UFO Information - No 15

Magazine Overview

Title: HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION
Issue: NR. 15
Date: January 1985 (JAN. 85)
Publisher: CENAP-HEILBRONN (Centrales Erforschungsnetz Außergewöhnlicher Phänomene - Ortsgruppe Heilbronn)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the Heilbronner UFO Information magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, research, and related scientific and psychological topics. It features a prominent report on a UFO sighting in Königsbrunn, Germany, alongside articles on astronautics, the psychology of witness testimonies, and the passing of a notable journalist.

Key Articles and Content

Königsbrunn UFO Sighting

The lead article, "UFO über Königsbrunn?" by Roland Gehardt, investigates a sighting reported on July 29, 1983. The witness, Wilfried Trieb, described a mysterious object that ascended, moved towards him, and then flew overhead. The object was noted for its silent flight and changing colors from red to orange to yellow. The report includes details of the sighting, such as its duration (approx. 16 minutes), estimated height, and the witness's observations through binoculars. The article also mentions that four police officers witnessed the phenomenon, corroborating Trieb's account. However, an investigation by the police (PHM Steiner) suggested the object might have been a 'mini hot-air balloon', a conclusion that Trieb reportedly did not fully accept.

What is a UFO?

An introductory piece by Klaus Webner clarifies the definition of a UFO (Unidentified Flying Object). It emphasizes that the term originates from American aviation terminology and refers to any airborne object that appears strange to the observer and cannot be identified during the observation period. The article stresses that this definition does not inherently imply extraterrestrial spacecraft, distinguishing it from common misconceptions.

Letter to the Readers

Roland Gehardt addresses the readers, acknowledging what he perceives as a "witch hunt" against CENAP in other publications. He criticizes articles that dismiss UFO phenomena and vows that CENAP will continue to expose "unscrupulous profiteers" in the UFO field.

John Fisch Passes Away

A poignant obituary announces the death of John Fisch, a journalist and publisher who passed away at a young age due to illness. Fisch was known for his work at the "tageblatt," founding the publication "Lux-Post," and establishing the "éditions john fisch" publishing house, which released books on parapsychological topics. His wife, Gaby Scholer, is mentioned for her support.

Psychology and UFOs (Part 3)

Gilbert Schmitz contributes the third part of a series on the psychology of UFO sightings. This section focuses on the relationship between facts and descriptions in witness accounts. Schmitz outlines two contrasting viewpoints: a 'defeatist' approach that questions the reliability of witness statements due to the gap between facts and descriptions, and a more 'naive' or 'moralistic' view that trusts honest witnesses with sound judgment. He argues that both are simplistic and fail to address the fundamental question of how human perception and memory function.

How Could UFOs Come to Us? (Part 6)

Ing. Joachim Jahn explores the physical possibilities of spaceflight in this installment, focusing on the limitations of propulsion systems. He discusses the maximum achievable speeds with chemical rockets, the multi-stage principle, and the theoretical potential of nuclear reactions and antimatter for achieving speeds close to the speed of light. Jahn explains the relativistic effects of time dilation, length contraction, and mass increase as speeds approach the speed of light, concluding that exceeding it is physically impossible for mass-bearing objects.

UFO Book Tip

A review highlights the book "Geheimnisvolle Welten - An den Grenzen unserer Wirklichkeit" by Walter Hain. The book is described as covering a wide range of fringe science topics, from sea monsters to crop circles and UFOs. The authors reportedly traveled globally to gather material, and the book is praised for its factual content and numerous high-quality images, some of which are claimed to be previously unpublished.

UFO Researchers Meet

An article from the "Heilbronner Stimme" announces the fifth meeting of UFO researchers in Heilbronn on September 29-30. The event includes film screenings and exhibitions, with UFO researchers from various European countries expected to attend. The article quotes Werner Walter, a UFO researcher and founding member of CENAP, who states that CENAP's goal is to investigate UFO reports and provide scientific explanations, often debunking sightings as balloons, aircraft, or hoaxes. Walter dismisses claims of extraterrestrial visitors as "humbug." CENAP has been investigating UFO phenomena for seven years, with only a small percentage of cases remaining unexplained. The organization also operates a "UFO observation hotline" in Mannheim.

Press Review

Several newspaper clippings are included, such as from the "Alb-Bote," "Südkurier," and "Pforzheimer Zeitung," referencing the upcoming UFO researcher meeting in Heilbronn and the general topic of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical yet investigative approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly evident in the letter from Roland Gehardt and the statements by Werner Walter, emphasizes debunking sensationalist claims and providing rational, scientific explanations for sightings. There is a clear distinction made between genuine investigation and what the magazine considers pseudoscientific or religious interpretations of UFOs. The publication aims to be a "serious UFO specialist journal," focusing on factual reporting and analysis rather than speculation about extraterrestrial visitors. The articles on psychology and physics also reflect a desire to ground the discussion in established scientific principles.

