Sign - No 21 - 1992 09-10

Magazine Overview

Title: SIGN
Issue: Nr.21
Volume: 4.Jahrgang
Date: September - Oktober, 1992
Publisher: Luc Bürgin
Country: Switzerland
Language: German
Cover Headline: Interdisziplinäre Zeitschrift für UFOs und andere unerklärliche atmosphärische und terrestrische Phänomene

This issue of SIGN magazine, a bi-monthly publication focused on UFOs and other unexplained atmospheric and terrestrial phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles. The cover prominently features an exclusive report on a filmed UFO landing in Canada, alongside a detailed illustration of a UFO. The magazine also includes a SAT1 TV series on E.v. Däniken, an exploration of European mysteries, and insights into pre-astronautics.

Key Articles and Features

UFO Landing in Canada Filmed!

This lead article details a spectacular UFO sighting and landing captured on film near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on August 18, 1991. The amateur film shows a flat, bright, flashing light on the tip of a UFO, which then moves through bushes. The filmer eventually gets within 80 meters of the object, described as bell-shaped with a dome and a large hemisphere underneath, surrounded by smaller spheres emitting brilliant light. The UFO reportedly emitted a white light from its dome and then a beam of light that engulfed the filmer. The film was shared with UFO experts, including Timothy Good, Bob Oechsler (former NASA Mission Specialist), and Christian Page. Investigations at the alleged landing site, identified via a map provided with the film, revealed burned bushes and soil samples with significantly elevated radioactivity. Local witnesses reported seeing something resembling a fire or fire engines on the night of the incident. Bob Oechsler expressed strong conviction that this was a genuine UFO event, though questions remain about the filmer's identity and whether the event was coincidental or planned. The possibility of a secret military project is also raised due to the area's known underground military installations.

SAT1 TV Series on Erich von Däniken

Starting in January 1993, SAT1 will broadcast a 25-episode series titled 'Auf den Spuren der ALL-Mächtigen' (On the Trail of the Almighty), produced by Frank Elstner and hosted by Erich von Däniken himself. The series will explore von Däniken's theories. Von Däniken expresses that realizing such a series has been a long-held dream, and he believes he has now achieved the necessary credibility. He discusses discussions with Frank Elstner and the enthusiastic reception from SAT1 executives, leading to the filming of a pilot and then the full series. Von Däniken describes the show as a 'cheeky, attractive' program designed to lead viewers into a world of questions and fascination, featuring extensive production with electronic and technical resources, including computer reconstructions of ancient cities. He defends his approach as provocative and intended to challenge conventional thinking, stating that humanity's future is tied to space exploration and that the search for resources will inevitably lead us to explore the cosmos. He believes this will foster a sense of global community.

Mysteries in Europe

Ulrich Magin presents five cases of seemingly mysterious places and findings in Europe that warrant further investigation. These include:

1. A report from Robert Plot's 1686 book, 'The Natural History of Stafford-Shire', describing the discovery of an entire ship with anchors, masts, and the remains of 40 sailors in a mine near Bern, Switzerland, in 1460. The report is attributed to Baptista Fulgosus, Ludovicus Moscardus, and Theodorus Moretus.
2. A 'metal ring' of 300 meters circumference surrounding a mountain peak in Sweden, where the vegetation differs from Earth's, as reported by Robert Charroux.
3. Alleged human fossil footprints alongside dinosaur tracks in the Spanish village of Navalsaz, Soria province, dating back 70 million years. Spanish author J.J. Benitez reported this, though the photographic evidence of the human footprint is vague.
4. The 'Neolithic culture of Bautzen (Saxony)' and similar finds in Seltz, Bohemia, compared to the Glozel finds. Charroux also mentions tablets with a prehistoric script in Bautzen, predating Babylonian clay tablets by millennia. These cultures are unknown to orthodox archaeology.
5. A crescent-shaped cave near the Czech villages of Plavince and Lubocna, described as having a perfectly smooth, metallic surface. Discovered in October 1944 by a resistance fighter, it was not found again. The cave is accessible through a narrow rock fissure. Information was published by the International Fortean Society and cited by pre-astronautics proponents.

Pre-Astronautics Insider

This section, by Hans-Werner Sachmann, provides brief updates on various topics:

• The cause of a fireball observed over Friesland in mid-August, which caused earthquake-like or detonation-like phenomena, remains debated. A similar phenomenon was observed in the area six years prior.
• SATI has reportedly purchased material on 'Pre-Astronautics' and 'UFOs' from Tele 5 for 1.5 million D-Marks, though its broadcast is uncertain.
• Rainer Holbe's new series on SAT1, covering telepathy, telekinesis, clairvoyance, and esotericism, will be titled 'Phantastische Phänomene' (Fantastic Phenomena).
• The Loch Ness Monster's existence is questioned, with an anecdote about a prank involving a serpent's head in the lake 58 years ago.
• A theory suggests the biblical giant Goliath may have had a growth hormone-producing tumor, potentially affecting his vision and explaining David's successful hit with a stone.
• A companion book is expected for Erich von Däniken's upcoming TV series.
• Debate continues regarding the 'Cradle of Humanity' theory, with the 'Out of Africa' model facing increasing criticism. A computer program used to compare genetic lines of female descendants is also being scrutinized for potential ambiguities in arrangement possibilities.

