Sign - No 17 - 1992 01-02

Magazine Overview

SIGN is an interdisciplinary magazine dedicated to UFOs and other unexplained atmospheric and terrestrial phenomena. This issue, Volume 4, Number 17, dated January-February 1992, is published by Luc Bürgin and features a wide range of articles and reports.

Articles and Features

The Qumran Scandal This article, authored by Luc Bürgin, discusses new reports that allegedly shake the credibility of the Catholic Church. It centers on the discovery of the 'Dead Sea Scrolls' in 1947 near Qumran by a shepherd. Seven Catholic scholars were tasked with archiving and deciphering these texts. However, only about a fifth of these writings have been published to date, which an expert from Oxford University called an 'academic scandal par excellence.' The article suggests that the scrolls contain evidence that the Qumran inhabitants, identified by historians as the 'Essene,' developed concepts that Christianity later claimed as its own invention. Recent news indicates that William Moffet, Director of the Huntington Library in California, plans to release approximately 3000 negatives of the original documents, a move described as making it very difficult to 'put the genie back in the bottle.'

Crop Circles: New Evidence Luc Bürgin reports on the crop circle phenomenon, noting that after a peak in the summer, new reports are emerging from Canada where larger pictograms were discovered. Researchers in America are reportedly convinced that the alleged revelation campaign by retirees Bower and Chorley was staged. The copyright for a 'TODAY' report is held by the elusive MBF-Agentur, which has been identified as representing Dr. Andrew Winsloe Clifford, and the agency was founded in April 1991 and linked to a British intelligence agent. The article states that the British military shows significant interest in crop circles. Bestselling author and crop circle expert Pat Delgado is preparing to release a new book simultaneously in England and Germany. The article also introduces the 'Mandelbrot Index,' a concept where crop circle formations appear to emerge after people 'think' about them. A specific example is given where a tourist suggested a Celtic cross formation, and shortly after, one was found. The article highlights a reader's letter in 'New Scientist' from 1990 that predicted the increasing complexity of formations, leading to the discovery of a perfect Mandelbrot tree formation in 1991.

Pre-Astronautics Insider Authored by Hans-Werner Sachmann, this section provides updates on pre-astronautics and related topics. It mentions the ongoing debate about the Ganges River's supposed lack of viruses and bacteria, a claim attributed to English bacteriologist Hankin around the turn of the century, despite millions bathing in it and its sacred status. However, recent reports suggest the Ganges is a disease hotspot, with Robert Koch having identified the cholera pathogen in the river in 1883. Peter Krassa is working as a 'series editor' for a new Austrian newspaper, which will reportedly feature articles by Charles Berlitz. The Goldmann-Verlag has repeatedly postponed the release of a book on the 'Mars Monuments,' likely a translation of an American publication. The final issue of the magazine 'Mysteria' (No. 88/89), published since 1979, was released in December. A new UFO book, 'Die Gemeinschaft' by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen-Steiger, is available from Zweitausendeins.

Gulf-Breeze: UFO Filmed This report details a new UFO incident in Gulf Breeze, Florida, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the Ed Walters UFO case. UFO expert and physicist Bruce Maccabee claims to have witnessed and filmed a strange aerial phenomenon on September 16, 1991. The object was described as a ring of eight lights and was filmed for approximately 70 seconds. An analysis of the film material is pending.

C.G. Jung - Letters on the UFO Topic This section presents two exclusive letters from the renowned psychology professor C.G. Jung to Lou Zinsstag, dated June 5, 1956, and January 27, 1959. The letters reveal Jung's open-minded approach to the UFO phenomenon. In the 1956 letter, Jung expresses interest in the 'Flying Saucers' and finds Adamski's report highly unlikely, while referencing the Ruppelt report ('Unidentified Flying Objects') as the most knowledgeable source. He also discusses his book 'Answer to Job.' In the 1959 letter, Jung thanks his cousin for sending Italian publications about the 'Scerscen-Gletscher-UFOs' and expresses great interest in the ongoing efforts in America to obtain UFO observations blocked by the Air Force, finding the Air Force's stance difficult to explain.

PSI in the Gulf War According to credible sources, US military forces cooperated with PSI experts during the Gulf War. These experts reportedly used telepathic abilities to locate at least two of Saddam Hussein's bases for biological warfare agents. These experts are associated with the PSI-Tech organization, led by decorated US Major General Albert Stubblebine, who is known in Germany for his public appearances with Rima Laibow.

TREAT-Newsletter Rima Laibow and her TREAT-Vereinigung are increasing their activities. In addition to regular conferences on 'UFOs and Abductees,' attended by renowned scientists, a TREAT-Newsletter titled 'Paradox' is now available. It can be obtained from R. Laibow, TREAT, P.O. Box 728, Ardsley, NY 10502-0728, USA.

Habeck: New Book Reinhard Habeck, an Austrian caricaturist and author of books on fringe science, has released a new cartoon work titled 'Bildschirmgrössen.' It is available from Weilburg-Verlag.

Who is Who in Ufology? David Belvins is finalizing the revised edition of his book 'Almanac of UFO Organizations and Publications,' scheduled for release in March. It can be obtained from Phaedra Enterprises.

