PEGAP - 1980 no 05

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGAP INFORMATION
Issue: 5
Volume: 1
Date: July 1980

This issue of PEGAP INFORMATION, a German-language publication focused on the research of extraordinary phenomena, dedicates significant space to UFO cases and astronomical topics. The editorial notes that due to the holiday season, the 'Letters to the Editor' section is omitted, and the focus shifts to astronomy, which has been less covered previously. The magazine is published by PEGAP, an independent group interested in the unbiased research of unusual phenomena.

The Grassellenbach Fall

The issue extensively discusses the 'Grassellenbach Fall,' referencing a report from BILD AM SONNTAG and an article by Roland M. Horn. The case involves a witness who, on the night of December 31, 1973, while on vacation in Grassellenbach, reported seeing a large, luminous, silent, round disc hovering near her hotel. The object was described as being as high as a four-story building, completely silent, and maneuvering without visible propulsion. The witness's account is presented, along with her subsequent communication with the magazine's editor, Roland M. Horn. Initially, the witness was cooperative, but later became defensive when questioned about the details and the possibility of a hoax. The magazine expresses skepticism regarding her claims, particularly after discovering she was a member of DUIST and her evasiveness about a potential film being made of the sighting. The article suggests that some contactee stories might be fabricated to gain attention or fulfill a need for recognition. PEGAP intends to investigate the Grassellenbach sighting location further.

The Lakenheath Fall

Another significant UFO case detailed is the 'Lakenheath Fall' from August 13, 1956. This incident is presented as one of the best-attested UFO cases, involving multiple independent observers, including radar operators and a military pilot. The object was detected by radar at an altitude of 2000 meters, moving at an astonishing speed of 7000 km/h. A De Havilland Venom night fighter was dispatched, and the pilot reported tracking the object on both his radar and visually. The UFO reportedly mirrored the fighter's maneuvers before disappearing. Professor J. Allen Hynek is quoted, calling it one of the most confusing and unusual cases in radar records, suggesting its intelligent behavior points to an unknown origin.

Other UFO Cases and Discussions

The issue also includes a 'CENAP REPORT' detailing a UFO landing near La Madera, New Mexico, on April 26, 1964. Orlando Gallegos reported seeing an object resembling a 'butane tank' that emitted bluish-white flames and left four distinct indentations in the ground. The case was investigated by the New Mexico State Police and NICAP. Another incident, the 'Canyon Ferry' case from April 29, 1964, involving an egg-shaped object seen by children, is also discussed. The Air Force initially dismissed these cases as hoaxes, a conclusion that was questioned by some witnesses and parents.

Roland M. Horn also contributes an article titled 'THE CONCEPT -UFO-,' advocating for the abandonment of the term 'UFO' in favor of 'APIL' (Außergewöhnliches Phänomen im Luftraum - Extraordinary Phenomenon in Airspace). He argues that the term 'UFO' is too loaded with superstition and hinders serious research, suggesting that a new term would help detach the field from 'UFOlogy' and gain public acceptance.

Another commentary by Roland M. Horn, 'THE CONTACTERS,' addresses the issue of contactee stories. He posits that many contactee narratives, like those of G. Adamski, are fabricated to express desires for love, understanding, or societal change, or to achieve fame and profit. He criticizes those who exploit these stories for financial gain and those who invent them to fulfill personal delusions.

Astronomy Section

The 'ASTRONOMIE' section features an article by Roland M. Horn titled 'That was the Star of Bethlehem really!' He debunks the idea of the Star of Bethlehem being a comet or an extraterrestrial spacecraft, explaining it as a significant astronomical event in 7 BC where the planets Jupiter and Saturn appeared to converge in the sky, creating the illusion of a single, bright star. This conjunction occurred three times in that year. The article also touches upon the orbital periods of Jupiter and Saturn and suggests this astronomical event likely guided the Magi to Bethlehem.

Another article, 'Life on Other Worlds - Part 2: Venusians' by Philipp Rederlechner, critically examines the claims of extraterrestrial visitors, particularly G. Adamski's encounters. Rederlechner dismisses Adamski's stories as a 'hoax' and argues that life as we know it could not exist on Venus due to its extreme atmospheric pressure. He also questions the likelihood of intelligent life evolving identically on different planets and suggests that the photographs of UFOs are often misidentified objects like lanterns. The article concludes that intelligent life is unlikely to exist within our solar system but leaves open the possibility in other solar systems, while acknowledging the immense distances involved.

Press Releases

This section includes brief news items: a report from 'Die Welt' about a 'silent UFO' sighted near Mindelheim, Germany; another report from 'Die Welt' about the same Mindelheim sighting; a geological discovery in Australia of 3.5 billion-year-old traces of life; and the discovery of a 15th moon of Jupiter by Dr. Stephen Synnott. It also references a BILD-Zeitung report about the Iranian air force allegedly chasing away UFOs, drawing a parallel to a failed American hostage rescue attempt.

Other Content

The issue also contains an advertisement for 'NEUER KOSMOS,' an Austrian UFO and parapsychology magazine. The back cover features images related to the tenth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, including official emblems and photographs of astronauts on the lunar surface.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO sightings and contactee claims, a desire to professionalize UFO research by distancing it from 'UFOlogy,' and an interest in astronomical phenomena. The editorial stance is generally skeptical towards sensational claims, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and evidence. There is a clear effort to present a more scientific and rational approach to the study of unusual phenomena, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs and space exploration.