UFO Information - No 20

Magazine Overview

This issue of HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION, issue number 20, dated June 1985, is published by CENAP-HEILBRONN and focuses on UFO phenomena, pre-astronautics, and related scientific theories. The cover features the main headline "UFO - INFORMATION" and a graphic related to the CENAP organization.

Ein Astronaut spricht über UFOs (An Astronaut Speaks About UFOs)

This section details an event on March 29, 1985, in Schwaigern (Heilbronn district) where former US astronaut Col. James B. Irwin, known for his Apollo 15 mission, gave a lecture. The CENAP-Heilbronn group, including Oskar Böß and Roland Gehardt, attended. The article presents an interview with Col. Irwin, conducted by CENAP. Irwin states that while many UFO sightings are reported, approximately 95% can be explained, with the remaining 5% considered "fantasy products" by him. He acknowledges that there are unexplained phenomena in space but denies any astronaut has ever claimed to have seen an extraterrestrial spacecraft. He also mentions reports of astronauts like Gordon Cooper and Scott Carpenter seeing UFOs or photographing them, but reiterates his personal stance that most are explainable.

Was ist ein UFO? (What is a UFO?)

This article clarifies the definition of a UFO. It explains that the term "U.F.O." (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. The author, Klaus Webner, emphasizes that this definition does not inherently imply extraterrestrial spacecraft, citing the example of a weather balloon being mistaken for a UFO.

Liebe Leser! (Dear Readers!)

This section contains two short notes. The first, by Roland Gehardt, announces the founding of the "Internationale Union zur Erforschung außerirdischen Lebens" (International Union for the Study of Extraterrestrial Life) by Peter Tewes in Werne on March 17, 1985. The organization's goal is to prove that humans are extraterrestrial astronauts who came to Earth thousands of years ago and have reincarnated, using past-life regressions. The first meeting of this organization took place in Dortmund on May 19, 1985, with CENAP in attendance.

The second note is a brief mention of Gilbert Schmitz's thoughts on Axel Ertelt's lecture about Albertus Magnus, which was published in a previous issue of "UI". It states that Schmitz's letter was sent to Ertelt, and Schmitz has since recovered from a heart attack.

Buchbesprechung: Cheops Pyramide (Book Review: Cheops Pyramid)

This review discusses the book "Cheops Pyramide: Irdischer Schlüssel zum Marsmond-Rätsel" (Cheops Pyramid: Earthly Key to the Mars Moon Riddle) by Willy Kross. Kross, known in the pre-astronautics scene, attempts to prove that extraterrestrial intelligences have left their mark on Mars and Earth. His main argument is the similarity between the large Martian volcanoes (Arsia Mons, Pavonis Mons, Ascraeus Mons) and the three great pyramids of Giseh, suggesting the pyramids were built by or according to extraterrestrial plans. The reviewer, RG (Roland Gehardt), expresses skepticism, likening Kross's numerical arguments to proving anything with arbitrary calculations. The book is described as having multiple drawings and costs DM 20.--.

Die Entdeckung des Heiligen Grals (The Discovery of the Holy Grail)

This review covers the book "Die Entdeckung des Heiligen Grals: Auf den Spuren der Manna-Maschine, der Bundeslade und des Templerordens" (The Discovery of the Holy Grail: In the Footsteps of the Manna Machine, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Knights Templar) by Johannes and Peter Fiebag. The book explores the Jewish Ark of the Covenant, with Erich von Däniken suggesting it might have been a communication device for Moses to contact extraterrestrials. The Fiebag brothers propose that the Holy Grail is identical to the Ark of the Covenant. The review notes that the authors build a framework based on Sasson's and Dale's "Manna Machine" but relies heavily on speculation. The book is described as well-written and engaging, despite the reviewer's disagreement with its conclusions. It is 305 pages long and costs DM 36.--.

Leserforum (Reader's Forum)

This section features a letter from Axel Ertelt responding to Gilbert Schmitz's critique of Ertelt's lecture on Albertus Magnus and the concept of "Alchemie = All-Chemie". Ertelt acknowledges that his wordplay might not translate well into other languages and admits it was a flaw in his lecture. He reaffirms his research on Albertus Magnus and extraterrestrial technology in the Middle Ages, mentioning that his book manuscript on the topic is being considered by a publisher and is expected to be released by the next Frankfurt Book Fair. Ertelt also relays news that Gilbert Schmitz suffered a heart attack but is recovering and wishes him well.

Wie konnten UFO's zu uns kommen? II. Teil (How Could UFOs Come to Us? Part II)

Authored by Ing. Joachim Jahn, this installment continues the scientific interpretation of the UFO phenomenon, focusing on explanations derived from relativity theory. Jahn explores how a living being could survive interstellar journeys. He discusses the concept of time standing still in certain locations, independent of high speeds, and the implications of time dilation near massive objects like neutron stars or black holes. He also introduces the idea of "super-rooms" or "hyper-rooms" that are completely energy-less and free from electromagnetic radiation, suggesting these might be the pathways for interstellar travel. The article posits that extraterrestrial intelligences might have already mastered the artificial creation of such super-rooms.

UFO Forschung (UFO Research)

This section contains information about the "Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V.", a German organization dedicated to serious UFO research. It invites interested individuals to contact them for information and a sample issue of their journal.

