Mysteria - Issue 51

Magazine Overview

MYSTERIA, Fachzeitschrift für UFO-Forschung und Prä-Astronautik, Issue Nr. 51, 6th Year, dated January/February 1984, priced at DM 3.50. The cover features a stylized title, headlines about a 'new death triangle in the Atlantic' and 'Superstart: Europarakete vorn', an image of a rocket launch, and ancient stone structures from Mexico.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published bi-monthly. The editorial office is headed by Axel Ertelt, with Hans-Werner Sachmann as editor for the Dortmund section. The impressum details the publication schedule, copyright, manuscript submission policy, and financial basis (private self-cost). It notes that honoraria cannot be paid, but a book prize is raffled annually for authors. Subscription and single copy prices are listed. The printing was done by Druckerei H. Sperl in Forchheim.

Editor's Letter

Axel Ertelt addresses the readers in his 'Liebe Leser' column, noting the timely release of issue 51. He reminisces about the use of address labels for mailing and a peculiar incident with the Luxembourg postal service. He explains the decision to discontinue address labels due to cost-saving measures and the time saved by handwriting addresses. Ertelt also announces that the MYSTERIA catalog and issue Nr. 48 are largely sold out, with remaining items available at special prices. He mentions that the second edition of 'AAS Kongreß-Geschichten' will not be published due to low interest, but remaining copies are available for purchase. A new MYSTERIA catalog is in preparation. Ertelt also notes a decline in UFO-related articles in the weekly magazine 'DAS NEUE ZEITALTER' and encourages readers to write to them to request more coverage of UFOs and pre-historic astronauts. He acknowledges reader feedback that MYSTERIA has focused heavily on pre-astronautics and assures them that this issue gives more attention to the UFO theme, urging authors and readers to submit more current UFO reports.

Articles and Features

Data Confusion in the Bermuda Triangle

Authored by Jürgen Drechsel, this article addresses doubts about the accuracy of data presented in a previous MYSTERIA issue regarding disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle. The editorial team confirms that some data was imprecise. The article scrutinizes specific cases, including the 'Mary Celeste', 'Avenger' torpedo bombers, and the 'C-54 Superfortress', highlighting discrepancies and lack of verifiable sources from authors like Charles Berlitz and Lawrence David Kusche. It concludes that some cases remain unproven or highly questionable.

Kurz Notiert: Die UFOs Fliegen Noch (UFOs Still Fly)

This section presents a series of brief UFO-related news items:

• Farmer burned by UFO: In Arequito, Argentina, farmer Angel Morassi reported being attacked by a UFO that emitted a strong heat, causing a burn on his back. Medical examination confirmed a large wound, and the nature of the burn was suspected to be electrical.
• UFO shot down 5 MIGs: In August 1983, six Soviet MIG-fighters allegedly attempted to shoot down a UFO, resulting in the crash of five of the aircraft. The MIGs were reportedly destroyed by their own missiles, possibly ignited by a UFO's energy weapon.
• UFO over Ukraine: In December 1983, hundreds of people reportedly saw a UFO with a long fiery tail over Ukraine. Soviet scientists suggested it was a mirage.
• 30 witnesses claim: 'A UFO is flying there!': In January 1984, David Romero photographed a UFO in Malaga, Spain. Thirty witnesses reportedly saw the object, which was described as not being an airplane.
• UFOs on New Year's Eve?: Reports of a UFO sighting over Düsseldorf on New Year's Eve (1983/84) are mentioned, but with a note of caution due to the difficulty of distinguishing UFOs from fireworks.

UFOs Revealed as Gas Balloons

This report details how over 30 UFO sightings in Bad Tölz, Germany, in early 1984 were attributed to a 23-25 year old man who filled balloons with explosive gases, launched them, and detonated them in the air. The man was arrested, and the UFO problem in that area was considered solved.

