CENAP Infoline - no 016

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-intoline
Issue: nr.16
Date: March 18, 1995

This issue of cenap-intoline, an international UFO scene information bulletin, delves into several intriguing topics, primarily focusing on a sensationalized event in Germany that was later debunked, alongside other UFO-related reports and a lecture summary.

The Andechs 'Meteorite' Incident: A Case of Bureaucratic Blunder

The lead story, "Die wundersame Verwandlung einer 'Kultursprengung' in einen Meteorit" (The Miraculous Transformation of a 'Culture Blast' into a Meteorite), details an event that began on March 5, 1995, in a moorland near Andechs, Germany. What was initially reported as a meteorite impact, creating a 20-meter wide and eight-meter deep crater, was later revealed to be a controlled explosion. The article highlights the slow and convoluted communication between German authorities, describing the official correspondence being passed along via "snail mail." It criticizes the swift jump to conclusions by some, including an astronomy professor who reportedly became enthusiastic about the 'meteorite' and the media's sensational coverage, such as the Bild newspaper's "The Meteorite Crater" feature.

The incident involved a private individual who commissioned a company to carry out a "culture blast" using approximately 100 kilograms of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and explosive oil. The purpose was to create a biotope, or frog pond. The explosion caused a significant disturbance, including a 150-meter high mud and water fountain, which was witnessed by a local farmer. A police helicopter confirmed the existence of the crater.

The article points out the significant delays in the official process. The company had informed the Munich-Land Trade Supervision Office of the planned blasting on March 4th, well in advance. This office forwarded the "blasting notice" to the relevant district office in Starnberg on February 17th. However, it took until March 2nd for the notice to be processed and forwarded to the municipality of Andechs and the Herrsching police. The delay is attributed to the workload of the officials and the routine routing of correspondence through the Starnberg inspection office.

This bureaucratic inefficiency meant that authorities were initially unaware of the true nature of the event, leading to speculation about a meteorite or even UFOs. The article suggests that experts who were discussing meteorites on television the previous evening might have doubted the meteorite theory from the start. The Land Bayern (Bavaria) intends to file a lawsuit against the blasting company.

UFO Over Czech Republic: Not a UFO, but a Rocket

Another report debunks a New Year's Eve sighting from 1994/1995 in the Czech Republic. Information obtained by the ZARE project indicated that an unknown oval object, initially dark and then illuminated around its circumference, was observed. A witness from Litomysl described the object as "pushing the light ahead of it" and felt it was rotating in the air. The object's trajectory was estimated to be from Litomysl towards Moravska Trebova, Polička, and Znojmo. However, the Ondřejov astronomical observatory and other sources confirmed that it was not a UFO but the re-entry of the remnants of a Russian Raduga-32 rocket. Thus, the UFO affair did not materialize.

Michael Hesemann's Lectures and Claims

The magazine features an account of a lecture given by ufologist Michael Hesemann in Mannheim. Hesemann, described as "Germany's leading UFO expert," presented his views on extraterrestrial life and UFOs. The article notes that Hesemann's tour aims to promote his work, drawing parallels to Adamski's lectures. Hesemann reportedly claims that UFOs are cautious and avoid direct contact due to Earth's warlike nature. He presented evidence, including photocopies of documents and film clips, which he interpreted as proof of extraterrestrial craft. The author of the article, however, expresses skepticism, likening some of the visual evidence to common objects like spinning tops, Maoam candies, or even a kitchen lamp.

Hesemann's lecture also touched upon the infamous Area 51 in Nevada, where he claimed that not only UFO wreckage is studied, but also that living extraterrestrials are kept there. He described these beings as varying in appearance, from "angelic blond creatures" to "dwarfs with arms down to their knees" weighing 17 kilograms. He speculated that some extraterrestrials might have interbred with humans, potentially explaining the human race's existence, and that some might be living among us, perhaps as dentists, landlords, or bosses.

The article contrasts Hesemann's claims with scientific perspectives, noting that while science does not deny the possibility of life on other planets, it points to the vast distances involved, making reciprocal visits extremely difficult.

Space Exploration Updates

The issue also includes brief updates on space exploration:

• Mars Pathfinder: Scheduled for launch in November 1996 for Mars surface exploration.
• MELVS Program: NASA has contracted McDonnell Douglas for two probes: Mars Global Surveyer (ordered in July) and Mars Pathfinder (ordered in December 1996). Both will be launched using Delta-II rockets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of cenap-intoline exhibits a critical stance towards sensationalism and unverified claims, particularly in the context of UFO phenomena. The magazine prioritizes debunking hoaxes and scrutinizing official explanations, as seen in the Andechs incident and the Czech Republic sighting. It highlights the role of bureaucracy in potentially obscuring or delaying the truth. While reporting on ufologist Michael Hesemann's lectures, the article maintains a skeptical tone, questioning his evidence and interpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and scientific inquiry, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown and the potential for misinterpretation or deliberate deception. The inclusion of space exploration news provides a contrast between actual scientific endeavors and speculative UFO theories.