CENAP Infoline - no 062

Magazine Overview

This issue of cenap-infoline, number 62, dated July 29, 1997, focuses on a variety of topics related to unexplained phenomena, space exploration, and media coverage. The cover prominently features a section titled 'Die Mars - Chroniken Teil-2' discussing the 'Sojourner' rover's activities on Mars, alongside smaller UFO-related imagery and a brief mention of 'Skyweek'. The issue also includes articles on UFO sightings in Germany, critical reviews of television programs about mysteries, and expert opinions on space safety.

The Mars Chronicles: Sojourner's Autonomy

The lead article, 'Die Mars - Chroniken Teil-2', details the 'Sojourner' rover's activities on Mars on July 27th. It highlights that the rover autonomously investigated the rock 'Souffle', a significant step as it was previously controlled from Earth. This mission was part of the 'Pathfinder' probe's deployment on the red planet.

TV Criticism: 'Mysteries' on RTL

An article titled 'MYSTERIES IN RTL: UNER-DRAEGER-LICH' by Birgit Spaeth critiques the RTL television show 'Mysteries'. The author describes the show as hectically moderated with inarticulate guests and artificial film segments. The report questions the validity of cases presented, noting that many date back 15-30 years and lack concrete evidence. The use of cheap effects and staged scenes is criticized, suggesting that the show fails to offer credible insights into unexplained phenomena.

The Star Capella as a UFO

Several articles address a widely reported UFO sighting in the Pfalz region. 'MYSTERIUM: UFO CAPELLA' by Klaus Ebrecht and 'UFO über der Kurpfalz? Es ist der Stern „Capella"' by Christoph Koenigs explain that the object observed was not an extraterrestrial craft but the star Capella. Werner Walter from the CENAP institute is cited as identifying the phenomenon. Capella, being the second brightest star after Sirius, appears to twinkle intensely due to atmospheric light refraction, leading to misidentification as a UFO. The articles mention that similar sightings have occurred in the past, including one involving Jimmy Carter.

CENAP: Investigating UFOs

'Fliegende Untertassen kreisen meist nur in den Köpfen' by Michael Konrad profiles Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP in Mannheim. Köhler, a hobby ufologist, has investigated over 1800 reported UFO sightings in Germany over 20 years, often finding mundane explanations. The article details cases such as a 'party gag' hot air balloon mistaken for a UFO and 'sky trackers' from a discotheque causing confusion. CENAP maintains contacts with observatories, air traffic control, and police to clarify sightings. Köhler emphasizes that 'UFOs originate in the mind' and that people often mystify their experiences. He also recounts his own journey from a UFO believer to a skeptic after investigating a reported UFO incident in 1976 that turned out to be a mini hot air balloon.

Werner Walter: The UFO Skeptic

'Ein Licht am Himmel bringt Werner Walter häufig um den Schlaf' by Klaus Gaßner focuses on Werner Walter, a businessman from Mannheim who runs a UFO hotline (0621/701370) and has established a research network called 'Cenap' with 60 members. Walter systematically collects and analyzes UFO observations, often debunking them. He is described as a 'greatest UFO skeptic' and has been criticized for his rational explanations. The article highlights his role in identifying the star Capella as a misidentified UFO and a circus spotlight reflected in clouds as another unexplained phenomenon. Walter believes that all celestial phenomena have natural explanations and has even been taken to court by a UFO believer, which he won.

Space Safety Concerns: The Mir Space Station

'>>Ein Breakdown führt zum nächsten<<' features an interview with American space expert James Oberg, who criticizes the Russian space agency and NASA regarding the safety of the Mir space station. Oberg argues that Mir is experiencing a series of breakdowns due to insufficient funding and maintenance, leading to a dangerous situation. He points out that the Russian space agency lacks the financial means to maintain the station and has lost significant personnel. Oberg also criticizes NASA for downplaying the risks and attributes the continued involvement in the Mir program to diplomatic pressure from the White House, aiming to undermine Russia's independent space industry. He suggests that Russia should consider abandoning Mir before further embarrassing incidents occur.

Other News Items

• 'Flitzte ein UFO unterm Jet durch?': Reports a sighting of an unidentified object by two Aer Lingus pilots over Middle England, which was not detected by radar.
• 'Esoterik-Markt soll überprüft werden': A report from Bonn suggests that alchemists, spiritual healers, and other alternative therapy providers should be better regulated to protect consumers, noting the significant market size of alternative healing methods.
• 'Feuertests im All': Astronauts on the space shuttle 'Columbia' discovered that fires in space produce flames twice as long and more soot than fires on Earth.
• 'Columbia kehrt aus dem All zurück': The US space shuttle 'Columbia' successfully returned to Earth after a 16-day mission involving 33 experiments, including studies on flames and metals in zero gravity.
• 'Satellit Jagt Hale-Bopp': The US space shuttle 'Discovery' is scheduled to launch a satellite to observe Comet Hale-Bopp.
• 'Kartoffelförmiger Medienstar': Asteroid number 3753, a potato-shaped object, is discussed as a 'second moon' of Earth. Astronomers Paul Wiegert and his colleagues have studied its co-orbital resonance with Earth, noting that it comes within 15 million kilometers of Earth every 385 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a skeptical approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing rational explanations and debunking sensationalist media portrayals. CENAP, through its various publications and activities, positions itself as a source for scientifically grounded investigations into unexplained events. The magazine also touches upon broader themes of space exploration, the politics of international space cooperation, and the regulation of alternative healing practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and seek evidence-based understanding.