Mysteria - Issue 41 - 1982 06

Magazine Overview

Title: MYSTERIA
Issue Date: June 1982 (Issue 41, 4th Year)
Publisher: MYSTERIA-Verlag
Focus: UFO Research and Pre-Astronautics

Editorial and Content Summary

Editorial Stance (Hans-Werner Sachmann)

The editorial section by Hans-Werner Sachmann addresses reader submissions, expressing a preference for articles with new facts and practical research over lengthy theoretical pieces that merely summarize existing information. He also touches upon the magazine's publication schedule, noting potential shifts to a bi-monthly format in 1983 due to the part-time nature of the editorial staff and other unspecified reasons. Sachmann also mentions the popularity of a PIONEER sticker, seeing its inclusion in broader corporate contexts as a potential avenue to reach the skeptical scientific community.

UFO Research in China (Peter Krassa)

This article details the author's visit to China and his interactions with the vice editors of "The Journal of UFO-Research," Zhu Fu-zheng and Shi Bo. The Chinese journal, published by the "Gesellschaft für Zukunftsforschung" (Society for Future Research), has a significant circulation (around 300,000 copies) and is quickly sold out. The article highlights China's serious approach to UFO research, supported by the Academy of Social Sciences. It mentions several intriguing findings:

• Ancient Artifacts: A burial site from 240-299 AD yielded a belt with seventeen metal ornaments, some made of aluminum, a material whose production was thought to be much more recent (post-1827).
• Prehistoric Knowledge: The director of the Archaeological Research Institute, Hsia Nai, was unable to explain how ancient Chinese acquired knowledge of aluminum production. He also avoided discussing UFO phenomena.
• UFO Sighting: A notable incident occurred on August 24, 1980, near the Great Wall, where three students photographed a small, T-shaped, luminous flying object. This sighting is considered the most popular in China to date.
• Metal Rolls: In Quinghai province, archaeologists discovered numerous iron rolls, some protruding from a mountainside, with an estimated age of 400,000 years. The production of iron and copper was not known in this region until the Han Dynasty (around the turn of the millennium). A documentary film is planned about these findings.

The Possibility of Extraterrestrial Contact (Michael GÖRDEN)

This piece explores the likelihood of contact with extraterrestrial intelligences, drawing on the ideas of science fiction author Isaac Asimov. Asimov estimates there could be 50 million technical civilizations in our galaxy. He offers several reasons why we might not have encountered them:

1. Short Lifespans: Civilizations might be short-lived, destroying themselves within centuries or millennia.
2. Vast Distances: The average distance between civilizations capable of space travel is calculated at 285 light-years, making travel times prohibitively long (around 1000 years).
3. Deliberate Avoidance: Extraterrestrials might consciously avoid contact due to Earth's political and social conditions.

The article references the Bastei-Lübbe anthology "Fremde aus dem All" (Strangers from All) which compiles these possibilities.

"Headlines" Section

This section presents several brief news items:

• Creationism in Schools: A court in Little Rock, Arkansas, declared a law requiring the teaching of biblical creationism alongside evolution in public schools unconstitutional, citing the separation of church and state.
• The Hand Axe as a Projectile: New experimental research from the University of Georgia suggests that prehistoric hand axes, originally thought to be tools, may have been designed as effective throwing weapons, capable of being thrown with accuracy and force.
• Castrop-Rauxel's Age: Recent archaeological finds at the Lambertuskirche in Castrop-Rauxel suggest the town is much older than previously believed, potentially dating back 1300 years, rather than the previously celebrated 1150 years.
• Dan Shocker's "Macabros" Series: The article notes that author Jürgen Grasmück (Dan Shocker) incorporated information from Peter Krassa about "Men in Black" (MIBs) into his horror series. Shocker has reportedly decided to temporarily remove MIBs from his stories for "certain reasons."
• MYSTERIA's International Recognition: The magazine is read in twelve countries and has gained recognition for its coverage of UFO phenomena, including a special report on a mass UFO sighting over Sauerland and the Ruhrgebiet in 1979/80.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MYSTERIA are UFO phenomena, pre-astronautics, and the intersection of these with archaeology and ancient history. The magazine demonstrates a critical approach, as seen in the editorial's emphasis on factual reporting and the questioning of theoretical articles. There is a clear interest in exploring unconventional ideas, such as ancient advanced technologies and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, while also engaging with scientific and legal developments (like the creationism court case and the hand axe research). The magazine positions itself as a serious platform for UFO research, aiming to bridge gaps between skeptical science and fringe investigations.

