CENAP Infoline - no 055

Magazine Overview

This issue of cenap-infoline, dated April 6, 1997, with the issue number nr.55, is published by CENAP and focuses on a tragic event linked to UFO beliefs and delves into advancements in aerospace technology.

Trauriger Höhepunkt (Tragic Climax)

The lead article, 'Trauriger Höhepunkt,' reports on a tragic event where 40 people died due to a belief that a spaceship was flying in the tail of Comet Hale-Bopp, promising a better world. The author expresses dismay at the gullibility of people and criticizes 'UFO magazines' and 'non-fiction books' for fostering such charlatans and blind faith. The article questions how UFO scene promoters and 'soul sellers' will evade responsibility. It highlights that such issues are not confined to the US but are also present in Germany, referencing calls for evacuation by the 'Asthar-Gemeinde' and the spread of their ideology by individuals like Jörg Langbein, associated with 'UFO-Nachrichten.' The author urges for an end to these schemes and a distancing from such groups. It also calls for 'Weltreise-Michel' to separate himself from these storytellers and to inform his readers that Billy Meier's work is fraudulent, suggesting that publishers should recall these books and refund buyers. The piece concludes by emphasizing the importance of research over blind faith, urging skeptics to examine facts rather than being swayed by 'traveling fairytale uncles' or supporting sects with advertising for financial gain.

Selbstmörder wollten ins Ufo (Suicides wanted to go to UFO)

This section details the mass suicide of 39 members of the sect 'Himmelstor' (Heaven's Gate) in California. The members believed a spaceship in the tail of Comet Hale-Bopp would transport them to paradise. They were found dead in a villa near San Diego, having consumed a 'death cocktail' of vodka, pudding, and apple puree, with plastic bags over their heads to ensure death. The article notes that the group had packed luggage and money. The presumed leader, Marshall Applewhite, was among the deceased. Investigations suggest the members committed suicide in three groups, with subsequent members cleaning up the scene. The article mentions that some members had found instructions for suicide.

Kosmische Reise in eine andere Welt (Cosmic Journey to Another World)

This article elaborates on the 'Heavens Gate' sect, noting that their mass suicide was the largest of its kind in the USA and that the group had largely lived unnoticed in Rancho Santa Fe. The community is described as a refuge for the wealthy, with secluded properties and minimal interaction among residents. Sociologist Ronald Enroth comments that many pseudoreligious groups, before committing violent acts, remain unknown. He observes a trend of sects recruiting relatively affluent individuals from the middle class, rather than just those from fringe groups. The article draws parallels to the 1978 mass suicide of over 900 followers of Jim Jones in Guyana and the events in Waco. Hans-Peter Bartels, a sect representative for the state government of Schleswig-Holstein, believes a collective suicide of radical sect members is unlikely in Germany due to early warning systems and monitoring initiatives, although he acknowledges that groups anticipating the end of the world exist, but none are currently showing signs of 'active' behavior.

Mysteries (RTL)

This segment critiques the 'Mystery' wave on television, likening it to a return to the dark ages. It criticizes shows that feature discussions about ghosts, UFOs, clairvoyance, and magic, suggesting they contribute to phenomena like 'youthful Satanists' and the recent mass suicide. The author singles out 'Living Camera's' production, which featured 'test subjects' being moved by mediums, and criticizes presenter Jörg Draeger for his seemingly objective yet ultimately nonsensical commentary on 'psychics' in a competing magazine, 'Talk X.' The author sarcastically suggests that the self-exposure of these 'charlatans' saves critics the effort of debunking them.

Dark Skies - Tödliche Bedrohung (Dark Skies - Deadly Threat)

This is a TV program listing for the US mystery series 'Dark Skies,' which premiered in 1996. The plot involves a secret group called 'Majestic' uncovering an alien conspiracy where humans are implanted with alien organisms. The series is noted for its connection to the Hale-Bopp comet and its exploration of UFOs and alien secrets, particularly concerning Area 51.

Dreamland - Das Geheimnis von Area 51 (Dreamland - The Secret of Area 51)

This is a listing for a documentary about the UFO secrets of the US Army and Area 51, covering UFOs, aliens, and secret aviation technologies, with a report from an eyewitness.

DIE ERFOLGSMASCHE (The Success Machine)

This is a brief commentary on the TV series 'Dark Skies,' noting its inspiration from 'Akte X' and its premise of a couple investigating government cover-ups of alien activity. It highlights the series' attempt to weave UFO themes into American history, including the Kennedy assassination.

Spekulation: Alientechnology auf Area-51?

This article discusses a Pro-7 documentary about Area-51, a secret US Air Force base that has been the subject of wild UFO speculations. The author argues that phenomena observed there are not evidence of alien technology but rather test flights of the next generation of 'Stealth' aircraft. The article suggests that while UFO witnesses describe seemingly fantastic flight movements, these are often misinterpretations of helicopters or aircraft, with their perceived 'fantastic abilities' stemming from the observer's viewpoint. It references a CENAP archive for further details.

NASA and USAF develop ‘intelligence' for waverider

This article reports on NASA and the US Air Force developing an aircraft with a computerised flight-control system that can 'learn as it flies,' potentially for ultra-high-speed aircraft. The 2.54m-long aircraft, called the Low-Observable Flight Test Experiment (LoFLYTE), is being developed by Accurate Automation of Tennessee. The system uses neural networks to adapt the aircraft's control laws and optimize performance, with potential applications in hypersonic vehicles.

Das größte Geheimnis der US-Airforce (The US Air Force's Greatest Secret)

This section features an image of the 'Tacit Blue' aircraft, described as a stealth technology demonstrator developed by the US Air Force. The 17-meter jet, part of the 'Stealth' camouflage generation, is visible to enemy radar and was intended for espionage. Its development cost nearly 250 million Marks, but the defense ministry reportedly abandoned the plans in 1985, releasing the photo only recently. The article notes that the results of this project were ultimately incorporated into the B-2 flying wing design.

TACIT BLUE

This news item announces the unveiling of the 'Tacit Blue' stealth technology demonstrator at the USAF Museum at Wright Patterson AFB on May 22, 1996. It is described as a stealth technology demonstrator with Northrop as the prime contractor, and its results were incorporated into the B-2 flying wing design.

Lockheed Martin's Legacy

This section reflects on Lockheed Martin's position as a leading aerospace company, highlighting its involvement in projects like the U-2, F-117 upgrades, the X-33 space shuttle, F-22 production, and other classified projects. It notes the company's bright future despite uncertain national economies.

HALO and X-36

This section briefly mentions the HALO aircraft, which would be 58-ft long with a 20-ft wingspan and could be launched from a NASA/Lockheed SR-71A at Mach 3 and 70,000 ft. It also discusses the McDonnell Douglas X-36 drone, a tailless aircraft designed for stealth and agility, which began a six-month test regime at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the dangers of blind faith and gullibility in the context of UFO beliefs, exemplified by the 'Heaven's Gate' mass suicide. The magazine also explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with advanced aerospace technology and military projects, particularly concerning 'Stealth' aircraft and secret bases like Area-51. The editorial stance appears critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community, advocating for a more fact-based and skeptical approach, while also acknowledging the technological advancements in aviation. There is a clear distinction made between genuine research and what the author terms 'charlatanism' and 'blind faith.' The magazine also seems to have a critical view of certain television programs that sensationalize paranormal topics.