PEGAP - INFO

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGAP - INFO
Issue: Nr. 3/1981, 2. Jahrgang
Date: September 1981
Publisher: Privaten Erforschungsgruppe aussergewöhnlicher Phänomene (PEGAP)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of PEGAP INFO, a UFO research magazine, presents a diverse range of topics, including a prominent article on the 'Planetary Constellation 1982', a discussion on the 'war of beliefs' surrounding UFOs, a science fiction story, a club portrait, and an astronomical segment.

Vorwort (Foreword)

Philipp Rederlechner welcomes new readers and explains that this issue, appearing slightly late, is back in its usual format. He introduces a science fiction story, clarifying that it is a parody of ufology and should not be taken as the magazine's standard content.

Leserbriefe (Letters to the Editor)

Rolf Strasser of CWUFO praises the magazine's versatility, highlighting articles on a purported interview with Carl Sagan and Werner Walter's piece on the 'flying saucer belief'. He expresses hope for the magazine's future and increased reader interest.

Michael Hesemann suggests dedicating two to three pages per issue to a debate on Erich von Däniken, proposing himself as a pro-author from the GEORGE ADAMSKI FOUNDATION and H.J. Köhler as a potential contra-author, whom he labels the 'German Adamski opponent No. 1'.

A section titled 'Mondflüge' (Moon Flights) notes that 93,000 Americans are on the waiting list for a PanAm flight to the moon, with their names stored in an archive in Boston. These 'waiting tickets' guarantee a place once flights are sold, but no specific date is mentioned.

Glaubenskrieg um die UFOs (War of Beliefs about UFOs)

This multi-part article begins by exploring the persistent interest in UFOs, despite scientific explanations. An astronomer survey revealed that 80% of respondents found the UFO phenomenon worthy of investigation. The article notes a million-dollar reward offered for proof of alien origin of UFOs. It contrasts the idea of the UFO wave being over with the reality of its continued presence globally.

The article delves into the debate of whether UFOs are 'unheimliche Begegnung' (uncanny encounters) or 'Fata Morgana' (mirages). It cites historical accounts, including a passage from the Prophet Ezekiel describing 'wheels within wheels', interpreted by some as a 'transportable throne of God'.

The modern UFO era is linked to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 report of 'flying saucers'. The article details the US Air Force's 'Project Blue Book', which investigated UFO sightings for 22 years, concluding in 1969 that most phenomena could be explained by natural objects or misidentifications. The Condon Report, a two-year study, found that 90% of UFO sightings were linked to natural objects like aircraft, satellites, balloons, and even birds and insects, and found no evidence of extraterrestrial spacecraft.

This conclusion was met with protest from ufologists, who accused the authorities of a cover-up. Despite this, research continued. J. Allan Hynek, described as the 'Galileo of ufology', considered the Condon Report premature, arguing that the persistent nature of sightings indicated something more than a fad.

The article describes typical UFO characteristics: hovering, rotating, metallic objects, often cigar-shaped, with multi-colored lights, capable of high-speed movement and sharp turns. It also mentions reports of scorched ground and footprints from landing gear.

'Encounters of the Third Kind' (contact with extraterrestrials) are discussed, with Hynek admitting his initial skepticism evolving into an openness to investigate such claims. James Harder of an American research organization for aerial phenomena advocates for continued UFO studies, stating that proof of extraterrestrial visitation would be the most sensational event in world history.

Estelle Postel of the 'Center for UFO Studies' reports that the number of UFO sightings has not significantly increased, but more people are coming forward with past experiences. The center receives three to fifteen reports daily.

Phillip Klass, a UFO skeptic, remains unconvinced, attributing sightings to sensory illusions, misinterpretations, and hoaxes. He cites examples like a Russian rocket being mistaken for a UFO and the Travis Walton abduction case as fabrications.

Klass offers a $10,000 reward for conclusive proof of extraterrestrial origin of UFOs. The 'National Enquirer' has reportedly offered a million dollars for the same.

The article addresses Jimmy Carter's reported UFO sighting in 1968, which Robert Shaeffer suggests was likely a misidentification of the planet Venus, which was particularly bright at the time.