Ufology in Religious Books

Reader Sabine Merkelbach points out that the UFO topic is discussed in a religious book titled 'Gott kommt' ('God Comes'), under the heading 'New Cults'. The book describes ufology as a new religious group formed by claims of contact with UFOs and beings from other planets, often linking these beliefs to spiritual mediums and apocalyptic teachings. The article quotes Ernst Benz, who views ufology as a 'myth-creating response of the collective subconscious to the threatening crises of our technical mass civilization'. Sabine Merkelbach expresses her intention to leave the church due to its perceived openness.

The Legend Detector

Authored by Detlev Alke, this article describes a simple, affordable lie detector that can be constructed using an ohmmeter and a metal tube. It explains how to measure stress levels through physiological responses and how this can be applied in UFO research to assess witness credibility. The author emphasizes that a positive lie detector test does not prove a UFO case but can aid in further investigation.

Mexico '83: A Travelogue

This is a continuation of a travelogue by Hans-Werner Sachmann, detailing his experiences in Mexico. He describes visits to ancient sites, including the Olmec skulls and the pyramids of Teotihuacan. He notes the impressive scale of the ancient structures and speculates about their connection to pre-astronautics. The author also recounts experiences with local children selling items and the challenges of navigating the local environment, including insect bites. He mentions the discovery of a strange glimmer on the 'Street of the Dead' in Teotihuacan, which he suspects might be an ancient insulation layer.

The UFO Swindle from Berlin!

Authored by Axel Ertelt, this article exposes a scam by Dieter Brügmann from Berlin, who advertised 'UFO experiences of all kinds' in 'MAGAZIN 2000'. Brügmann offered to fabricate UFO stories for a fee, with the proceeds going to charity. Ertelt condemns this as a fraud that damages the credibility of serious UFO research and urges the magazine 'MAGAZIN 2000' to remove the advertisement and calls on other publications to warn against such schemes.

News from Ariane

This section reports on the successful launch of the Europarakete ARIANE on March 4-5, carrying the INTELSAT V satellite. This marks a significant step towards commercial European spaceflight. The article also mentions the failure of a Space Shuttle mission and positive news from NASA regarding the Sun-Earth-Explorer satellite's new trajectory towards Comet Giacobini-Zinner. China's successful satellite launch on January 29, 1984, is also noted.

A Life for UFO Research: Lou Zinsstag

This obituary by Michael Hesemann commemorates Lou Zinsstag, a prominent Swiss UFO researcher who passed away at the age of 79. Zinsstag, born in 1905, developed an interest in UFOs in the late 1930s and published her book 'UFO-Sichtungen über der Schweiz' in 1958, which included controversial photos of a supposed UFO landing. She was friends with Carl Gustav Jung and George Adamski. Her last book, 'George Adamski: The Untold Story', was published in 1983. Despite her extensive research, Zinsstag had never personally seen a UFO.

Biskaya: New Death Triangle in the Atlantic?

This article discusses the disappearance of the Italian freighter Tito Campanella in the Biskaya region, drawing parallels to the Bermuda Triangle. However, it clarifies that the Biskaya incident occurred during a severe storm, suggesting a natural cause rather than a mysterious phenomenon. The article notes that over 50 ships have sunk in the Biskaya in the last 10 years, attributing it to treacherous weather conditions.

Unknown Solar System

Authored by Helge Sobik, this article examines the possibility of a tenth planet beyond Neptune. It questions the interpretation of a news report about the IRAS satellite detecting an object 80 billion kilometers away, suggesting a possible mistranslation of 'billion' to 'milliarde'. The author discusses the scientific debate surrounding the existence of a tenth planet and the challenges of detecting distant celestial bodies. The article also touches upon the historical search for planets like Vulcan and Transpluto.

The Known Solar System

This section provides an overview of the known solar system, listing the sun, planets, and their moons. It also delves into the historical observations and debates surrounding a possible moon of Venus, citing astronomers like Cassini and James Short. The article discusses the possibility of a 'Venus moon' and its potential disappearance or continued existence, noting the difficulty of observation.

Landed a UFO in Spormecke?

