Berlitz, known for his books on mysteries. While acknowledging his popularity, the editors note that his research quality is often debated. They clarify that Berlitz did not invent the Bermuda Triangle mystery, as other authors like Richard Winer and Robert Charroux had written about similar phenomena earlier.

Roswell Incident Re-evaluation

Regarding the Roswell incident, the magazine reiterates its stance that caution is necessary when accepting information. They reference the book 'DER ROSWELL-ZWISCHENFALL' by Berlitz and Moore, noting that while the book discusses the incident, the specific 'Mister X' photo used as evidence was, in fact, part of the Wiesbaden hoax. The editors suggest that Berlitz and Moore might not have had malicious intent but failed to conduct thorough research, particularly by not investigating the origin of the photo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of MYSTERIA strongly emphasizes critical thinking and rigorous fact-checking in the field of UFO research. It highlights how sensational stories, even those that end up in official archives like the FBI, can originate from simple hoaxes or misidentifications. The magazine promotes a skeptical yet open-minded approach, encouraging readers to question claims and seek verifiable evidence. The editorial stance is clearly against accepting unsubstantiated reports and promotes a more scientific methodology for investigating UFO phenomena. The focus on debunking the 'Mister X' story and questioning the presentation of evidence in books by popular authors like Charles Berlitz underscores this critical perspective.

This issue of "FO-Forschung" (FO-Research), a publication focused on ufology and related phenomena, is dated Monday, April 3, 1950. It is presented as "Seite 11" (Page 11) and appears to be part of a larger series titled "Prä-Astronautik" (Pre-Astronautics).

April Fools' Day in Wiesbaden

The lead article, "Tüchtig reingefallen!" (Fallen for it!), details how April Fools' Day in Wiesbaden in 1950 led to considerable confusion and excitement. The "Wiesbadener Tagblatt" reported several pranks, including a fake UFO crash, the establishment of a 'swimming animal zoo' at the train station, and the merger of the registry office with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The newspaper thanks its readers for their suggestions and hopes the pranks brought joy.

A photograph accompanying this section shows what are claimed to be debris from a flying saucer crash, with a caption identifying it as a "Nietkopf" (rivet head) approximately 4.5 meters in diameter, believed to be part of the craft's mechanism. Another photo from the "Wiesbadener Tagblatt" dated April 1, 1950, allegedly shows the alleged debris of a 'JFO' (presumably a typo for UFO).

The Mystery of Fatima

An extensive article titled "WAS IST DAS GEHEIMNIS VON FATIMA?" (WHAT IS THE SECRET OF FATIMA?) by Hartmut Rissmann explores the famous Marian apparitions in Fatima, Portugal. The article recounts the events starting on May 13, 1917, when three shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos, Jacinta Marto, and Francisco Marto—witnessed apparitions of a 'beautiful lady' (the Madonna).

The 'lady' promised to return on the 13th of each month and asked the children to build a chapel. The children were reportedly told about the end of humanity, severe illnesses, and natural disasters. A key element is the prophecy that the full truth would be revealed in 1960.

The article details subsequent apparitions, including one on October 13, 1917, which became known as the "Miracle of the Sun." During this event, an estimated 80,000 witnesses observed the sun appear to dance, spin like a fiery wheel, and emit vibrant colors. The article describes this phenomenon as something beyond the capabilities of the known sun, suggesting it might have been a UFO.

It mentions that two of the child visionaries, Francisco and Jacinta, died young, and the Catholic Church is considering their beatification due to reported miracles associated with them. The article notes that 70% of reported miracle healings were of women.

Rissmann discusses possible explanations for the Fatima events, including a UFO theory proposed by Jean-Claude Bourret, suggesting a large UFO projected an image resembling a human face to avoid frightening the children.

Lucia later became a nun, Maria das Dores. The article touches upon the 'secret' of Fatima, mentioning a letter sent to the Vatican that was reportedly opened in 1960. It is suggested that this letter contained three prophecies, two of which had already occurred by 1960 (the end of WWI and the announcement of WWII). The third prophecy is rumored to involve an assassination attempt on the Pope and a 'great war' occurring before the end of the 20th century.

