CENAP Infoline - no 003

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: nr. 3
Date: July 17, 1994

This issue of cenap-infoline, a German-language UFO information bulletin, covers a range of topics including UFO sightings, media analysis, and a critical review of a prominent author.

Meeting of GEP and CENAP

The issue begins with a report on a meeting between GEP and CENAP in Lüdenscheid on June 18-19, 1994. The meeting served to introduce the new office space of GEP and discuss future tasks. The article notes that while CENAP could use some of the equipment available, it lacks the necessary donors. The discussion touched upon the German UFO scene and the arrival of newcomers. The author reflects on the long-standing dynamics within the UFO community, including ignorance and the rehashing of old ideas, suggesting that this is perhaps a good thing as it allows for the observation of both new phenomena and their eventual fading. An anecdote is shared about a false alarm involving the local fire department, humorously linking it to the possibility of UFO activity or the GEP's files.

UFO Reports from Early July 1994

CENAP reported an unusually high number of UFO sightings over the weekend of July 1-3, 1994, receiving seven reports via phone and direct submissions. These reports originated from various locations across Germany, including Berlin, Neustadt, Ludwigshafen, Meckesheim, Kehl, Baiertal, Wiesloch, Mosbach, and Odenwald. CENAP stated that investigations into these cases were ongoing and would be reported in their CENAP-Report.

Media Coverage of UFO-Related Topics

The issue highlights several media broadcasts related to UFOs and advanced technology:

• June 13, 1994: NBC's Super-Channel featured a report on mini-camera drones used in filmmaking, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
• June 15, 1994: Bayern-3 broadcast a program titled "Journey to the Planets," which included a segment on the "Face on Mars."
• June 16, 1994: France TV-5's "Pegase" program presented interesting footage from Edwards AFB, including flying wings, the Stealth-YF-23, B-52 Pegasus rocket launches, and the YF-71 Blackbird.
• June 25, 1994: NBC's Super-Channel aired a report on UFO abductions, featuring Professor John Mack of Harvard University, who reportedly questions the dismissal of all abduction claims. A related article in "Der Spiegel 21/1994" about his book "Abduction" is also mentioned.

Strange Spiral Clouds Over England

A significant article discusses "strange spiral clouds" observed on two satellite images received by the University of Leicester's Physics & Astronomy department on April 15, 1993. These images, captured by the HRPT satellite system, have been a subject of discussion in "Flight International" magazine. The University of Leicester's preliminary hypotheses include the phenomenon being infrared, having reduced visibility, being taken at different times, being influenced by southwest wind direction, possibly being aircraft condensation trails, or showing flight paths influenced by orbital changes. They also consider the possibility that the clouds formed over the North Sea due to their thickness and temperature, and that they were all produced by the same aircraft due to varying diameters. The second photo is suggested to show the start of an additional loop. The article concludes by asking for further theories or confirmations.

Critique of Johannes von Buttlar

Under the heading "Im Drüben fischen" (Fishing in the Beyond), SPIEGEL author Fritz Rumler provides a scathing critique of Johannes von Buttlar, a self-proclaimed "one of the five most successful non-fiction authors in the world." Rumler likens Buttlar to the historical charlatan Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, questioning his academic credentials (including his "Dr." title and "Fellow" status at the Royal Astronomical Society, which he claims Buttlar was expelled from) and the originality of his latest book, "Die Methusalemformel" (The Methuselah Formula). Rumler suggests that Buttlar has repackaged old material, comparing it to making gold from yesterday's snow. He points out that Buttlar's claims of extensive research and discoveries, such as finding a 600-year-old yogi in the Himalayas, are unsubstantiated. The article also mentions Buttlar's alleged past in the "Special Air Service," which the Army reportedly does not recall.

"Robot Flying Competition"

An article titled "Wettkampf der Roboterfliegen" (Robot Flying Competition) describes an annual event at the Georgia Institute of Technology where nine American university teams compete to have flying robots identify, collect, transport, and deposit small metal discs without human intervention. Despite progress, no team has yet managed to create a complete system. The competition is set to continue with a $10,000 prize next year.

"Vierhundert Jahre jung! Traum oder Alptraum?" (Four Hundred Years Young! Dream or Nightmare?)

This section appears to be a promotional blurb for Johannes von Buttlar's book "Die Methusalemformel," highlighting its promise of eternal youth and its extensive media promotion.

Fast Sun-Bright Fireball Over the North Sea

A brief report details a very bright fireball observed on May 29, 1994, at approximately 11:31 MESZ. The object was reportedly brighter than the full moon and only slightly dimmer than the sun, leaving a smoke trail visible for up to half an hour. It was seen from Holland and England and was described as colorful.

Mega-Lightning in the Upper Atmosphere

This short piece mentions that the ALEXIS satellite's Blackbeard instrument has detected around 100 "mega-lightning" events in the upper atmosphere. These events are described as being 10,000 times brighter but 100 times shorter than normal lightning. Efforts are underway to detect these phenomena from the ground.

Media Mentions and Reviews

• February 25, 1994: A Spiegel-TV interview with Johannes von Buttlar on VOX is noted, with CENAP having the material for future reporting.
• ZDF: Two upcoming reports are mentioned.
• Multimedia Database "UFO": A review of a CD-ROM database from Software Marketing Corporation is presented. It contains 1200 case studies of alleged alien visitations, with some featuring audio and shaky video clips. The database allows users to view locations on a world map.

cenap-infoline Subscription Information

The final pages provide details about cenap-infoline, explaining its purpose as supplementary information to the CENAP-Report. It addresses issues with postal delivery and increased postage costs. The bulletin is offered via subscription for DM 30,- per year, providing at least 20 mailings of 1-4 A4 pages every three weeks, or more frequently if information flow dictates. Subscription details and payment information are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena by CENAP, the critical examination of individuals and their claims within the UFO community (particularly Johannes von Buttlar), and the analysis of how UFOs and related topics are presented in the media. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to provide well-researched information directly to the reader, while also acknowledging the growing volume of UFO-related content in popular culture. There is a clear emphasis on providing timely and accurate information, as evidenced by the launch of cenap-infoline itself.