UFO Information - No 13

Magazine Overview

Title: HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION
Issue: NR. 13
Volume: 84
Date: October 1984

This issue of "Heilbronner UFO Information" (UI), published by CENAP-HEILBRONN, is dedicated to exploring various facets of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related scientific and psychological topics. The magazine aims to provide a serious, fact-based approach to the subject.

Articles and Content

Ballon-UFOs von V.E. Lally

This article by V.E. Lally addresses the common phenomenon of balloon sightings being mistaken for UFOs. It explains that a significant percentage of UFO reports can be attributed to various types of balloons. The author details how balloons, especially shortly after sunset, can appear bright and distinct due to the contrast between the sunlit balloon and the darkening sky. This 'twilight effect' can last from 20 minutes to two hours. In higher altitudes, different light scattering effects can cause balloons to appear pink or red, leading to reports of 'fiery objects'.

The article cites an Australian scientist who used neoprene balloons to measure the ozone layer. These balloons, equipped with a small stopper, allowed gas to escape gradually, extending their flight time. The author explains that these balloons were launched to measure the sun's reflection properties to determine ozone concentration. They were designed to reach 100,000 feet and remain visible shortly after sunset, appearing brighter and brighter before shrinking into a faint glow.

Two specific incidents are presented to illustrate how balloon sightings can be misinterpreted as UFOs. One involved a large, 6 million cubic feet balloon launched near Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona, in January 1964. It reached an altitude of 135,000 feet and encountered strong winds. After three hours, it was brought down, but reports of it being a UFO circulated. Another incident involved a 20-foot cylindrical balloon launched by the Colorado Project in June 1965. It reached 5,000-10,000 feet and was later sighted over the Azores as a silver, spear-shaped object. It was also linked to power outages on the island, though an electrician was later found to have temporarily interrupted the power supply.

The article concludes by noting that in Germany, balloons are also frequently mistaken for UFOs, citing examples in Nuremberg, Hagen, and Heilbronn.

Freier Flug in die Stratosphäre

This section, accompanied by an image, explains that objects reflecting sunlight at high altitudes can be perceived as 'flying saucers'. In reality, these are often free-flying, hydrogen-filled balloons equipped with aerological measuring instruments (radiosondes) that ascend to the stratosphere. These instruments transmit data on air pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind speed to ground stations. When the balloon bursts at altitudes of around 20 to 40 kilometers, the measuring device, about the size of a cigar box, descends via a small parachute, with a chance of recovery.

Was ist ein UFO?

This article by Klaus Webner addresses the common association of UFOs with extraterrestrial spacecraft and 'little green men'. It emphasizes the need for clarity on what constitutes a UFO. The term 'UFO' (Unidentified Flying Object) originates from American aviation terminology and refers to any airborne object that appears strange to the observer and cannot be identified during the observation. For instance, if a weather balloon is not recognized as such, its sighting is considered a UFO sighting relative to the observer. The article stresses that the term 'UFO' itself does not inherently imply alien spacecraft.

Psychologie und UFO's - 2. Teil by Gilbert Schmitz

This installment continues the discussion on the psychological aspects of UFO research. The author argues that a 'tetrahedron' model is beneficial for studying UFO phenomena, as it respects the unique character of the stimulus and allows for the analysis of various elements such as witness testimonies, physical environment, and psycho-social factors. The model suggests that no single study can be fully satisfactory on its own; rather, individual analyses should contribute to a broader, interconnected understanding. The tetrahedron framework helps to systematize research, identify relationships between different elements, and understand the researcher's position within the study.

The article highlights that while the researcher is not inside or outside the phenomenon, they are on the 'surface' of their own study, influenced by their chosen methodology. It emphasizes the importance of considering scientific knowledge to explain phenomena, but also acknowledges that new information can challenge existing scientific paradigms. The author points out that events cannot be dismissed simply because they are not yet explained by current scientific understanding.

