CENAP Infoline - no 032

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: nr. 32
Date: February 10, 1996

This issue of cenap-infoline, a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, critically examines a recent ARD/NDR television broadcast titled 'Rohde's UFO-Seifenoper' and reports on a significant meteorite event in Japan.

Criticism of ARD/NDR's 'Rohde's UFO-Seifenoper'

The main article, written by 'hkc', expresses strong disapproval of the ARD/NDR UFO documentary aired on February 7, 1996. The broadcast, which was delayed due to a plane crash report, featured content described as 'MUFON-CES's Computer-Toast-UFO' and a hypnosis session led by Professor Claus Bick. The author dismisses the presented 'alien evidence' as unconvincing and calls for the responsible parties to 'pack their bags and fly away with these aliens'.

Following this, a section titled 'Kritisch ferngesehen' (Critically Watched) presents a review of the program "Von Ufos entführt" (Abducted by UFOs) by ARD/NDR. The review notes the long-standing public fascination with UFOs and alien encounters since the moon landing. It highlights testimonies of alleged abductions, such as Christiane F.'s account of being operated on aboard a spaceship. Despite psychological tests not identifying witnesses as liars or mentally ill, the program used computer-generated images to illustrate the fantastical stories. The review concludes that UFOs, like horoscopes, challenge the intellect and that believers remain unconvinced by rational arguments.

Manfred Riepe, writing for the Frankfurter Rundschau, likens the ARD feature to 'Monty Python's Flying Circus,' but states it was not intentionally comedic. He describes the program as a blend of synthesized music, trick films, and expert interviews, creating a 'TV encounter of the fourth kind.'

The CENAP organization, represented by Werner Walter and Hansjürgen Köhler, also issued a strong critique. Walter, an 'alien hunter,' expressed disbelief after the broadcast, calling it a 'tremendous waste of license fees.' He accused Heinz Rohde of sensationalizing known abduction cases and falling for 'earthly ufologists.' Walter argues that the ARD should have focused on the psychological reasons why people believe they are abducted by aliens, rather than presenting unsubstantiated claims. He suggests that many UFO sightings are misinterpretations of mundane phenomena like the moon, aircraft, or city lights, especially when combined with psychological predispositions.

Meteorite Incident in Kanto, Japan

Several articles report on a significant event in Japan on Sunday, February 4, 1996. A glittering, unidentified object was sighted falling from the sky over the Kanto region, specifically Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, around 4:21 p.m. The object exploded with a loud bang, heard across five prefectures, and left a white plume of smoke. This event was reported by numerous residents and even a passenger plane crew.

Astronomers and experts, including Sadao Murayama of the National Science Museum and Professor Hiroshi Takeda from the University of Tokyo, suggested the object was likely a large meteorite, or 'bolide.' A 19-year-old student, Ryutaro Araki, found a meteorite-like object in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, which resembled half an egg, measured 3.5 to 5 cm, and weighed about 60 grams. Scientists later confirmed it was a meteorite. The object retained some warmth and had a dark surface.

The phenomenon was described by witnesses as a 'shooting star' or 'fireball' with sparks, falling at a low altitude (around 30 kilometers), which is characteristic of bolides. Unlike typical meteors that burn up higher, bolides can reach lower altitudes and cause sonic boom-like explosions due to atmospheric friction. The widespread reports and the unusual daylight sighting made this event notable.

Other Content

The issue includes a TV tip for a program titled 'Auf Du und Du mit Außerirdischen' (On First-Name Terms with Aliens) airing on February 16, 1996.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards sensationalized UFO reporting, particularly from mainstream media like ARD and NDR. It champions a more rational and scientific approach, often highlighting the role of psychological factors and misidentification in alleged UFO encounters. The publication also serves as a platform for reporting on actual astronomical events, such as the meteorite fall in Japan, while maintaining its focus on UFO phenomena and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigative journalism within the UFO field, aiming to debunk hoaxes and provide grounded explanations.