Title: HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION
Issue: 77
Volume: 12
Date: October 6, 1984
Publisher: NWZ Geislinger Zeitung
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of Heilbronner UFO Information focuses on the 5th annual meeting of German UFO researchers held in Heilbronn. The cover story, "Fast alle UFOs sind nach kurzer Zeit keine „unbekannten Phänomene" mehr" (Almost all UFOs are no longer 'unknown phenomena' after a short time), suggests that most sightings are explainable.

Main Article: "Fast alle UFOs sind nach kurzer Zeit keine „unbekannten Phänomene" mehr"

The article begins with an anecdote about a family in Hohenlohe who reported mysterious lights and sounds, believing they had seen a UFO. Police investigations revealed the lights were from ordinary car headlights and the sounds were from a CB radio, much to the family's disappointment.

This incident serves as a backdrop for the 5th annual meeting of the German UFO Researchers (Deutsche Ufo-Forscher) in Heilbronn. The event aimed to inform the public about the work of ufologists, dispelling common misconceptions of UFOs involving green men and flying saucers.

Roland Gerhardt, a Heilbronn-based UFO researcher, presented a lecture titled "Sind Ufos Fahrzeuge jenseitiger Wesen?" (Are UFOs vehicles of otherworldly beings?). Gerhardt emphasized that UFOs are not necessarily spacecraft from extraterrestrial beings, nor do they communicate via "spirit voices" on tape. This stance was met with protest from some attendees who believed in otherworldly beings and paranormal experiences, citing Vatican acceptance and the existence of tape phenomena.

Jochen Ickinger, a 23-year-old former postal worker and founder of the Heilbronn branch of CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena), explained the basic definition of a UFO: any object in the air that cannot be identified. Once identified (as a bird, balloon, plane, or kite), it ceases to be a UFO. Ufologists primarily collect reports of sightings and attempt to identify the phenomena.

CENAP, founded in 1973, has documented approximately 300 cases, with most being successfully identified. Only about three percent (nine cases) remain as "unknown phenomena." These are typically described as bluish or reddish glowing lights at night without a discernible shape, possibly physical plasma phenomena or overlaps between dimensions, which are currently unexplainable.

Ickinger noted that the remaining cases often reveal the vivid imagination of witnesses. The research involves a detailed questionnaire to assess the credibility of reports, distinguishing between genuine observations and exaggerations. Ufologists sometimes face aggressive reactions from individuals who feel their experiences are not taken seriously.

When asked about the motivation for UFO research, Ickinger compared it to hobbies like fishing or stamp collecting, citing the thrill of the unknown and the intellectual challenge. The field requires interdisciplinary knowledge in astronomy, meteorology, physics, and psychology.

The article also mentions that most UFO researchers do not spend their nights with telescopes waiting for sightings, with Ickinger humorously remarking, "Only the freaks go out at night with a telescope."

Related Information and Advertisements

The issue includes a listing of "Deutsche UFO Alarmzentralen" (German UFO Alarm Centers), providing contact details for various organizations and individuals involved in UFO research and related fields across Germany and Europe. These include:

• CENAP: With contact persons like Hansjürgen Köhler (Mannheim), Werner Walter (Mannheim), Jochen Ickinger (Heilbronn), and Roland Gehardt (Heilbronn-Böckingen).
• GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene e.V.): Based in Lüdenscheid.

Advertisements are present for:

• PANORAMA Magazine: Offering a free classified ad for up to 20 words.
• WORLD Magazine: A private contact magazine for hobbies, offering a sample issue with a list of addresses worldwide.
• EUROCAT NACHRICHTEN: A publication offering a sample copy.
• BIO QUELLE: A free private magazine focusing on special topics.
• Material Collection: A request for any material (books, magazines, photos, films, videos) about UFO sightings by astronauts, sought by Gilbert Schmitz in Luxembourg.
• CENAP: Offering information and sample copies of their monthly reports.
• PEGA (Private Erforschungsgruppe der Astrologie): A group interested in serious astrological research, publishing the PEGASUS Magazine.
• FREIZEIT- und KONTAKTMAGAZIN: A new magazine offering various contacts (collectors, travel, pen pals, etc.), side income opportunities, and free ads. A sample copy is available for DM 5.
• MYSTERIA: A journal for UFO research and pre-astronautics, offering a trial issue for DM 3.50.

An announcement from the Esslinger Zeitung mentions the upcoming 5th UFO Researchers meeting in Heilbronn on September 29-30, 1984, including film screenings of the American UFO film "Hangar 18" and exhibitions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the demystification of UFO sightings, emphasizing that most are explainable phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific skepticism, promoting a rational and interdisciplinary approach to investigating unusual aerial phenomena. The magazine aims to provide factual information and debunk sensationalism, while acknowledging the existence of a small percentage of truly unexplained cases. The inclusion of various UFO research groups and related publications suggests a community actively engaged in exploring these topics, albeit with differing levels of skepticism and belief.