This issue of "Schlagzeilen" (Headlines) from June 1982, titled "Schlagzeilen / UFO-Forschung," focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, pre-astronautics, and related mysteries. It features a mix of news items, detailed case studies, and theoretical discussions, presented in German.

Hangar 18: The Movie and its Alleged Basis

The lead article on page 1 discusses the upcoming American super science-fiction film "Hangar 18." The film is said to be based on true events, depicting a collision between a US space shuttle and a UFO, leading to a UFO crash in the Arizona desert. The story involves an astronaut's death, a witness being dismissed as crazy, and the military confiscating the wreckage, allegedly storing it in Hangar 18. The article speculates that the film's content may draw parallels with UFO research, particularly regarding US Air Force secrecy and alleged UFO crashes in American deserts. It mentions the possible involvement of UFO researchers and authors like Erich von Däniken and quotes Swiss author Professor Dr. Hans Holzer, who spoke in 1978 about an American air force base allegedly housing UFO evidence, including a crashed UFO.

Dinosaur Extinction Theory

A brief item titled "DESHALB STARBEN DIE SAURIER" (This is why the dinosaurs died) presents a speculative theory for dinosaur extinction: a lack of sex. The theory posits that as the Earth cooled to below 30 degrees Celsius, only female offspring were produced, leading to the species' demise. This theory is attributed to scientists Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Juanem.

Westphalian Stonehenge

Another article, "WESTFÄLISCHES STONEHENGE VOR DER ENTDECKUNG" (Westphalian Stonehenge on the verge of discovery), introduces Professor Heinz Kaminski, a space and environmental observer from Bochum. Kaminski claims to have discovered a potential "Westphalian Stonehenge" – a prehistoric solar and stellar observatory. He suggests that if his theory is correct, this find could surpass the historical significance of the Externsteine rocks in Germany. The article notes that this discovery is located on the Egge-Bergkuppe near Wormbach in the Hochsauerlandkreis region, an area now covered by dense pine forests. The dimensions of this alleged site are said to match those of Stonehenge in England. The editorial team expresses hope that Professor Kaminski is correct, given his past UFO-related statements that have not yet been substantiated.

UFOS 1981: A Retrospective

Authored by Michael Hesemann, "UFOS 1981: EIN RUCKBLICK" (A Look Back) reviews significant UFO incidents from 1981 and late 1980. The most detailed case is the "Huffman-Fall" from December 29, 1980, involving Betty Cash, Wickie Landrum, and Colby Landrum. They witnessed a large, diamond-shaped UFO emitting intense heat and flames, surrounded by 23 helicopters. The incident reportedly caused radiation sickness symptoms, including hair loss, blisters, and gastrointestinal issues. The MUFON research group investigated, identifying 35 witnesses. The victims are reportedly suing for clarification and compensation, with experts classifying the case as a prime example of a "close encounter of the second kind."

• Other sightings covered include:
• December 28, 1980: A squadron of diamond-shaped UFOs observed by police in Kentucky.
• Early May (reported by the EXAMINER): A large, triangular UFO, estimated to be the size of a Boeing 707, caused power outages in La Vernia, Texas, witnessed by hundreds.
• July 7, 1981 (reported by BILD, citing the NATIONAL ENQUIRER): A UFO sighting over Moscow, involving a large, luminous UFO mother ship releasing smaller objects, which quickly returned when the air force scrambled.
• July 15, 1980 (reported by Dr. Felix Zigel): A UFO mother ship over Moscow, causing panic.
• Dr. Harley Rutledge's research: The head of the Physics Faculty at Southeast Missouri State University, Rutledge, has observed the sky nightly since 1973 and documented 158 UFO sightings. He believes UFOs exist but acknowledges he lacks definitive proof of their extraterrestrial origin.
• September 19, 1981 (reported by New York NEWS WORLD): A family in Corona, Queens, witnessed a bell-shaped UFO with colored lights. A green beam struck a girl's face.
• Reinhold Messner's sighting: The renowned South Tyrolean mountaineer observed a UFO the size of the full moon for nearly three hours during his unsuccessful attempt to climb Mount Chamblang in the Himalayas. The UFO moved erratically, first east, then southwest, and finally north towards Tibet.
• The disappearance of Zygmunt Jan Adamski: In June, during a UFO sighting wave in West Yorkshire, England, Adamski vanished and was later found dead on a coal heap. His death was unexplained, and no footprints were found on the heap, suggesting he did not climb it. A UFO was reportedly seen nearby the evening before he was found.
• Denise Bishop's encounter: In Plymouth, a woman saw a metallic UFO with red, violet, and white lights. A beam from the object paralyzed her hand for minutes, causing it to swell.
• November 27, 1981: Two pilots from All-Nippon Airways observed a large, cigar-shaped object with hatches during a flight from Miyazaki to Tokyo.

