UFO Information - No 16

Magazine Overview

This issue of HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION (Nr. 16, dated February 1985) is published by the CENTRALEN ERFORSCHUNGSNETZ AUSSERGEWÖHNLICHER PHANOMENE - ORTSGRUPPE HEILBRONN (CENAP-OGH). The editors are Roland Gehardt and Jochen Ickinger. The magazine is a monthly publication, with exceptions in August and December.

The cover prominently features the headline "CENAP'S MAGAZIN DER ZUKUNFT" and highlights topics such as "MÄRCHENONKEL" (Fairy Tale Uncle), "Prä-Astronautik" (Pre-Astronautics), "UFO-Forschung" (UFO Research), "Astronomie" (Astronomy), and "Raumfahrt" (Spaceflight). An illustration of a man in a flying saucer is also present.

Table of Contents

The issue includes the following sections:

• Psychologie und UFOs (Psychology and UFOs) - Part 4
• Leserforum (Readers' Forum)
• UI Buch Tip (UI Book Tip)
• Nix UFO
• Wie könnten UFOs zu uns kommen? (How could UFOs come to us?) - Part 7
• Film- Tip (Film Tip)
• UFO- Alarmzentralen (UFO Alarm Centers)

What is a UFO?

This section addresses the common association of UFOs with extraterrestrial spacecraft and 'little green men'. It clarifies that the term "U.F.O." (unidentified flying object) is an American aviation term for any flying object that appears strange to the observer and cannot be identified during the observation period. It emphasizes that a weather balloon, if unrecognized, would qualify as a UFO sighting, and the term itself does not inherently imply extraterrestrial origins.

Letter to the Readers

Roland Gehardt expresses his disappointment with an article by Michael Hesemann in "Magazin 2000" (December 1984) regarding a CENAP meeting in September 1984. Gehardt accuses Hesemann of distorting the truth, ignoring most presentations, and making baseless accusations against CENAP. He questions how long Hesemann will continue this "vile game."

Psychology and UFOs - Part 4

Authored by Gilbert Schmitz, this section delves into the fragility of human testimony, particularly in the context of UFO sightings. It argues that eyewitness accounts are not always reliable, as perception is influenced by personality, pre-existing memories, and cognitive biases. Schmitz explains that the brain actively interprets and reconstructs events, often incorporating external information or personal assumptions, which can lead to distortions or the creation of 'inexistent' details. The article highlights the importance of understanding the witness's psychological state and susceptibility to suggestion, citing research by Dr. Elisabeth Loftus on how the wording of questions can alter eyewitness accounts.

Nix UFO! (No UFO!)

Written by Roland Gehardt, this article recounts a seemingly UFO sighting by a Turkish guest worker, Hamit Ödemis, in Heilbronn on November 30, 1984. Ödemis described a light yellow, cone-shaped object with a red, blue-green tail, and blinking lights, observed for approximately 5 seconds at an estimated altitude of 30 km. Gehardt suggests that the description might align with a meteor, referencing a newspaper article from "Bildzeitung" that reported on a bright meteor seen across Germany.

Leserforum (Readers' Forum)

Wilfried Briegel from Hettenhausen comments on the magazine's content and presentation. He praises the improved cover design and the inclusion of book reviews and reader letters. However, he criticizes the use of Latin phrases, suggesting that German would be more accessible and preferable. He specifically points out a sentence in Gilbert Schmitz's article and proposes a German alternative.

UI Buch Tip (UI Book Tip)

This section reviews Peter Kaufhold's book "Von den Göttern verlassen?" (Abandoned by the Gods?). The review highlights Kaufhold's critique of Erich von Däniken's theories about ancient astronauts, particularly his numerological interpretations. Kaufhold also presents an alternative worldview that addresses the vacuum left by religions, exploring the physical possibilities of interstellar travel and the concept of a creative intelligence. The review notes that while the book debunks Däniken's claims, the UFO-related content is considered thin, with a notable exception being a case researched by Klaus Webner, which Kaufhold allegedly did not credit.

Wie könnten UFO's zu uns kommen? (How could UFOs come to us?) - Part 7

Authored by Ing. Joachim Jahn, this technical article discusses the physical possibilities of spacecraft propulsion. It examines the limitations of relativistic calculations and the challenges of achieving speeds close to the speed of light. The article details the density of matter in interstellar space and the immense friction and impact forces that would be encountered by spacecraft traveling at such velocities, suggesting that current technology is far from enabling interstellar travel.

Gegendarstellung (Counter-Statement)

This section contains a counter-statement from CENAP-Heilbronn UFO-Information regarding an article in "Magazin 2000" (Nr. 14/1984, p. 10). CENAP refutes claims made by Michael Hesemann that "Magazin 2000" is known for "unserious and often deceitful reporting." CENAP asserts that "Magazin 2000" is respected for its responsible reporting and that Hesemann's claims are false. The statement also addresses Hesemann's alleged misrepresentation of CENAP's activities and his own journalistic practices, including a disputed exchange regarding an offer for an advertising swap and a critical article about a UFO fleet photo published in "Magazin 2000."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing the psychological factors influencing eyewitness testimony and debunking sensationalist claims. There is a clear editorial stance against what is perceived as the unserious and often misleading reporting of "Magazin 2000" and its editor, Michael Hesemann. The publication aims to provide a more scientific and grounded perspective on UFO research, while also engaging with broader topics like astronomy and spaceflight. The inclusion of reader feedback and book reviews indicates an effort to foster a community of informed discussion.

