CENAP Infoline - no 049

Magazine Overview

This issue of cenap-infoline nr.49, dated December 15, 1996, delves into a variety of topics related to UFOs, space phenomena, and scientific discoveries.

Der Meteor (!), der 2x kam

The lead article describes a remarkable event on October 3, 1996, where a meteor, estimated to be the size of a car, entered Earth's atmosphere over the USA. It was initially slowed down, orbited the Earth for 100 minutes, and then re-entered the atmosphere over California. The event caused a significant light show and a sonic boom detected by seismographs. The article notes that a similar, though less dramatic, event occurred on August 10, 1972. Experts anticipate a possible return of this meteor in the summer of 1997. A reward of $5000 was offered for the first substantial find of the meteor. The initial entry occurred near Las Cruces, New Mexico, with the meteor breaking apart over Texas. It then re-entered over the Pacific, crossed the Californian coast, and exploded over the Sierra Nevada, with debris possibly falling in Rose Valley.

Überraschung am Morgenhimmel

This section recounts a personal sighting on September 9, 1996, near Mainz, Germany. The author, intending to observe planetary alignments, awoke to a bright light in the sky that left a glowing trail for approximately 30 seconds. The object was estimated to be very bright (-13m magnitude) and appeared northeast of Aldebaran. The author laments missing a closer look at what was likely a significant celestial event.

UFO über Chile

A wave of UFO reports in Chile was triggered by the launch of a Russian rocket on August 14, 1996, which deployed a military communications satellite. The illuminated exhaust plume of the rocket, combined with the release of the film 'ID-4', fueled the reports.

EvD: Außerirdische ! - Kommen sie zurück ? Olle Kamelen als Neu verkauft

This article critiques a television program on RTL titled 'Die Nacht, in der sie uns besuchen' (The Night They Visit Us), which featured Erich von Däniken presenting what he claimed were new proofs of extraterrestrial life. The author argues that the program recycled old speculations from Däniken's previous films and failed to provide new evidence, even re-examining the 'Nazca landing strips' and a 'pyramid-robot discovery'. The article criticizes the AAS (presumably an organization) for not providing new information and for continuing to speculate rather than focusing on facts.

Erich von Däniken's upcoming TV special on RTL, 'Außerirdische – Kommen sie zurück?', is also mentioned. The 61-year-old specialist in extraterrestrials planned to take viewers on a journey to underground cities in Turkey, figures in Peru, and pyramids in Egypt. The article notes that the show might be followed by more episodes.

A separate commentary on the RTL program, titled "Außerirdische – kommen sie zurück?" (RTL), expresses a critical view of Erich von Däniken. The author suggests that while a space probe has detected evidence of extraterrestrial life (a molecule), Däniken's presentation relies on old material and presents a view of humans as descendants of a superior alien civilization. The commentary expresses doubt about the perfection of these aliens, given humanity's imperfections.

Bildmanipulation der NASA ?

This section raises questions about NASA's alleged photo manipulation, citing a report from the radio show 'UFOs Saturday Night'. A former NASA contract employee, Donna Tietze, claimed to have worked in photo development for the Apollo program and alleged that certain images, particularly those of celestial bodies or anomalies, were retouched or 'erased' before public release. She also mentioned hearing from someone who monitored Apollo astronauts during quarantine that their moon missions were accompanied by flying saucers and that the astronauts were aware of these aliens.

Hoagland von der NASA verbannt!

Richard Hoagland was officially banned from NASA's press center for the Mars Pathfinder launch. Hoagland, who intended to broadcast a commentary via satellite, was not accepted as a press representative by NASA. This led Hoagland to call for ufologists to protest to NASA Chief Dr. Dan Goldin and NASA PR representative Laurie Boeder, citing the US Constitution. The article notes that in Germany, Hoagland's views are considered by some to be those of a 'spinner', while others question if he might be right, particularly regarding his theories about the 'Face on Mars' and astronaut visors.

Marssonde 96

The Russian Mars probe 'Mars 96', which crashed shortly after launch, is believed to have landed in Bolivia, near the Chilean border. The probe carried 200 grams of plutonium. Bolivian security forces and Russian representatives were dispatched to recover it. Environmentalists expressed concern about a potential catastrophe if the plutonium were released.

Drängelei im Weltraum

On November 25, 1996, the research satellite 'Wake Shield' came within three meters of the US space shuttle 'Columbia' in orbit, causing a brief moment of alarm for scientists.

Riesen-Hantel rast auf die Erde zu

The asteroid 'Toutatis' (number 4179), an unusually shaped object nearly eight kilometers long, passed Earth at a distance of 4.8 million kilometers on December 2, 1996. Astronomers noted that an impact from Toutatis would have the explosive force of thousands of nuclear bombs.

USA TODAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1996 - On the way to Mars

The Mars Pathfinder probe was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a mission to Mars, with a planned landing on July 4. The probe carries NASA's first planetary rover.

'97 probe could crack moon-ice question

Radar findings from the Department of Defense spacecraft Clementine, launched in January 1994, suggest the presence of ice at the moon's shadowy south pole. The area in question is about four football fields in size and 16 feet deep. Scientists are debating whether this is indeed ice or could be explained by rocks. The Lunar Prospector spacecraft, scheduled for launch in 1997, is expected to provide a definitive answer. If water ice is confirmed, it could be used for future moon exploration, providing oxygen and hydrogen for rocket fuel.

Entdeckt: Eis auf dem Mond

This article, from USA TODAY, discusses the Clementine mission's radar findings suggesting ice on the moon's south pole. It highlights the potential significance of this discovery for future space exploration, including the possibility of creating a 'filling station' on the moon. The article also touches upon the UN Outer Space Treaty, which could affect the exploitation of lunar resources.

Vom UFO entführt - zum Glück war er versichert

Joseph Carpenter, a 23-year-old from London, reportedly insured himself for 260 Marks annually against abduction by aliens. He later claimed to have been abducted by aliens in a wedge-shaped spacecraft and provided 'evidence' to the insurance company 'GRIP', demanding 2.5 million Marks.

Neue Theorie: Sternencrash schuld am Tod der Saurier

Israeli scientists from the Haifa Institute for Space Research propose a new theory for the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago: a collision between two neutron stars in space. The resulting explosion and radiation are believed to have caused dust and gases to enter the atmosphere, plunging the planet into darkness and cold, leading to the extinction of plant life and dinosaurs.

Lüftet ein Roboter das Geheimnis des Mars?

The Mars Pathfinder probe launched on December 3, 1996, carrying the 'Sojourner' rover. The rover is designed to navigate the Martian terrain and search for signs of past life. The mission is a collaboration involving NASA and the Max Planck Institute for Aeronomy.

6500 Mark Finderlohn für Meteoriten

A reward of 6500 Marks is being offered for the recovery of a meteorite that fell in Greenland. The meteorite's impact was described as sounding like a jumbo jet crashing, but initial searches by locals and a helicopter were unsuccessful.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of space, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a clear interest in reporting on both scientific missions and anecdotal accounts of UFO sightings and encounters. The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance, presenting various theories and findings while also questioning unsubstantiated claims, particularly those related to NASA's image handling and the more speculative aspects of ufology. The inclusion of personal accounts alongside scientific reports suggests an aim to cover the breadth of public interest in these subjects.