Swiss AAS-Meeting: Full Success! An AAS meeting for Swiss members was held in Zug on January 11, 1992, initiated by Roland Seeliger. Approximately forty people attended. Discussions included the idea of an AAS database, and Erich von Däniken read passages from his upcoming book. The group agreed to hold about two meetings per year, with the next one planned for the summer in Basel, organized by Luc Bürgin. New reports from Egypt were also discussed, and the AAS plans to investigate these during their three trips to Egypt that year.

In the Last Minute... Further reports on crop circles are received. Members of the AAS investigated crop circles in England, noting extreme compass anomalies within one pictogram, including rapid spinning and a tendency for the needle to orient itself vertically. The Weltbild-Verlag has also released a video on mysterious pictograms.

Mummies Radiate... Recent reports suggest that Egyptian scientists have measured radioactive radiation from mummies. This follows earlier claims of cracks discovered on the Sphinx, potentially indicating a long period of rainfall, and the Sphinx predating the pyramids.

Time Tunnel Ernst Meckelburg's new book, 'Zeittunnel,' is reviewed. The book presents facts supporting the idea that current understandings of time may not be final. It highlights a report in 'Physical Review Letters' where three American astrophysicists argue that time travel might be possible in the distant future, based on exact calculations. The book is recommended as a follow-up to 'Visitors from the Future.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the intersection of science, history, and the unexplained. There is a clear interest in challenging established narratives, whether in religious history (Qumran Scrolls), scientific understanding (time travel, crop circles), or official government accounts (UFO secrecy). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories from various researchers and authors, while maintaining a critical perspective on sensationalism and misinformation. The publisher, Luc Bürgin, is a recurring author and organizer, indicating a central figure driving the magazine's content and direction.

This issue of SIGN magazine, identified by its cover headline 'Ein Drachenflieger ? Kaum ... !' (A Hang Glider? Hardly...!), delves into the analysis of an unidentified flying object (UFO) sighting. The magazine appears to be published by the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) and is written in German.

Analysis of Herr Auer's UFO Sighting

The main article critically examines an object filmed by Herr Auer, which the GEP initially suggested might be a hang glider or sailplane, referencing a previous issue (SIGN 15). The author of the article, however, disagrees with this explanation. While acknowledging the potential criticism from skeptics for labeling it a UFO, the author states that no clear identification has been made. The author's primary objection to the hang glider theory is that if it were a hang glider, it would have been operating illegally in a restricted airspace. The article notes that the GEP claimed several hang gliding clubs exist near the observation site, but Herr Auer, who has a relative involved in hobby flying, disputes this.

Upon reviewing the optically enhanced film with colleagues on a large screen, it became clear that the object seemed to turn completely at times. Additionally, a faint reddish glow was observed on its underside. The position of dark markings on the object varied, sometimes appearing as a single black spot, other times as two, and sometimes on the bottom. The author admits not knowing what the filmed object truly is, considering possibilities like a military test vehicle, but dismisses this due to the dangerous airspace frequented by landing aircraft.

The author firmly rejects the 'hang glider' explanation due to insufficient evidence. The article also addresses a statement by Werner Walter in his skeptical publication, CENAP-Report, claiming the film 'failed expert examination.' The author counters that these 'experts' are likely among German UFO skeptics, and argues that no UFO evidence has ever withstood scrutiny from these individuals, even when supported by reputable scientists (citing the 'Belgium Affair' as an example).

Reader Letters (Leserbriefe)

This section features several letters from readers:

• H. Schierbeck, BRD: Praises the magazine for its good presentation and clear overview of global UFO sightings, encouraging them to continue.
• S. Lyssenko, BRD: Expresses gratitude for receiving two issues of SIGN magazine and states they read them with great interest.
• M. Kessler, CH: Emphasizes the importance of unbiased investigation into the UFO problem and welcomes the magazine's activities.
• E. Meckelburg, BRD: Hopes the readers have had a good start to 1992 and wishes SIGN magazine success.

Switzerland: Decline in Sightings

This report notes a significant decrease in UFO sightings in Switzerland, with only seven reported in the previous year. This is considered a surprisingly low number compared to previous years. Bruno Mancusi suggests that dominant media themes, such as the Gulf War, might be a contributing factor. It is particularly surprising that only one report originated from German-speaking Switzerland, with the other six coming predominantly from Ticino. These reports primarily involved searchlights associated with the 700th-anniversary celebration of the Swiss Confederation. The article mentions that the number of UFO reports typically fluctuates in regular intervals.

UFO-Trick

This short piece describes an incident in Hardenberg, Netherlands, where police used a trick to unmask police radio eavesdroppers. By announcing the supposed landing of a UFO, they lured approximately 150 police radio listeners to the designated 'landing site.' The individuals involved were apprehended but were let off with a warning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the critical analysis of Herr Auer's sighting and the welcoming of reader feedback that emphasizes unbiased research. The publication aims to present UFO sightings and related analyses in a clear and organized manner. The inclusion of skeptical viewpoints, such as Werner Walter's, is acknowledged but challenged by questioning the objectivity of the cited 'experts.' The magazine also covers broader trends, like the decline in UFO reports in Switzerland, and includes lighter, anecdotal stories like the 'UFO-Trick' in the Netherlands.