UFO Wave in South America

Since October 1981, South America has been experiencing a UFO wave, with thousands of witnesses in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador. The situation reportedly reached a dramatic peak in Parnarama, Brazil, where four people were allegedly killed by UFO beams while hunting at night. The victims were found bloodless. The town is in a state of panic.

Über die Herkunft und Verbreitung einiger Kulturpflanzen (On the Origin and Distribution of Some Cultivated Plants)

This section, authored by Wilhelm Lechler, shifts focus to pre-astronautics and the origins of cultivated plants, specifically maize (corn), wheat, and bananas. It challenges the idea that these plants were brought to Earth by extraterrestrial "gods" due to the lack of discovered wild forms.

Maize (Zea Mays)

The article details the scientific understanding of maize's origin. It explains that the difficulty in finding a wild form led to speculation about its origins. However, modern plant research and archaeology have clarified the issue. Fossilized maize pollen found 60 meters deep in Mexico City, dating back over 80,000 years, proved the existence of ancient wild maize. Further research by Richard S. MacNeish and Paul C. Mangelsdorf in the Tehuacán Valley, Mexico, uncovered maize cob remains dating from 7000 to 3400 BC. Early cobs were small (2.5 cm), with pea-sized kernels. By 3600 BC, cobs were larger (5-8 cm), showing signs of cross-breeding with related grasses, enhancing its hardiness and appearance. The development of maize cultivation is credited with enabling the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, particularly by women who gained time for domestic improvements.

The article explains that the wild form of maize likely became extinct because it is primarily cross-pollinated. Male flowers at the top of the stalk release pollen carried by the wind, fertilizing female flowers lower down. This cross-pollination with related grasses like Teosinte and Tripsacum led to larger, more productive maize varieties. The process of domestication and cultivation, along with natural cross-pollination, eventually led to the extinction of the original wild maize. The primary centers of origin are considered to be the Tehuacán Valley and northwestern Guatemala, with similar developments likely occurring in Peru independently due to the lack of contact between these regions.

The text also discusses how birds and other animals contribute to maize dispersal by eating kernels and dropping them. Illustrations from a 1585 Peruvian manuscript show the cultivation of maize throughout the year and the need to protect it from animals. Further illustrations depict the genetic changes and environmental influences on maize evolution, leading to increased size and yield.

Jack Leaming, an American plant breeder from Ohio, is credited with improving maize by selecting the strongest stalks and most productive cobs, leading to his award-winning maize at the Paris World Exhibition. Modern breeding techniques have further developed varieties suited for different climates and uses, such as grain or silage, with maize cultivation experiencing a significant upswing in Germany due to modern machinery and silage production for dairy cattle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena (UFOs) with historical and scientific inquiry (archaeology, paleontology, botany). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts while also acknowledging the need for scientific evidence. There's a clear interest in challenging conventional explanations, whether it's the origin of crops or the cause of dinosaur extinction, and in exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial influence or advanced ancient technologies. The inclusion of movie reviews and discussions about alleged government cover-ups suggests a broader interest in the cultural impact and public perception of these topics.

This issue of Prä-Astronautik, identified as 'Seite 21' and likely from 1982, delves into a variety of topics related to ancient civilizations, mythology, and fringe science, particularly UFO research and pre-astronautics. The cover features an image of diverse corn cobs with a headline discussing their variety and global cultivation, hinting at the issue's exploration of ancient agriculture and its potential connection to extraterrestrial influence.

The Divine Origin of Corn: The Popol Vuh

The lead article on pages 21-22 discusses the creation myth of corn as described in the Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Quiché-Maya. According to this text, the gods, after much deliberation, created humans using corn. The yellow and white corn cobs were brought from lands named Pan-Paxil and Pan-Cayala by animals such as the fox, wolf, parrot, and raven. This divine nourishment was incorporated into the flesh of humans, providing them with strength, fat, and fullness. The text emphasizes the profound importance of corn for the sustenance of early peoples, leading to the veneration of a corn god and the establishment of harvest festivals. Modern scientific plant research, however, confirms that corn originated on Earth, though its exact place of early cultivation (Mexico, Peru, or Western Asia) remains a subject of study.