This article by Axel Ertelt investigates a UFO sighting reported in Hülscheid, Germany, on November 6, 1974. The report describes a red, glowing object seen rising from a fir plantation and shooting off rapidly. The investigation involved inspecting the site, interviewing residents, and consulting local news reports. The article mentions a possible explanation involving a weather balloon and notes the difficulty in obtaining information from witnesses. It also references other UFO sightings in the Lüdenscheid area and discusses meteorological conditions at the time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MYSTERIA include UFO sightings and investigations, pre-astronautics and ancient mysteries, space exploration, and the critical examination of claims and hoaxes within the UFO community. The editorial stance is one of promoting serious, evidence-based research while debunking fraudulent claims and encouraging reader participation in the pursuit of truth. The magazine aims to provide a platform for both established researchers and new voices in the field of ufology and pre-astronautics.

MYSTERIA, Issue 51, published in 1984, is a German-language magazine focused on ufology, ancient mysteries, and the paranormal. This issue features a prominent cover story about UFO researchers suing the US Air Force for the release of documents related to alleged alien crash retrievals. Other articles delve into a UFO sighting near Rome, the 'Pharaoh's Curse' and its potential scientific explanation, and the concept of ancient astronauts.

UFO-Forscher klagen gegen US-Luftwaffe

This article details a lawsuit filed by UFO researcher Larry Bryant, head of 'Citizens Against UFO Secrecy' (CAUS), demanding the release of information about alleged extraterrestrial beings held by the US Air Force. Bryant's claim is based on a 1950 FBI memo from Special Agent Guy Hottel to J. Edgar Hoover, which described the recovery of three circular flying saucers, each approximately 17 meters in diameter, containing three human-like bodies about one meter tall, dressed in metallic suits. The memo suggested that radar might interfere with UFO control mechanisms. Bryant argued that the case was of public importance, comparable to the Watergate affair, and represented a new legal frontier. He cited a study by Len Stringfield of MUFON, which compiled testimonies from former military and intelligence personnel who claimed to have participated in or witnessed the recovery of alien wreckage and bodies. Despite the judge's skepticism about hearsay evidence, Bryant maintained that such evidence was crucial in this context. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed because the UFO researcher could not definitively prove the existence of the extraterrestrials.

Rätselhafte Leuchtscheiben bei Rom

This report by Hellmuth Hoffmann describes a sighting of three mysterious, circular flying objects that appeared in a perfect triangle formation in the sky near Fiuggi and Frosinone, Italy, on January 26, 1984. The objects exhibited unusual brightness and changed speed and altitude. Dozens of commuters witnessed the event. Giorgio Pacetti, an accountant, reported the sighting to the Ministry of Defense, noting that the objects were not aircraft or helicopters due to their circular shape and blinding glow, and estimated their altitude to be around 5,000 meters. The article also recalls a spectacular UFO event on April 5, 1980, near Campo Catino, where a "giant fireball" appeared, causing power outages and telephone disturbances across the province. The speculation arose that this might have been a test of a secret weapon designed to disrupt magnetic fields.

Auf der Spur des Pharaonen-Fluches

This section suggests that Polish scientists may have stumbled upon the secret behind the legendary "Pharaoh's Curse." It began with the opening of the tombs of King Kazimierz and his wife Elzbieta in Wawel Castle, Krakow, eleven years prior. Since then, mysterious deaths have occurred among those involved in the investigations. In the autumn of 1983, it became public that twelve people involved in the research had died under mysterious circumstances, similar to the "Curse of the Pharaohs" or the "Curse of the Legionary" in Düsseldorf. The article references a report by Krakauer journalist Zbigniew Swiech, who spoke with microbiologist Prof. Boleslaw Smyk. Smyk identified an aggressive pathogen, Aspergillus flavus, which can survive without oxygen and attacks the weakest organs of the human body, potentially explaining the various causes of death like brain hemorrhages, heart failure, and cancer among tomb explorers.

Ausserirdischer auf italienischer Briefmarke

Hellmuth Hoffmann reports on the first time an extraterrestrial has been depicted on a European postage stamp. The Italian Post Office issued a stamp featuring an alien, described as a "little green man," receiving a letter from an "astronaut" postman. This stamp is part of a series of three issued for the XXV. Day of Philately, with designs chosen from a competition for elementary school students. The article notes that extraterrestrial themes are increasingly appearing on stamps, citing examples from Grenada and Paraguay, the latter featuring a block with a UFO, a rocket, and the Palenque sarcophagus lid.