Astronomer and exobiologist Carl Sagan expresses skepticism, stating that while he has nothing against sightings of unidentified flying objects, he becomes suspicious when they are presented as fact, attributing the phenomenon to people's gullibility and desire to believe.

Hynek, however, suggests that a new science might be emerging, expanding our understanding of reality beyond the physical world.

Planetenkonstellation 1982 (Planetary Constellation 1982)

This article revisits a previous prediction of a planetary alignment in 1982 that could have catastrophic consequences for Earth. The author notes conflicting views among readers and experts regarding the alignment and its potential effects. While some downplay the impact, others deny the alignment will occur at all. The author points out that similar constellations occurred in 1803, coinciding with unusual solar activity, magnetic storms, heavy rainfall, temperature fluctuations, and earthquakes. The article presents a statistic showing a significant increase in earthquakes over centuries, linking this to moral decay and crises, and attributing the ultimate answer to the creator.

Der Kosmobund (The Cosmo League) - SF-Story

This science fiction story features a protagonist who encounters a man claiming to be pursued by extraterrestrials. The man explains the 'Interkosmische Gesetze' (Intercosmic Laws) which govern the 'Cosmic Brotherhood'. He alleges that Earth has been under observation for 100 years by 'controllers of the Kosmobund' and that even President Jimmy Carter's UFO sighting was a cover-up for the KB president's private yacht. The story introduces the concept of an 'invasion' requiring a 100-planet-orbit observation period, but mentions a temporary injunction from the 'Kosmischen Gerichtshof' (Cosmic Court). The protagonist's daughter, Regina, is revealed to be a 'mental contact' who has stolen secret documents and sent them to Venusians, who have seceded from the KB. The story concludes with the protagonist working for the Saturn Secret Service, preventing invasions by Mercurians and Venusians, and becoming the 'World President' appointed by Saturn.

Clubportrait: CWUFO stellt sich vor (Club Portrait: CWUFO Introduces Itself)

This section details the founding of the CWUFO club in November 1978, inspired by the film 'Close Encounters'. The club is a member of the Swiss UFO umbrella organization, A.S.C.R.U. Their publication, the 'CWUFO-Bulletin', has been in print since 1980 and has a circulation of 300 copies. The club's primary goal is to objectively inform the public about UFO phenomena, debunk prejudices, and unify research efforts. They aim to foster contact between researchers worldwide and promote the creation of national umbrella organizations and a European coordination committee.

Sternbild des Monats: Der Schwan (Constellation of the Month: The Swan)

This astronomical segment discusses the constellation Cygnus, its mythological origins related to Zeus and Leda, and its general characteristics. It notes that the constellation is also known as the 'Northern Cross'. The article highlights the star Deneb, meaning 'tail', and mentions that stars appear as points of light rather than spherical bodies. The vast distances to stars like Deneb (1500 light-years) and 61 Cygni (11.1 light-years) are emphasized. The gradual change in constellations over millennia due to stellar movement is also mentioned. The segment concludes by listing various celestial objects within Cygnus, such as double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and radio sources.

Neues aus der Redaktion (News from the Editorial Office)

This section announces a change in editorship for PEGAP INFO and the appointment of a new 'club leader'. The editorial team is small and focuses on coordinating the production of the magazine. Their main objective is to objectively inform the public about UFO and UAP phenomena, rather than uncritically accepting reports of alien spacecraft. This issue is printed using 'Xerox-Schnelldruck' due to the increased cost of offset printing and the impossibility of simple, free copying. The print run for this issue is 300 copies.

Vorschau (Preview)

Future issues will include the continuation of 'Glaubenskrieg um die UFOs', an article titled 'Blick ins CIA-Archiv, CENAP machts möglich' (A Look into the CIA Archive, CENAP Makes It Possible), and an astrophotography piece titled 'Die Unbesiegbarkeit Israels und die Ufos' (The Invincibility of Israel and the UFOs). PEGAP INFO 4/1981 is expected to be available in December.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate and skepticism surrounding UFO phenomena, the potential astronomical and societal implications of planetary alignments, and the exploration of science fiction narratives. The editorial stance, as stated in 'Neues aus der Redaktion', is to provide objective information about UFOs and UAPs, encouraging critical thinking rather than blind acceptance of extraordinary claims. The magazine also aims to foster a sense of community among UFO researchers and enthusiasts.