Other Sections

• New Books: Mentions upcoming German translations of a SOBEPS bestseller on the Belgian UFO wave, a book by Johannes Fiebag on CE-III cases, and 'The Mysterious World of UFOs' by John Spencer.
• Bulantsev: Press Service: Sergei Bulantsev, a Moscow TASS correspondent and UFO expert, has launched his own press service for supernatural and unexplained phenomena.
• New TV Productions: Anticipates a surge in para-themed programming, including von Däniken's SAT1 series, a PSI show hosted by Rainer Holbe, a UFO feature by Bayrisches Fernsehen, a UFO project by ZDF, and a PSI show on BR 3.
• Basler Lokal-Meeting: Announces the 2nd local meeting for Swiss AAS members in Basel on November 21, 1992, featuring a lecture by Luc Bürgin and the presence of Erich von Däniken.
• Current Events: Briefly mentions recent presentations of books by Johannes von Buttlar and Johannes Fiebag, ongoing discussions about UFO abductions, John Mack's upcoming book, and the lack of confirmation for Zecharia Sitchin's '12th Planet'. It also notes the launch of a new weekly magazine called 'Rätselhafte Phänomene' (Enigmatic Phenomena).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena, pre-astronautics, and ancient mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating these topics, presenting evidence and expert opinions while also acknowledging skepticism and ongoing debates. The publication actively promotes its content through exclusive reports and interviews, and engages with its readership by announcing events and new media releases. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between fringe theories and mainstream scientific inquiry, often by highlighting research and findings that challenge conventional explanations. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting related books, TV shows, and conferences within the UFO and paranormal research community.

This issue of the magazine SIGN, identified by its cover headline and page numbering, focuses on the intersection of ufology, ancient astronaut theory, and related phenomena. The primary article discusses the re-release of a foundational work on Pre-Astronautics and the potential development of a computerized database for this field.

AAS Database and 'Lexikon der Prä-Astronautik'

The lead article announces the re-release of the 'Lexikon der Prä-Astronautik' by the Gondrom-Verlag, a work originally founded by Erich von Däniken. The new edition, now titled 'Das Lexikon der ausserirdischen Phänomene', aims to provide interested individuals with information on the Pre-Astronautics theory. While the publisher could not integrate the author's continuous updates, the book still offers approximately 3000 word explanations and 284 illustrations, serving as a valuable resource for beginners. The bibliography of further literature has been significantly expanded by the author, Ulrich Dopatka, in collaboration with Wolfgang Siebenhaar, now containing 600 titles and extending to publications from 1991/1992.

The article also touches upon the concept of an expanded edition linked to a computerized AAS database. Ulrich Dopatka and others have conducted preliminary conceptual work for this project, but its realization and accessibility depend on various factors, including cost. Dopatka welcomes suggestions, additions, and corrections from readers.

The book is available from Gondrom-Verlag with ISBN: 3-8112-0914-0 for DM 24.80/SFr 25.90, and can also be ordered directly from the author at U.Dopatka, Riedhofstr.299, CH-8049 Zürich.

NATO: UFO-Studie?

This section reviews Johannes von Buttlar's new book, "Gottes Würfel - Schicksal oder Zufall" (1992). Contrary to a brief prior mention, the book primarily critiques chaos theory and natural science, advocating for a holistic worldview. However, a UFO chapter is highlighted as of particular interest to SIGN readers. In this chapter, Buttlar details the claims of Robert Dean, an American who reportedly gained access to a comprehensive, highly secret NATO report on UFOs. The article notes that the confirmation of these details will likely depend on future revelations.

Voller Erfolg (Full Success)

This piece reports on a successful one-day meeting of the Ancient Astronaut Society held in Lüdenscheid, attracting approximately 500 attendees. The event featured numerous speakers, including many familiar faces from the field. Ulrich Dopatka introduced the speakers, and Hans-Herbert Beier provided an update on the activities of his crop circle association, stepping in for Rudolf Jellen.

Transwelt

This section reviews Ernst Meckelburg's new book, "Transwelt – Erfahrungen jenseits von Raum und Zeit" (1992). The book is described as a completely revised, updated, and illustrated version of his earlier work "Psycholand." It comprehensively and informatively explores various PSI phenomena, consistent with Meckelburg's previous writings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores topics related to unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and ancient astronaut theories. There's a clear interest in documenting and disseminating information on these subjects, whether through book reviews, reports on conferences, or discussions of ongoing research and potential databases. The magazine appears to support critical inquiry into these areas, providing platforms for authors and researchers like Ulrich Dopatka and Ernst Meckelburg, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some of the information, such as the NATO UFO report.