Leserbriefkasten (Letters to the Editor)

This section features several letters from readers. Angelika Hinrichs expresses her surprise and gratitude for the knowledge contained in MYSTERIA. Detlef Harnack criticizes an article by Axel Ertelt, calling it a "cheap and infantile retort" and questioning the maturity of the author. He also critiques other articles, suggesting that Reinhold Müller should take a course in scientific logic. Walter Michels responds to Harnack's criticism with a poem, defending the magazine's content. Jakob Vorberger offers a contribution for a future issue based on his book "Spekulationen um die Steinzeit-Götter." Other readers express their appreciation for the magazine and its content, with some offering suggestions for improvement.

DIE MEINUNG DER ANDEREN (The Opinion of Others)

This section presents critical reviews of articles and opinions published in MYSTERIA. One review discusses Peter Krassa's commentary on the end of 'CONTRA,' suggesting that sensationalism appeals more to the public than factual information. Another review, from 'NEUER KOSMOS,' critiques Klaus Webner's analysis of the "Nagora UFO photos," arguing that while Webner proves UFO photos can be faked, he doesn't definitively debunk the Nagora series. A review of the Swiss edition of 'OMNI' magazine notes its focus on futurism and mentions Erich von Däniken as an advisor.

Rezensionen (Reviews)

Several book reviews are included:

• "Die Nibelungen zogen nordwärts" by Heinz Ritter-Schaumburg: A non-fiction book exploring the German saga, suggesting alternative origins and interpretations. Praised for its scholarly approach.
• "Das Leben selbst" by Francis Crick: A non-fiction book presenting the panspermia hypothesis, suggesting that life on Earth may have been intelligently guided from extraterrestrial origins. Noted for its scientific credibility.
• "Das Rätsel der Götter" by Helmut Tributsch: A non-fiction book that proposes that ancient myths and monuments (like Nazca lines, Stonehenge, pyramids) are related to atmospheric optical phenomena, specifically Fata Morgana mirages.
• "Sie kommen von anderen Welten" by Herbert Mohren and Axel Ertelt: A book analyzing biblical claims about angels, interpreting them as possible extraterrestrial astronauts.
• "Der Mensch - Sorgenkind der Interstellaren Gesellschaft?" by Lothar Richter: A self-published book exploring the possibility of an interstellar society and humanity's place within it, discussing UFO phenomena and ancient texts.
• "Die Epoche der Engel" by Hans-Werner Sachmann: A book that examines biblical accounts of angels through a pre-astronautic lens.
• "RÜSSELMOPS, der Außerirdische" (Comic): A humorous comic strip about an alien's first landing.
• "Christine" by Stephen King: A review of the paperback edition of Stephen King's horror novel.
• "Die Nagora-Fotoserie kritisch betrachtet" by Klaus Webner: A review of a brochure that argues the Nagora UFO photos are fakes.
• "Die Wahrheit über die Botschaft von Fatima" by Hellmuth Hoffmann: A book reviewing the Fatima apparitions and their connection to UFO phenomena.
• "Das Alpha-Fragment" by Johannes von Buttlar: A novel set in the UFO milieu, involving a journalist searching for a mysterious fragment after a UFO crash.
• "Jesus lebte in Indien" by Holger Kersten: A book suggesting that Jesus lived in India after his crucifixion, presenting information on his life and teachings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, extraterrestrial life, ancient mysteries, and alternative historical interpretations, often through the lens of the "ancient astronaut" theory. The editorial stance appears to be open to these unconventional ideas, providing a platform for researchers and writers who challenge mainstream scientific and historical narratives. The inclusion of reader letters and book reviews indicates an engagement with the broader community interested in these subjects. There is a clear emphasis on presenting information that is often considered fringe or speculative, encouraging readers to question established beliefs and consider alternative explanations for phenomena and historical events.