CENAP Infoline - no 008

Magazine Overview

This issue of cenap-infoline, number 8, dated 23. Oktober 1994, is a German-language publication from CENAP, a UFO research organization. The cover prominently features the announcement of a UFO Meeting in Weißenthurm held on October 15-16, 1994, organized by Walter L. Kelch, the editor.

UFO-Treffen in Weißenthurm am 15./16.Oktober 1994

The report details the events of the UFO meeting, which began on Saturday morning with a member meeting of GEP. The CENAP contingent arrived at the Rheinhotel in Weißenthurm at 4:00 PM. Initial hotel management issues with booked single rooms for CENAP members were resolved, leading to a double room being arranged. The meeting commenced with the presentation of UFO cases handled by various groups.

Case Presentations and Discussions

One of the first cases presented involved a Belgian report of a light point captured on video. When photographed from a TV screen, it transformed into a light point formation. The report notes that the Belgian's apparent sales intent suggests manipulation might have occurred during the photography.

Another case, presented by GEP, featured a video of a light point exhibiting anti-collision lights. The witness reported hearing no sound during the observation but heard a 'plane-like' noise during apparent acceleration.

Following these presentations, the discussion shifted to advertising in UFO publications and the consistency of reporting. CENAP and GEP reportedly had fewer issues with this compared to MG, DEGUFORUM, and 'Der Beobachter'.

H. Peiniger from GEP presented research on alleged criminalistic UFO traces, specifically 'bullet damage' on windows from Petrosawodsk in 1977. The findings suggested that normal projectiles could have caused these damages.

Peiniger also gave a slide presentation on stratospheric balloons and reconnaissance drones, providing additional information.

A GEP case was presented with over 60 photos of 'plasma phenomena', which were identified as simple reflections from rain droplets, humidity, or car taillight plastic, unrecognized by the photographer.

MG presented another video case involving an aircraft and a planet as potential causes. A case from the Netherlands was to be checked astronomically.

W. Walter of CENAP conducted a detailed video presentation of astronaut observations and Shuttle-UFOs, identified by CENAP and NASA as ice crystals.

Discussions then focused on case evaluation, processing, and publication. A demand for a computer-based UFO input/statistics system was made.

A smaller, 'hardcore' group discussed a 'bedroom visitor's case' from Brühl. This group continued their discussions at a nearby bistro until 2:50 AM. Author Ulrich Magin humorously attributed his tiredness to Werner Walter's video presentation.

The next morning began with a video contribution from H. Peiniger (GEP) showing footage of anti-aircraft gun exercises targeting a sack towed by an aircraft. A video of a Sky-Tracker was also shown.

Sky-Tracker and 'Grey Victim' Case

The discussion on Sky-Trackers was identified as a stimulus for groups in recent years. A specific case involving a Sky-Tracker observation on the autobahn between Mannheimer-Kreuz, Viernheim, and Darmstadt was presented. The report notes that CENAP's interjections about 'absurd things' indicated a lack of experience with Sky-Trackers and their varied witness descriptions.

CENAP then steered the discussion to recent visitors in Grau. A 'Grey victim' had contacted J. Fiebag (author of 'Kontakt') and CENAP/GEP, expressing a need to share their experience. This individual also reported seeing a Boeing-747 with unusual altitude and anti-collision lights near Mannheim, which they did not recognize as a plane but were captivated by the UFO's light display. Despite GEP's doubts, a planned regression therapy session for the victim in Stuttgart on October 12, 1994, was questioned (later confirmed by GEP that the victim did not go to Stuttgart).

This led to a decision by the meeting participants to establish a unified approach for handling 'Grey' cases, aiming for improved future cooperation.

Editorial Stance and Media Coverage

The magazine criticizes a tendency to exaggerate minor details into major phenomena, citing an example where a fly is made into an elephant due to a lack of evidence. It highlights an upcoming ARD documentary on October 24th, promoted in HÖRZU and Neue Revue, aiming to prove the existence of UFOs. The report suggests that the promotion of an 'Ostsee-UFO' case might not be entirely straightforward.

An article titled "TV will beweisen: Ufos gibt es doch" (TV wants to prove: UFOs do exist) from the MORGEN newspaper (Mannheim edition) is included. It mentions sightings in Greifswald, Eupen (Belgium), and Wedel near Hamburg, and notes that a TV team is researching to prove UFO existence, with a documentary airing on October 24th and a story in the new HÖRZU.

Another article, "Ufos: Nur Lichter der Großstadt? (Mannheim)" from MORGEN, discusses CENAP's investigation of mysterious flying objects. It notes that CENAP, founded in 1976, investigates unusual aerial phenomena. The article mentions that many reported UFO cases, particularly those involving 'little men from space', are reported by women. It states that in about half of the cases, the 'flying saucer' turns out to be a misidentification of an aircraft, helicopter, hot air balloon, planet, disco light, or city lights. The article concludes that while aliens haven't landed yet, CENAP's Hansjürgen Köhler continues his research, possibly due to meeting his wife through UFOology or a desire to witness a landing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects CENAP's approach to UFO investigation, emphasizing critical analysis and the identification of misidentifications. There's a clear skepticism towards sensationalism and unverified claims, as seen in the critique of exaggerating minor details and the questioning of the 'Ostsee-UFO' promotion. The magazine highlights the collaborative efforts of various UFO research groups while also pointing out potential issues like manipulation and the need for standardized investigation procedures. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent, evidence-based research, acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs but grounding it in rational explanation where possible.