CENAP Infoline - no 036

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: nr. 36
Date: April 28, 1996

This issue of cenap-infoline, a German publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, covers a range of subjects including television programming, debunked UFO claims, academic fraud, and technological advancements.

Television Programming and UFOs

The cover story announces a special "Night of the Aliens" on the German TV channel PRO-7 on May 2, 1996. The programming included the final episode of 'Akte X' (titled 'Anasazi'), the 1995 English documentary 'Roswell-Das Geheimnis der Aliens', and the 1980 science fiction film 'Die Rückkehr der Außerirdischen'.

Another article details the filming of a scene for the television crime drama 'Tod im All' (Death in Space) at the Planetarium Mannheim. The Südwestfunk team was involved in the production, and CENAP provided materials to help equip the office for the film. The article quotes actor Adolf Laimböck and director Thomas Bohn, hinting at the dramatic content of the film set to air in Spring 1997.

Debunking the Alien Autopsy Film

A significant section is dedicated to a film that was presented as an alien autopsy. The article, titled 'Wie im Lehrbuch' (Like in a Textbook), reveals that the supposed alien was, in fact, an erbkrankes Mädchen (a girl with a genetic disorder). Dermatologist Thomas Jansen from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität identified the subject as having Progeria, a rare condition causing rapid aging. Jansen explains that the physical characteristics seen in the film—such as the hairless body, aged facial features, disproportionately large head, beak-like nose, underdeveloped ears and mouth, and underdeveloped genitalia—are all consistent with Progeria. He also clarifies the apparent absence of a navel, explaining that the loss of subcutaneous fat in Progeria patients makes the skin appear taut, thus hiding the navel. The article notes that while ufologists and skeptics initially debated the film, Jansen's medical analysis provided a definitive explanation. The autopsy itself was described as professionally conducted, though the use of protective suits by the pathologists was deemed excessive, possibly due to fear of a new infectious disease or as a 'bad joke'.

Fake Doctorates and Academic Fraud

An article titled 'Der Dr. Titel' (The Dr. Title) reports on the issue of fake doctorates in Germany, citing a report from Der Spiegel (issue 17/1996). It states that obtaining a false doctorate is a lucrative and nearly foolproof business, with authorities struggling to control it. The article names Hans-Herbert Hain as a prominent figure in this trade, who died in August of the previous year. His computer files reportedly contain information on 800 clients in Germany. The report specifically mentions Johannes von Buttlar, described as a self-proclaimed astrophysicist and author, who allegedly purchased a 'Dr.rer.nat.' title for DM 9490 in November 1990. The article warns that using a false title is a criminal offense.

Scientific Discoveries and Technology

Under the 'Science & Technology' section, two brief reports are included:

1. Exoplanet Discovery: Herren Marcy and Butler, using the Lick Observatory's radial velocity program, have discovered a new extrasolar planet. This planet, with a mass of 0.8 Jupiter masses, orbits the sun-like star HR 3522 (also known as 55 Cancri) every 14.78 days. The star is part of a wide binary system with a red dwarf star, Gliese 324B, suggesting that wide binary systems can indeed host planets.
2. Brevel Drone: The article 'Fortschritte bei der Brevel-Drohne' (Progress with the Brevel Drone) discusses the development of the Brevel reconnaissance system by STN Atlas Elektronik and the French company Matra Defense. This system is intended for target acquisition and reconnaissance for the German and French armies, capable of operating in all weather conditions up to 30 km behind the front lines. The drone is equipped with a sensitive infrared camera that transmits real-time images to a ground station. Development began in November 1992, with troop trials scheduled for late 1997.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of cenap-infoline demonstrates a critical approach to UFO claims, as seen in the debunking of the alien autopsy film. It also highlights the magazine's interest in media portrayals of UFOs and science fiction. The inclusion of reports on academic fraud and scientific discoveries suggests a broader scope beyond just UFOlogy, encompassing areas of public interest and potential deception. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed skepticism, seeking factual explanations for phenomena and exposing fraudulent activities, while also acknowledging genuine scientific progress.