CENAP Infoline - no 048

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: nr. 48
Date: 26. November 1996

This issue of cenap-infoline, published by CENAP, focuses on the UFO conference held in Lyon, France, from November 9-11, 1996. It highlights the cross-border collaboration between the French UFO research group SOS-OVNI and CENAP, detailing their joint efforts in case research and participation in astronomical observation nights.

Lyon UFO Conference

The conference in Lyon provided an opportunity for personal exchange and better understanding between the French and German UFO research communities. CENAP's participation was a result of a three-year invitation from their French colleagues. The article mentions the "French astronomical observation night in summer" organized by SOS-OVNI near Strasbourg, which CENAP has been a part of. This event included an explanation of the night sky using a "tactile star map" created by Dominic Schall, which was even reported on by Alsace-TV. The authors note that German astronomers are hesitant to adopt such initiatives in Germany but express hope for future collaboration.

During the conference, attendees from France, Belgium, and Switzerland were given a presentation by CENAP, translated simultaneously, offering insight into their work and German UFO phenomena. Perry Petrakis, the head of SOS-OVNI, was also introduced.

Presentations and Research

A notable presentation was given by Robert Roussel from French TV-a2, who examined the work of CEPRA/GEPAN, the state-funded UFO research organization within CNES. It was revealed that only 18 cases had been investigated by a single researcher, Valasco, who provided explanations for 80% of them, leaving 20% unexplained. In one "UFO landing" case, CEPRA found no explanation, but a private investigation discovered rubber brake marks. CNES declined to comment on this private investigation.

Roussel's public disclosure of his research reportedly led to threats of legal action from Valesco/CEPRA, which the authors liken to similar situations in Germany where UFOlogists avoid critical dialogue.

• Other presentations included:
• Tin Vankerkom (Belgium): A diploma thesis analyzing a case from the "Belgian wave" with a focus on "missing time" from a psychological perspective.
• Bruno Mancusi (Switzerland): A slide presentation of his independent investigation in Switzerland, which showed great dedication but left photos of Billy Meier uncommented. Mancusi also shared his experience with the Swiss Army, where he was shown 28 pages of declassified UFO files but was only allowed to transcribe them, not photograph them.
• Giorgio Pattera (Italy): A doctor from CUN/CISU who presented an interpretation of the Fatima events, which required significant tolerance but did not gain acceptance.

The three days were described as informative and a valuable personal learning experience, with the hope of repeating the event.

Other News Items

Historical Events

• The Great Explosion 65 Million Years Ago: An article discusses the impact of an asteroid in Yucatan, Mexico, 65 million years ago. British seismologists investigated the site, estimating the impact's speed and the crater's size. The event caused a "nuclear winter" due to dust and debris, leading to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Space Exploration

• Mars Probe Located: The out-of-control Russian Mars probe was located at a depth of 6000 meters in the Pacific Ocean, 3000 kilometers off the Chilean coast. Recovery was deemed impossible, and authorities planned to send ships to the crash site to rule out radioactive contamination.

• USA's Mars Mission: The NASA Mars probe "Pathfinder" was scheduled to launch on July 4, 1997. Strict safety protocols were in place for the scientists involved, including restrictions on eating, drinking, and personal hygiene products to prevent contamination of the Martian environment.

• Orfeus Telescope: The German space telescope Orfeus, part of the Astro-Spas satellite, delivered clear images of distant galaxies shortly after its mission began. It was deployed alongside the American Wake Shield Facility satellite.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

• Michael Knighton's Resignation: Michael Knighton, the boss of Carlisle United football club, resigned after claiming to have seen a UFO. He described a bright point that transformed into a triangle and moved at incredible speed, accompanied by a voice in his head. He expressed frustration that his account led to him being perceived as untrustworthy.

Astronaut Story Musgrave

Bittersweet Journey: The issue features an article about astronaut Story Musgrave, who was preparing for his sixth and likely final space mission aboard the shuttle Columbia at the age of 61. This mission would make him the world's oldest spacewalker, having previously helped repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Musgrave, who originally planned to be a neurosurgeon, joined NASA in 1967. His career has been marked by a deep passion for space exploration, which he views not as a job but as a calling to understand humanity's place in the universe. He expressed concerns about NASA's preparedness for the complex tasks of assembling the international space station and criticized the agency for becoming too political and shying away from bolder exploratory goals.

Musgrave also mentioned his belief in the possibility of advanced alien life and his intention to attempt telepathic communication during his final mission, describing it as a form of prayer and acknowledgment of their presence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO phenomena, international research efforts, and related scientific and historical topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, with a critical eye towards official explanations and a strong emphasis on the importance of passion and dedication in scientific pursuits, particularly in space exploration. The publication also seems to advocate for greater transparency and bolder exploration in space programs.