Title: HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION
Issue: 11
Volume: 12
Date: 1986
Publisher: MYSTERIA
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of Heilbronner UFO Information delves into complex scientific concepts related to space travel and UFO phenomena, alongside practical information for enthusiasts and a review of a popular film.

Scientific Discussions

The lead article discusses the significant challenges involved in utilizing photon reflection for propulsion systems, particularly concerning the high temperatures generated (millions of degrees Celsius). It highlights the risk of the reflective mirror vaporizing due to even a small absorption of heat. The article also touches upon the potential for creating mirrors from electron gas, as proposed by E. Sänger. A major hurdle discussed is the production and storage of antimatter, essential for such propulsion. Currently, only individual elementary particles like positrons, antiprotons, and antineutrons have been observed in large accelerators like the hydrogen bubble chamber. The article notes that this is a continuation of a previous discussion.

Film Review: The Philadelphia Experiment

There is a prominent mention of the film "Das Buch von Berlitz kann man vergessen, der Film ist gut!" (Berlitz's book can be forgotten, the film is good!). This refers to "The Philadelphia Experiment," a New World Pictures production from 1984. The review suggests the film is superior to the book. The production details are listed, including the cast (Michael Paré, Nancy Allen, Eric Christmas, Bobby Di Cicco), screenplay writers (Michael Janover and William Gray), story credits (John Carpenter, Wallace Bennett, Michael Janover), executive producer (John Carpenter), associate producer (Pegi Brotman), producers (Joel B. Michaels & Douglas Curtis), and director (Stewart Raffill).

MYSTERIA Meeting Announcement

MYSTERIA announces a large meeting planned for April 1986, expecting at least 100 participants. The meeting will be held in Horn/Bad Meinberg, in the Teutoburger Wald, near the Externsteinen. The topics for discussion will be "UFO-Forschung" (UFO Research) and "Prä-Astronautik" (Pre-Astronautics). Interested individuals are encouraged to register early, though registration is initially non-binding.

UFO Research Organizations and Contact Information

The magazine provides contact details for several UFO research groups and related organizations in Germany:

• GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene e. V.): Located in Lüdenscheid, with contact persons Werner Walter and Axel Ertelt. They publish the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" and offer information on sightings, scientific investigation methods, and photos. Sample issues are available for 3,-- DM in stamps.
• CENAP (Germany's serious investigation group for UFO research): Based in Mannheim, with contact persons Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter. They offer information and sample reports.
• Other Contacts: Jochen Ickinger in Heilbronn and Roland Gehardt in Heilbronn-Böckingen are also listed.

Advertising and Contact Opportunities

Several advertisements offer various services and publications:

• "PANORAMA" Hobby Magazine: Offers free classified ads up to 20 words, with additional words costing DM 0.20. Sample copies are available for DM 3.
• "WORLD MAGAZINE": A private contact magazine for hobbies, small imports, and correspondence, offering a sample issue with addresses worldwide for DM 4.
• "EUROCAT- NACHRICHTEN": A sample issue is available for DM 2 or 2 IRC.
• "BIO-QUELE": A free private magazine focusing on unique topics, sent monthly upon request with return postage.
• UFO Material Wanted: A request for any material (books, magazines, photos, films, videos) on UFO sightings by astronauts, with offers to be sent to Gilbert Schmitz in Luxembourg.
• "PRIVATE ERFORSCHUNGS- GRUPPE DER ASTROLOGIE" (PEGA): Interested individuals seeking serious research into astrology are directed to this group, which publishes the "PEGASUS- Magazin."
• "FREIZEIT- und KONTAKTMAGAZIN": A new magazine offering various contact opportunities (collectors, exchange, vacation, pen pals, etc.), side income offers, and coupons. The first issue is planned with a print run of 1,000 copies. Interested parties can send DM 5 (or equivalent) for a copy.
• MYSTERIA - Fachzeitschrift für UFO-FORSCHUNG und PRÄ-ASTRONAUTIK: Offers a sample issue for 3.50 DM in stamps, available from Axel Ertelt.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly promotes serious and scientific UFO research, as evidenced by the focus on organizations like GEP and CENAP, and the announcement of the MYSTERIA meeting. There is a clear distinction made between sensationalized accounts (like Berlitz's book) and more grounded investigations or cinematic interpretations. The inclusion of contact magazines and personal ads suggests an interest in the broader community of enthusiasts and those seeking connections within niche interests. The editorial stance appears to be one of providing information, facilitating communication, and encouraging participation in UFO research and related fields.