It is suggested that events can occur in the physical realm, such as atmospheric, astronomical, or geographical data, or they can be related to the observer's psychological and socio-cultural context. The psycho-sociological aspect is crucial, as it influences how information about an object is processed, developed, and amplified. The witness's response is not solely based on the immediate experience but is also shaped by their personality and psychological environment.

The article concludes by posing the question of how to integrate all these investigations to understand the nature of the stimulus. The answer is that anything is possible, and multiple stimuli of different natures may be involved. The author also touches upon the limitations of current scientific knowledge and the need to consider new physical laws.

AAS-Tagung 84

This section announces the upcoming AAS (presumably an organization) One-Day Meeting to be held on October 20, 1984, in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. The event is planned for the Kolpinghaus, which also offers hotel accommodations. Participation is free for AAS members. Hotel reservations should be made directly with the Kolpinghaus.

Leserforum

This section features a letter from 'R.G.' commenting on a previous article by 'Herr Jahn'. R.G. points out several inaccuracies in Jahn's article, particularly regarding atmospheric temperature variations at different altitudes. The letter details specific temperature figures and their fluctuations, suggesting that Jahn's data is incorrect.

Wie könnten UFO's zu uns kommen? 5. Teil by Ing. J. Jahn

This part of a series by Ing. J. Jahn discusses the theoretical possibilities of extraterrestrial visitation. The author suggests that with sufficient time and approximately 25 billion dollars, a space station could be constructed. This station would be assembled from parts transported by rockets or the Space Shuttle to an altitude of 1730 km. The station would orbit Earth every two hours at a speed of 25,380 km/h. From this station, small spacecraft could be launched for missions to the Moon, with round trips taking ten days. The ultimate goal would be to visit nearby planets like Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury for purposes such as establishing mining operations.

Jahn acknowledges that these expeditions would be challenging but believes they are achievable. The article then shifts to discussing the challenges of propulsion and energy for space travel. It critiques the idea of using gravity to overcome Earth's pull, stating that at a few thousand kilometers, Earth's gravity is no longer measurable. The author also questions the feasibility of using a rotating spacecraft to simulate gravity, citing the principle of gyroscopes that would make steering difficult.

Regarding propulsion, Jahn discusses the energy requirements for leaving Earth and traveling to distant stars. He argues that the speed of departure is less important than the acceleration. He calculates the immense amount of chemical fuel needed for a hypothetical journey to a nearby star, estimating it at 4.10^14 kg. He contrasts this with the thrust of the Saturn rocket used in the Apollo 13 project.

The article includes diagrams illustrating two types of rocket propulsion: the current chemical rocket engine, which has low exhaust velocity and poor fuel utilization, and a future concept using an atomic reactor with a control rod system and liquid hydrogen as fuel. This future system would achieve high exhaust velocity and efficient fuel use.

Jahn concludes that current chemical rockets are only suitable for missions within our solar system, such as Earth satellites, the Apollo Moon missions, and interplanetary probes like Pioneer, which utilized Jupiter's gravity for a slingshot effect.

Anmerkung der Redaktion

The editorial note states that Soviet and US theories prove the possibility of what is described in the article.

2. Teil: Physikalische Möglichkeiten der Raumfahrt

This section delves into the physical constraints and possibilities of space travel. It states that all space missions traveling at speeds below 40% of the speed of light are governed by classical mechanics. To transport an astronaut to a nearby star like Alpha Centauri (4.3 light-years away) or Sirius (8.7 light-years away), enormous energy would be required. The article presents the formula for energy (E = W = F x s) and calculates the energy needed to reach Alpha Centauri, estimating it at 10^4 kp x 4.10^20 mkp, which translates to approximately 4.10^21 Nm. This requires about 4.10^14 kg of chemical fuel, or 4.10^11 tons.

The article further calculates the fuel consumption per second for a hypothetical rocket with a thrust of 10^7 kp and an exhaust velocity of 5,000 m/s, resulting in 20,000 kg/sec or 20 tons/sec. The power output of such a rocket engine is calculated to be 250 million kW. If an electric generator with an efficiency of 0.2 kW/kg were used, it would weigh 1.25 million tons, making it 125 times heavier than the rocket's thrust, resulting in a maximum acceleration of only 1/125 g.

