CENAP Infoline - no 039

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: nr.30
Date: 10. Juni 1996

This issue of cenap-infoline, dated June 10, 1996, covers a range of topics including alleged alien activity, astronomical sightings, space exploration, and scientific advancements.

"Ziegensauger" Phenomenon

The issue begins with a report from Cologne concerning an "Einlage" (insert/feature) on RTL news about a "Ziegensauger" (Goat Sucker) in Mexico. This alleged creature, possibly an alien from deep space, is said to have killed over 40 goats. The article questions whether this is a developing legend or a factual account, noting the testimony of a goat farmer and a witness who claims to have seen a mythical creature. The author, hkc, criticizes the journalistic approach, suggesting that sensationalism is prioritized over journalistic duty and caution, with news of unemployment, austerity plans, war, and peace preceding this 'horror scenario'.

UFO Sighting: Fireball over Mannheim

Another report, also by hkc, details a sighting in Mannheim on May 23, 1996, at 20:50 MEZ. A fireball was observed penetrating a closed grey cloud layer. The yellowish-white object was visible for 1-2 seconds, illuminating the cloud deck. Its flight direction was east, towards Schrießheim/Bergstraße. The observer, who has seen shooting stars before, found this event particularly fascinating and surprising because it occurred through clouds. The fireball was estimated to be the size of a pinhead at arm's length.

Space Exploration News

Columbia Mission: The US space shuttle "Columbia" is scheduled for a mission lasting longer than any previous shuttle flight, with a planned 17-day duration in space. The launch was set for June 20, 1996, with a seven-member crew. The mission's duration depends on onboard energy reserves. This would be the longest flight in the 15-year-old space shuttle program. The shuttle will carry a European-built laboratory for studying the effects of space travel on humans and animals.

Endeavour Space Experiment: The crew of the US space shuttle "Endeavour" successfully captured a satellite that served as a platform for an experimental inflatable antenna. This antenna, deployed in space, was inflated with nitrogen to the size of a tennis court. Over Australia, at an altitude of nearly 300 kilometers, the antenna was tested for over an hour. Depending on the viewing angle, it resembled a flat parachute or a trampoline. The antenna, designed to be lighter, cheaper, and more durable than traditional structures, was unable to transmit signals due to its construction. However, NASA was optimistic about the test, with project manager Steven Bard stating it was "quite close to a complete success." Commander John Casper described the sight as "simply fantastic."

DarkStar Drone Crash: The DarkStar reconnaissance drone, developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing, crashed during its second flight on April 22. This setback further delays the program, which was already behind schedule. The DarkStar is designed for low detectability and has a flight duration of approximately eight hours. The article notes that the drone's first launch was on March 29 at Edwards AFB.

Aerodynamics Calculation Error: A significant aerodynamic equation, used by aircraft manufacturers for 60 years, has been found to be incorrect. Mathematicians at the University of California, Berkeley, calculated that the forces exerted by airflow on a wing are higher than predicted by the current formula. This error might explain why heat shield tiles fell off during early space shuttle flights. However, aircraft are considered safe because designers incorporate a safety margin in their calculations.

Physics Research: The Primordial Soup

Heidelberg Congress: Approximately 600 nuclear physicists from 30 countries gathered in Heidelberg to discuss recent advancements. For about a year, it has been possible at CERN to collide heavy atomic nuclei (from lead or gold) at near light speed. This process, which requires nuclei to collide at high velocities to break down into their original components, was previously only possible with lighter nuclei like hydrogen. The collision of heavy nuclei creates a tiny fireball for a fraction of a second, possessing properties similar to the 'primordial soup' from which the universe is believed to have originated. This allows for the study of primitive matter, from which atoms, molecules, and vacuum emerged.

Challenges and Future Prospects: Professor Hans Jörg Specht of GSI Darmstadt acknowledged the difficulty in studying these fleeting fireballs, which exist and disappear before a second elapses. The existence of these 'primordial building blocks' (quarks) is inferred from the traces they leave. Reinhard Stock, a physicist from Frankfurt, explained that the collision of two lead nuclei produces thousands of new particles, detectable only indirectly. While the existence of quarks is proven, their unbound state in the primordial soup remains unclear. However, nuclear physicist Helmut Satz expressed optimism, with initial results expected during the Heidelberg Congress. The completion of a $500 million super-collider in the USA in 1999 is anticipated to further unlock the secrets of primordial matter.

JPL and UFO Information

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is responsible for marketing NASA information and imagery through its "Public Services Office." CENAP received a form letter from JPL in response to an inquiry about Mars photos (currently unavailable). This letter included a section for UFO inquiries, which CENAP interprets as evidence of a cover-up and a sign of JPL being "annoyed." The form letter's response to UFO questions is: "JPL has no information regarding Unidentified Flying Objects."

Ariane 5 Rocket Failure

Expensive Detonation: The European Ariane 5 rocket program, involving 14 European nations, has incurred significant costs. The development of Ariane 5 since 1985 cost eleven billion Marks, with Germany contributing over two billion. The loss of the Ariane 501 rocket alone cost approximately 230 million Marks, plus an additional 850 million Marks for its four cluster satellites. The rocket's flight was normal for the first 31 seconds, with no strong vibrations or noises. However, after 37 seconds, all thrusters inexplicably swiveled to their maximum extent. After 41 seconds, the onboard computer "neutralized" the out-of-control rocket, leading to its destruction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers a mix of sensational and speculative topics (like the "Ziegensauger") alongside factual reporting on space exploration, scientific research, and technological developments. There's a critical undertone regarding media sensationalism and a perceived lack of transparency from institutions like JPL regarding UFO information. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about a wide spectrum of phenomena, from the unexplained to cutting-edge science and technological failures.