Prehistoric Settlements and Ancient Astronauts

Page 25 reports on the discovery of a Stone Age settlement in the high Arctic on the Taimyr Peninsula, dating back to the third millennium BC. Archaeological analysis of charcoal from hearths suggests that the area, now a frozen desert, was once covered by taiga, attracting reindeer herders. The tools found indicate a Mesolithic culture. The article also mentions the book 'Wolfzeit um Thule' by Wilhelm Landig, which explores historical events and potentially advanced German technology from the Third Reich, including references to Nazi expeditions to Antarctica and a "V7" flying saucer design.

Another section on page 25 introduces Hermann Ilg's revised work, "Weg und Ziel der UFO-Forschung" (Path and Goal of UFO Research), which provocatively questions whether an extraterrestrial humanity cares about us. The author asserts that there is ample evidence to support this, citing the UN's consideration of the topic in 1977 at the request of Grenada. Ilg's work aims to provide answers to fundamental questions about "celestial phenomena" and offers an analysis of our present from an extraterrestrial perspective.

Debates within Fringe Science

Pages 23-24 feature a critical discussion titled "MEINUNGSKAMPF UNTER GRENZWISSENSCHAFTLERN" (Ideological Struggle Among Fringe Scientists) by Michael Appel. Appel expresses disappointment with the infighting among researchers in the fringe science community, specifically mentioning the 'Skeptiker-Forschergruppe CENAP' and the organization 'AAS' (Ancient Astronaut Society). He criticizes both 'Skeptiker' and 'PRO' researchers for attacking each other. Appel highlights an article in MYSTERIA 2/82 where Johannes Fiebag criticizes Co-Authors Frank Bruns and Herbert Mohren. He supports Mohren/Bruns' thesis that Duisburg might have been a significant ancient European trading hub, citing the place name "GÖTTERSWICKERHAMM" (Gods' Settlement on the River Bend) near Wesel.

Appel further criticizes the AAS and DUIST for their rigid stances. He notes that the AAS, while expecting the "return of astronaut gods," dismisses the possibility of current extraterrestrial presence, as seen in their review of J. Prachan's book on the Easter Island secrets. He also points out that the AAS criticized Mohren/Bruns' book "MAG MOR" despite Mohren being a member, calling it an "attack from within the ranks." Appel argues that this behavior is characteristic of orthodox scientists and does not reflect well on the AAS. He advocates for a more open-minded approach within fringe science, urging researchers to consider UFOs alongside astronaut god theories and not to dismiss potentially valid theories simply because they don't fit a preconceived narrative.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• "Hans Carl Opfermanns Filmkurs" by Hans Carl Opfermann: A comprehensive guide to filmmaking for hobbyists, covering cinematic design, shooting techniques, editing, and montage, with practical advice for Super-8 and video.
• "Feiningers Kleine Fotolehre" by Andreas Feininger: A concise guide to photography from a master, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates all aspects of the photographic process, from technical execution to creative expression and content.
• "Aufstand der Amazonen" (Uprising of the Amazons) by Klaus Rainer Röhl: This book investigates the historical reality of the legendary warrior women, drawing on ancient myths, sagas, and archaeological evidence from various cultures, including Greece, Asia Minor, South America, Africa, and Southern Russia. It explores the possibility of societies led by women.

Previews and Announcements

Page 24 previews upcoming articles for issue 7/82, including a report on the Lutaantun crystal skull by Peter Krassa, an article on the "Age of Aquarius" by Willy G. Fügner, and the second part of a series on the origin and spread of cultivated plants (wheat, barley, bananas) by Wilhelm Lechler. An upcoming article by Walter Closs titled "Vom Erdapfel und der Sonne" (From the Earth Apple and the Sun) is also announced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Prä-Astronautik consistently explores the intersection of ancient myths, archaeological discoveries, and speculative theories, particularly those related to pre-astronautics and UFOs. The magazine appears to champion alternative interpretations of history and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. There is a clear emphasis on questioning established narratives and exploring possibilities that lie outside mainstream understanding. The editorial stance seems to favor open-minded inquiry within the realm of fringe science, while also critiquing internal divisions and dogmatism within these communities. The inclusion of book reviews and previews indicates a commitment to disseminating information and fostering discussion on these specialized topics.