The author reiterates that the initial calculation for the journey to the nearest star did not even account for the weight of the rocket engine itself, yet it still required an engine 8 times stronger than the one calculated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing between actual unidentified objects and misidentified conventional objects like balloons. There is a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, psychological factors, and the potential for space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness combined with a critical evaluation of evidence, aiming to debunk sensationalism while exploring genuine mysteries. The publication also seems to encourage reader participation through its 'leserforum' section.

This issue of HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION, identified as issue number 12, is primarily in German and focuses on UFOs and related phenomena. While a specific publication date and volume are not clearly indicated, the content suggests a focus on fringe science, paranormal claims, and UFO research.

Article: Professor hatte 36 Marmor-Nasen im Koffer

The lead story details the arrest of a Polish Biology Professor, Jerzy Guamaniale (36), from the University of Danzig, in Rome. He was found with 36 marble noses from statues in a Roman park, claiming he was coerced into stealing them by extraterrestrial beings. The article questions the sanity of individuals making such claims, listing other alleged incidents: a baby being bought by aliens, a son being stabbed on alien orders, a girlfriend driven to suicide for insurance money by her partner who claimed alien influence, and a person reporting being overtaken by a UFO during a low-altitude flight.

The author, Roland Gehardt, expresses skepticism about these sensational claims, suggesting that UFOs and aliens are often used as scapegoats or attention-grabbing devices. He implies that figures like the Polish professor will always exist, and that aliens serve as convenient, unquestionable targets for blame.

Book Review: IRRWEGE DER GESCHICHTE (Detours of History)

A section highlights a book titled "IRRWEGE DER GESCHICHTE" by Walter Hain, subtitled "Götter-Astronauten und Atlantis" (Gods-Astronauts and Atlantis). The review describes the book as an "exception" that will make even "die-hard pre-astronautics fans" realize that many accepted ideas are "standing on clay feet." The book is described as a revision of the 'Gods-Astronauts and Atlantis' theory, containing 412 pages with numerous illustrations and 26 photos, published in 1981 by the author. It is available for DM 38.00.

DEUTSCHE UFO ALARMZENTRALEN (German UFO Alarm Centers)

This section encourages readers to join CENAP - HN (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene e.V. - Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena). Contact information is provided for various individuals and groups across Germany, including:

• GEP: Hansjürgen Köhler in Mannheim, Werner Walter in Mannheim.
• CENAP - HN: Jochen Ickinger in Heilbronn, Roland Gehardt in Heilbronn-Böckingen.

It also lists advertisements for various publications and services:

• GUTSCHEIN for a free ad: In the hobby magazine "PANORAMA".
• WORLD MAGAZINE: A private contact magazine offering sample issues and ad placements.
• EUROCAT - NACHRICHTEN: A unique sample copy offer.
• BIO-QUELLE: A free private magazine.
• Material wanted: Books, magazines, photos, films, etc., about UFO sightings by astronauts, sought by Gilbert Schmitz in Luxembourg.
• CENAP Reports: Information and sample reports available from CENAP.
• PRIVATE ERFORSCHUNGS- GRUPPE DER ASTROLOGIE (PEGA): An invitation to join serious research into astrology.
• FREIZEIT- und KONTAKTMAGAZIN: A new magazine offering various contacts (collectors, travel, pen pals, marriage ads, etc.), side income opportunities, and free ads. A sample copy costs DM 5.00.
• MYSTERIA: A journal for UFO research and pre-astronautics, offering a sample copy for DM 3.50.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sensational and often bizarre claims surrounding UFOs and alleged alien interactions, presented with a degree of skepticism by the editorial voice, particularly in Roland Gehardt's commentary. The magazine also serves as a platform for advertising related publications and research groups, indicating a community interested in these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting unusual stories while questioning their veracity and highlighting the human element of sensationalism and the search for explanations, even if they involve fringe theories or scapegoats.