CENAP Infoline - no 047

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: nr. 47
Date: 3. November 1996

This issue of cenap-infoline, a German-language publication focusing on UFOs and related phenomena, critically examines claims linking astronauts and UFO sightings. It questions the validity of photographic evidence presented by ufologists and highlights instances where alleged UFOs are explained as natural phenomena or equipment malfunctions.

Astronauts and UFOs: A Critical Look

The lead article, "ASTRONAUTEN UND UFOS," addresses the long-standing connection between astronauts and the UFO scene, questioning the credibility of reports that claim astronauts have witnessed or photographed UFOs. The magazine criticizes sensationalist media outlets like FREIZEIT-REVUE and Bild-Zeitung for publishing unsubstantiated stories. It argues that the 'evidence' often consists of blurry photos, overexposures, reflections, and ice crystals, which ufologists interpret as UFOs due to a perceived lack of better evidence. The article specifically debunks claims made by former NASA employee Richard Hoagland, who presented enlarged images from Apollo-12 astronaut Conrad's helmet visor as evidence of alien artifacts. The author asserts these are clearly the control nozzles of the lunar module, something a NASA employee should recognize.

Debunking Specific Claims

The article further scrutinizes claims made in publications like the US- St. Louis UFO-Group's "The UFO Enigma." It dismisses reports of NASA shuttle missions (STS-73 and STS-78) encountering UFOs, attributing them to misinterpretations of ice crystals or satellite malfunctions. The magazine also addresses the alleged 'Star-War' incident involving Atlantis in 1995, explaining it as a misidentification of ice crystals detaching from shuttle thrusters, not laser weapons targeting UFOs.

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an interview with former US astronaut Col. James B. Irwin, conducted by CENAP in Schwaigern, Germany, on March 29, 1985. Irwin, author of "UFOs - Fact or Fantasy?", states that while millions of sightings have been reported, about 95% are explainable. He denies any knowledge of astronauts seeing alien spacecraft, attributing such reports to misidentifications of space debris, dust, or ice particles. He explicitly states, "No!" when asked if he had ever seen something that could be called a UFO.

Space and Scientific Discoveries

Beyond UFOs, the magazine touches upon astronomical events. An article titled "Es regnet Sternschnuppen" (It's raining shooting stars) discusses the Leonids meteor shower, expected to peak around November 16-17, 1996, and its origin from comet 55/P Tempel-Tuttle. It notes that the last spectacular shower occurred in 1966, with a remarkable event in 1866 seeing over 5000 Leonids per hour.

Another section, "Neuer Planet eiert um seine Sonne" (New planet orbits its sun), reports on the discovery of a new, large planet outside our solar system by US astronomers. This planet, located in the Cygnus constellation, is described as being 1.5 times the size of Jupiter with an unusual, egg-shaped orbit causing extreme temperature fluctuations.

Mars: The Smelly Neighbor?

The article "Der Mars - ein alter Stinker?" (Mars - an old stinker?) explores the possibility of life on Mars. It discusses a rock found in Antarctica, identified as originating from Mars, which contained traces of methane gas. British scientists suggest this gas could be produced by bacteria, similar to early life on Earth. The article speculates that if life existed on Mars, it might have seeded Earth via meteorites, and that microscopic life could survive in the vacuum of space.

CENAP Publications and Events

The issue also promotes CENAP's activities and publications. A notice announces the second edition of the CENAP book "UFOs - Die Wahrheit" (UFOs - The Truth) is in print, with photos from a book promotion at the Frankfurt Book Fair. The magazine also provides information about the CENAP-Report, a tri-weekly international UFO scene newsletter, and details on how to subscribe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly those involving astronauts and space missions, and the promotion of CENAP's research and publications. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of unsubstantiated UFO reports, favoring scientific explanations and debunking sensationalist claims. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical analysis and source verification in the study of UFO phenomena.