UFO - INFORMATION

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO - INFORMATION
Issue: 6
Volume: 84
Date: February 1984
Publisher: CENTRALEN ERFORSCHUNGSNETZ AUSSERGEWÖHNLICHER PHÄNOMENE - ORTSGRUPPE HEILBRONN (CENAP-OGH)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of "UFO - INFORMATION" is dedicated to exploring various facets of UFO research and related phenomena, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, objective discussion, and inter-group collaboration. The cover story, "Gedanken zur UFO-Forschung Teil 2" (Thoughts on UFO Research Part 2), by an unnamed author, argues for a more precise understanding of the term "UFO" and criticizes the media's association of it solely with extraterrestrial spacecraft. The author stresses the importance of freedom of opinion and fact-based discussions to maintain objectivity in research, suggesting that a lack of these hinders the field's progress. The article also calls for closer cooperation between research groups in Germany and increased public outreach, noting that organizations like MUFON-CES are not actively engaging with the public.

Articles and Features

"Gedanken zur UFO-Forschung Teil 2"

The lead article continues the discussion from a previous issue, emphasizing that the term "UFO" (Unidentified Flying Object) should refer to the object itself, not immediately imply extraterrestrial origin. The author contends that the media has conditioned the public to associate UFOs with alien spaceships, and it is the responsibility of serious UFO research to correct this perception. This redefinition, it is argued, can foster a more constructive dialogue within groups like CENAP. The piece advocates for open discussion and reasoned debate as essential components of UFO research, suggesting that without them, objectivity cannot be maintained. The author expresses skepticism towards those who demand a change in thinking from UFOlogists, implying that UFOlogists themselves need to reconsider their positions, possibly due to fear of their "religious wishful thinking" collapsing under argumentative scrutiny.

The article also touches upon the need for collaboration among research groups in the Federal Republic of Germany. It suggests that cooperation should extend beyond merely exchanging publications and should involve joint investigations of cases, standardized questionnaires, and unified coding systems for data archiving. The CENAP questionnaire is recommended for its suitability for computer processing. The author also proposes the CENAP-developed CDSS system for data storage.

"INFOS: UFO-LANDEPLATZ"

This short report by Roland Gehardt details the construction of a UFO landing site in Mexico. According to reports, Mexican occultists have built a 30-meter diameter circular landing pad east of Mexico City in the province of Puebla. At the fourth international annual meeting of witches and sorcerers in Tuxtepec, Mexico, Antonio Vazques, the chairman of the Mexican occultist association, stated that "Mexico's witches are now ready to receive visitors from the universe." Vazques explained that the round shape was chosen because UFOs are typically round.

"VILM-TIP: TIME WALKER"

This section reviews the film "Time Walker," starring Ben Murphy, Nina Axelrod, and Bob Random, directed by Tom Kennedy. The plot involves an earthquake that reveals the tomb of Tutankhamun, uncovering a marble sarcophagus containing mummified remains. Professor Douglas Mc Cadden of the University of California examines five diamond-like crystals embedded in metal plates found within the sarcophagus. A student steals these plates, inadvertently reactivating a strange fungus that had previously affected the mummies. The situation escalates when the sarcophagus is found empty, suggesting the fungus has revived.

"BUCH-TIPS IN DER UI"

This section provides reviews of two books:

1. "Welt-Almanach des Übersinnlichen" (World Almanac of the Supernatural) by Heyne-Verlag. This 560-page book is described as a compendium of all sorts of mysterious phenomena, including human and animal anomalies, unusual places, secret societies, possessions, UFOs, myths, and legends. The review highlights its comprehensive and objective approach, making it accessible to lay readers. It dedicates approximately 55 pages to the UFO topic, explaining various theories and presenting the "10 ufological principles" by Phil Klaas in German for the first time.

2. GEO- SPECIAL "Weltraum" (Space). This 162-page magazine issue covers the latest knowledge in astronomy and space travel, including theories on the origin of the universe and extraterrestrial life. It is richly illustrated with color photographs. Topics include the vastness of the universe, the possibility of life beyond Earth, and the Big Bang theory. A small lexicon at the end includes the term "UFO."

"Glühbirnen für den Pharao" (Light Bulbs for the Pharaoh)

Authored by Walter Hain, this extensive article critically examines the interpretation of certain reliefs in the Hathor Temple of Dendera (332-30 BC) as evidence of ancient electrical technology, specifically light bulbs. The article traces the origin of this theory to interpretations by Charles Berlitz and Danish engineer Tons Brunés, who saw resemblances to large light bulbs with cables. Austrian surveyor Reinhard Habeck's photographs and subsequent analysis are also discussed, along with the views of "Austrian Däken" Peter Krassa. These proponents suggest that the reliefs depict electrical phenomena, with elements like lotus flowers acting as sockets and snakes representing electrical currents or light discharges.

However, the article presents strong counterarguments. It highlights the work of Dr. Helmut Satzinger, Director of the Egyptian collection at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, who states that the reliefs in the Dendera crypt relate to the Harsomtus festival and depict the birth of Harsomtus. Dr. Satzinger emphasizes that Egyptian temple reliefs, unlike those in tombs, never show workers, making the idea of sudden appearances of craftsmen illuminating chambers unthinkable. He asserts that the reliefs depict ritualistic scenes, not technical processes.

The article also discusses the "Djed-Pfeiler," which is often compared to modern high-voltage insulators. The author argues that the Djed-Pfeiler is consistently depicted with four crossbars, symbolizing the four cardinal directions, and is derived from a celestial symbol, the Milky Way, representing a "tree of life" or a "pillar." The size of the depicted "light bulbs" (approximately 170x40 cm) is also questioned, as even modern high-power bulbs are significantly smaller.

Furthermore, the article references the "Baghdad Battery," an artifact from around 100 BC, which could produce about 0.5 volts. It argues that generating the power needed for even a weak arc light would require thousands of such batteries, and producing incandescent or arc lamps would necessitate advanced knowledge of glassblowing, fine wire manufacturing, and vacuum technology, which were not available to ancient Egyptians.

Instead, the article proposes that the Dendera reliefs are symbolic representations. The "sun bark" is a common motif in ancient Egypt, symbolizing the sun god's journey. The snake emerging from the lotus blossom is interpreted as a symbol of the moon sickle or, during the temple's construction period, a ruler's title, signifying celestial power. The Djed-Pfeiler is linked to the god Osiris and the concept of life energy ("Ka"). The figure of Shu, the god of air, is also mentioned.

Another relief is described, showing a sun bark with a snake winding around a lotus blossom. This, the author suggests, is what has been mistakenly interpreted as a light bulb. A drawing of this relief clearly shows oars and a reed mat at the stern, confirming it as a boat. The article concludes that the Dendera reliefs are symbolic and ritualistic, depicting scenes related to the birth of Harsomtus and the journey of the sun god, rather than ancient technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO - INFORMATION" strongly advocates for a scientific and critical approach to UFO research. It emphasizes the importance of objective analysis, reasoned debate, and collaboration among researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist interpretations, particularly concerning ancient artifacts, and a call for rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. The magazine promotes the idea that UFO research should be taken seriously and integrated into broader scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with the topic. There is a clear effort to debunk pseudoscientific claims and to provide a platform for more grounded discussions within the ufological community.