The article acknowledges differing versions of the Fatima story and questions whether to take them seriously, suggesting that the Vatican might be withholding information.

Other Sightings and Theories

The issue also briefly mentions the "Miracle of La Salette" from September 19, 1846, where two shepherd children reported seeing a luminous object and a 'beautiful lady' who delivered prophecies. The article suggests this event, occurring about 100 years before the major UFO waves, could be interpreted as a UFO sighting, given the children's background and lack of religious fervor.

Gods, Astronauts, and Atlantis

A significant section, "GÖTTER-ASTRONAUTEN UND ATLANTIS" (GODS-ASTRONAUTS AND ATLANTIS) by Walter Hain, revisits the theories of 'pre-astronauts' and the lost civilization of Atlantis. Hain aims to revise these theories, questioning whether ancient myths and archaeological evidence point to extraterrestrial visitors or early technological civilizations.

He discusses Plato's account of Atlantis, a technologically advanced island civilization that supposedly existed 9,000 years before his time, located beyond the 'Pillars of Hercules' (Strait of Gibraltar).

Hain examines various proposed locations for Atlantis, including the Azores, and discusses the geological dating of these islands, suggesting they are too young to be remnants of Atlantis. He also critiques theories that link the Sargasso Sea to the sinking of Atlantis.

The article questions the accuracy of Plato's measurements and timelines but suggests he might have based his account on Iranian 'teachings of the ages.' It explores potential causes for Atlantis's destruction, such as a global flood, volcanic eruption, or cosmic catastrophe, finding them insufficient to explain the complete annihilation of such a large landmass.

Hain also touches upon the work of Erich von Däniken and his claims of ancient alien visits, as well as interpretations of Mayan artifacts like the Palenque sarcophagus lid, which Däniken suggested depicted an astronaut. Hain dismisses this interpretation, arguing the figure is too small for a spacecraft and lacks realistic features.

He discusses the Nazca lines in Peru, suggesting they have astronomical significance and might have served as landing strips. The Easter Island statues are also mentioned, with Hain agreeing with Thor Heyerdahl that the islanders could transport them, but questioning Däniken's claims about their carving.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged supernatural or anomalous phenomena (like the Fatima and La Salette apparitions), and speculative theories about ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial contact (Atlantis, ancient astronauts). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various theories and accounts, while also incorporating critical perspectives and scientific skepticism, particularly in the sections discussing Atlantis and the interpretation of ancient artifacts. The magazine seems to encourage reader participation, as indicated by the call for letters to the editor regarding Walter Hain's article.

This issue of "Prä-Astronautik" (Pre-Astronautics), issue 23 of volume 8, dated August 1981, delves into various mysteries and challenges established theories, particularly the concept of ancient astronauts. The magazine features articles on the Cheops Pyramid, the Dogon people's astronomical knowledge, the Bermuda Triangle, and reports on UFO sightings and other unexplained phenomena.

Cheops Pyramid and Ancient Construction

The article "Die Cheops-Pyramide" (The Cheops Pyramid) by an unnamed author critically examines claims about the pyramid's weight and construction. It refutes Erich von Däniken's figure of 31.2 million tons, suggesting a more realistic weight of 6.5 million tons, with a possible range between 5.96 and 8.34 million tons. The author proposes a straight ramp with a maximum incline of 20 degrees as the most plausible method for construction, estimating that the entire project could have been completed by 10,000 people in 33 years. The article dismisses various numerical speculations related to the pyramid's dimensions as lacking substance, noting that the approximation of Pi (3.140) and the derivation of Earth's weight and axis from pyramid measurements are imprecise.