Kleinanzeigen (Classified Ads)

This page features various classified advertisements, including offers for hobby magazines, private contact magazines, and UFO-related materials. There is also a request for materials (books, magazines, photos, etc.) about UFO sightings by astronauts, directed to Gilbert Schmitz. Additionally, CENAP offers information and sample reports about their UFO research.

Neuerscheinungen (New Releases)

Two bibliographies compiled by Dieter von Reeken are announced: "Extraterrestrische Intelligenzen (1901-1970)" and "Extraterrestrische Intelligenzen (1981-1982)". These are annotated bibliographies of German-language publications on topics such as extraterrestrial life, UFOs, and pre-astronautics. They are published by the Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens (GEP) e.V.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes itself as "DIE SERIÖSE UFO FACHZEITSCHRIFT" (The Serious UFO Fachzeitschrift), indicating a commitment to rigorous research and factual reporting within the UFO field. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, exploring both theoretical scientific explanations for UFO phenomena and reviewing relevant literature. There is a clear distinction made between unexplained phenomena and outright claims of extraterrestrial visitation, with a cautious approach to the latter. The publication also engages with its readership through a "Leserforum" and covers events and news within the UFO research community in Germany and internationally.

This issue of the DDR-ZEITUNG, dated January 16, 1984, features a prominent cover story titled "Das Märchen über die „Fliegenden Untertassen"" (The Fairy Tale about the 'Flying Saucers'). The cover also includes an illustration of three alien figures and publication details.

The "Flying Saucers" Phenomenon and Extraterrestrial Life

The main article delves into the enduring fascination with "flying saucers" and the question of whether intelligent life exists beyond Earth. It begins by referencing a marketing campaign by "Cutty-Sark-Whisky" that offered a million pounds for proof of an extraterrestrial flying saucer, highlighting the public's interest in the topic. The author notes that despite extensive global monitoring by observatories, satellites, and military radar stations, no official institution has ever registered a confirmed flying saucer. Reports of UFO landings and contacts are attributed to individuals who consider themselves 'initiated,' and no alien visitors have officially presented themselves to any government or scientific body.

The article traces the historical roots of the idea of extraterrestrial life, citing the Greek writer Lukian's "True History" from 160 AD, which described a journey to the moon and its inhabitants. It mentions other notable figures who explored this theme in their writings, including Johannes Kepler, Herbert Georg Wells (in "The War of the Worlds"), Christian Huygens, Kant, Voltaire, Herder, Lessing, and Goethe. A particularly interesting proposal by mathematician Gauß is mentioned: he suggested creating a massive equilateral triangle in Siberia to attract the attention of intelligent extraterrestrial beings.

These early ideas, however, were based on speculation rather than astronomical observation. The article then shifts to a more scientific perspective, referencing Friedrich Engels' philosophical and scientific studies on the origin of life. Modern biology supports Engels' hypothesis, suggesting that life on Earth emerged over two billion years ago from simple microorganisms, driven by the presence of proteins and metabolic processes. The article outlines four fundamental conditions for the emergence of life: temperatures between 0 and 70 degrees Celsius, sufficient water, a suitable atmosphere (initially hydrogen, water vapor, methane, and ammonia, evolving to nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide), and light radiation for photosynthesis.

Given the vastness of the universe, the article posits that similar conditions could exist on numerous other celestial bodies, potentially harboring extraterrestrial life, from simple organisms to advanced civilizations. The development of radio astronomy offered new possibilities for detecting such life, with powerful antennas scanning the cosmos for artificial radio sources. More recently, infrared astronomy has also become a valuable tool. Despite these advanced scientific methods, the article concludes that scientists have so far registered no evidence of cosmic activities from super-civilizations in our galaxy or neighboring star systems.

UFO Information Centers and Publications

The second page of the magazine focuses on organizations and publications related to UFO research in Germany. It lists several "DEUTSCHE UFO ALARMZENTRALEN" (German UFO Alarm Centers), including:

• GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene e. V.) in Lüdenscheid.
• CENAP (Centrum für Nah-und Außerirdische Phänomene) with contact persons in Mannheim and Heilbronn.
• HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION with contacts in Heilbronn.

It also promotes a "SUPER-PROGRAMM" from MYSTERIA, a magazine for UFO research and pre-astronautics, offering subscriptions and special offers. Other publications mentioned include:

• AAS Congress Stories (a satirical brochure).
• "Sie kommen von anderen Welten" (They Come from Other Worlds) by A. Ertelt & H. Mohren, a 337-page book with illustrations.
• ANTARES NEWS, a bi-monthly publication from Switzerland covering astronomy, space travel, science fiction, and fringe sciences.

Additionally, a book titled "IRRWEGE DER GESCHICHTE" (Erroneous Paths of History) by Walter Hain is advertised, focusing on "Götter-Astronauten und Atlantis" (God-Astronauts and Atlantis). A quote from Hans-Werner Sachmann praises Hain's book for challenging accepted notions within the pre-astronautics community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the distinction between speculative or anecdotal claims about UFOs and the current state of scientific evidence. While acknowledging the historical and philosophical interest in extraterrestrial life, the magazine highlights the lack of empirical proof from official scientific channels. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting both the popular fascination with UFOs and the rigorous scientific search for evidence. The promotion of specialized UFO magazines and books suggests an engagement with the UFO community, but the main article's conclusion points towards a skepticism regarding confirmed alien contact based on current scientific understanding. The overall tone is informative, exploring the topic from historical, philosophical, and scientific viewpoints, while also serving as a platform for UFO-related organizations and publications.