The Dogon and the Sirius System

Another section addresses the Dogon people's astronomical knowledge, particularly concerning the Sirius system. The author, Walter Hain, is cited as presenting the Dogon's drawing of the Sirius system, which includes symbols for stars and planets. However, the article argues that the Dogon's knowledge is not superior and their drawings are too imprecise. It highlights that the Dogon system, as depicted, has a 'hunger star' (Hungerreisstern) that orbits the main system in an irregular, egg-shaped path. The author points out that according to current astronomical understanding, the Sirius system is a binary star system (Sirius A and Sirius B), and the Dogon's claim of only knowing one star, the 'hunger star,' is contradictory, especially since they claim it is the heaviest because 'what the star emits increases daily by its own volume,' a statement not applicable to Sirius B. The article also clarifies that the 'hunger star' is indeed Sirius B, a fact that Walter Hain allegedly disputes. The author defends Robert K. G. Temple's book "DAS SIRIUS-RÄTSEL" (The Sirius Riddle), stating that its arguments are difficult to refute and that critics may lack sufficient understanding or have not read the book thoroughly.

The Bermuda Triangle and Atlantis

An interview with Charles Berlitz, a bestselling author, discusses the "Bermuda-Dreieck" (Bermuda Triangle). Berlitz suggests that electromagnetic fields within the triangle might cause objects to dissolve by altering their molecular structure. He also entertains the possibility of UFOs originating from other dimensions, referencing his book "DAS PHILADELPHIA-EXPERIMENT." Berlitz further speculates that the legendary sunken city of Atlantis might be located within the Bermuda Triangle, citing archaeological finds in the Bimini area as evidence. He plans further research expeditions with Dr. Manson Valentine, mentioning the discovery of a potential underwater pyramid.

Historical and Legendary Accounts

The issue includes a section on "Zeitverschiebung" (Time Shift), featuring a story titled "SIEBENSCHLÄFER" (Seven Sleepers) by Wilhelm Lechler. This recounts the legend of seven pious brothers who, to escape Roman persecution, were walled up in a cave in Ephesus in 251 AD and awoke 195 years later. The article notes that the 27th of June, the feast day of the Seven Sleepers, is popularly considered a weather prophet, though this is unrelated to the legend itself.

Another report, "FRÜHER AUSZUG - Die Kinder Israels" (Earlier Exodus - The Children of Israel), discusses the findings of Egyptologist Hans Gödicke, who suggests the Exodus occurred in 1477 BC, two centuries earlier than commonly believed. This dating is linked to a volcanic eruption and earthquake that may have destroyed the Minoan civilization.

UFO Reports and Sightings

Several UFO sightings are reported. One incident describes a UFO over Moscow, seen by thousands, which was a 100-meter high orange disc with a fiery tail. Witnesses, including a Soviet Army Colonel and a Moscow television director, reported seeing a small flying object detach from the main craft and land nearby, with one witness describing an invisible barrier preventing contact and a human-like figure in the transparent dome. Another report mentions a UFO sighting over Warsaw, accompanied by dogs howling and radios failing.

A piece titled "'Drache' beschäftigt die Phantasie der Menschen" ('Dragon' occupies people's imagination) discusses the legend of 'Nessi' from Loch Ness and its alleged American counterpart, 'Champ,' from Lake Champlain. The article mentions a photograph taken by Sandra Mansi in 1977, which scientists have not dismissed as a fake, showing a serpentine neck and a rounded back emerging from the water. The local community of Port Henry embraces 'Champ' as a mascot, with local businesses profiting from its fame.

Editorial Stance and Future Content

The "Anmerkungen der Redaktion" (Editorial Notes) section encourages readers to engage with the articles and send in their letters. The editors specifically address the "Sirius Riddle," defending Robert K. G. Temple's work and criticizing Walter Hain's interpretations. They express confidence that further research will validate the Dogon's other claims.

The magazine also previews upcoming content, including articles on computer analysis of UFO photos, the first UFO photo, and material on Eugenio Siragusa, an Italian contactee. The editorial stance clearly favors an open-minded investigation into UFO phenomena and pre-astronautics, encouraging readers to stay informed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Prä-Astronautik" consistently questions conventional historical and scientific narratives, particularly the prevailing skepticism towards ancient astronaut theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for historical anomalies and unexplained phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on defending controversial theories and authors, such as Robert K. G. Temple, against criticism. The magazine promotes the idea that many mysteries, including those in the Bermuda Triangle, are close to being solved. The overall tone suggests a belief in the existence of phenomena beyond current mainstream scientific understanding, urging readers to remain open-minded and to critically examine available evidence.