CENAP Infoline - no 072

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: 72
Date: April 5, 1998
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of cenap-infoline focuses on the integration of CENAP into the VdS Fachgruppe UFO and provides updates on various space exploration and astronomical topics.

VdS-Fachgruppe UFO Integration

The issue details the meeting between CENAP co-founder H. Köhler and the VdS (Vereinigung der Sternfreunde e.V.) board on March 21st at the Starkenburg-Sternwarte. CENAP, which already had good contacts with the German astronomy scene, proposed becoming a member of the VdS as the 'Fachgruppe UFO' (UFO Working Group). This was seen as a potential enrichment and positive influence on collaboration, especially given the existence of a VdS Fachgruppe for Pseudosciences (affiliated with GWUP). The VdS board accepted CENAP's proposal after reviewing H. Köhler's presentation and CENAP's latest case statistics. CENAP now considers itself a VdS Fachgruppe and looks forward to working with other VdS groups such as Atmospheric Phenomena, Dark-Sky, Sun, Comets, Amateur Telescopes, Planets, Radio Astronomy, Spectroscopy, Stellar Occultations, Deep-Sky, Kirchheim Observatory, Astrophotography, Small Planets, Pseudosciences, CCD Technology, and Computational Astronomy.

The VdS is described as the largest astronomical organization in German-speaking regions, comprising amateur astronomers, public observatories, planetariums, and professional astronomers. Its mission is to 'foster and promote popular astronomy' and 'disseminate astronomical knowledge.' The VdS emphasizes individual member support through direct assistance and personal contact at conferences, as well as through participation in the activities of its working groups (Fachgruppen). These groups encourage collaboration among observers and support them in active observation programs. The VdS's work is voluntary and benefits both amateur observers and the general public interested in astronomy. CENAP aligns with the VdS's goal of promoting astronomical knowledge and supports this through lectures at adult education centers, observatories, and planetariums.

The cenap-infoline itself is presented as a supplementary information source to the CENAP-Report, serving as the most current international UFO scene newsletter. It is planned for a 3-weekly release, with potential for shorter intervals. Hansjürgen Köhler is named as the responsible editor. Subscription is available for DM 30,- via bank transfer to Sparkasse Mannheim, Account No. 7810906, BLZ 67050101, with a note 'ci-abo' and a copy of the transfer or a postal order.

Space Exploration News

Voyager 1's Record Distance:

On February 19, 1998, the US probe "Voyager 1" was reported to have traveled over ten billion kilometers, becoming the farthest human-made object from Earth. Launched in 1977, it had covered 10.4 billion kilometers, surpassing the previous record held by "Pioneer 10." Even at the edge of the solar system, Voyager 1 continues to transmit data, though the signal is extremely weak. The signals take nine and a half hours to reach Earth. Onboard is a "message to the universe" consisting of images and sound documents.

Mars Pathfinder Mission Declared Dead:

NASA has officially declared the Mars probe "Pathfinder" lost. Despite waiting for a faint signal, scientists at the California control center in Pasadena gave up hope. The probe's main transmitter last sent a signal on September 27th, and an auxiliary transmitter on October 6th. Pathfinder had reached Mars on July 4, 1997, and sent back unprecedentedly high-quality images of the Red Planet.

Space Tourism Costs:

An article from March 9, 1998, suggests that in 20 years, space travel might become more accessible, with a flight costing around 180,000 Marks per person, compared to the current cost of approximately 18 billion Marks for a Space Shuttle flight. Another article from February 21, 1998, mentions a future possibility of "sightseeing in space" within three years, with a "space cruiser" carrying six passengers on short excursions. The machine would be launched by a carrier aircraft to 15,000 meters and then ascend to 100 kilometers for a few minutes of weightlessness before returning. The price for this experience is stated as 195,000 Marks per person.

Discovery of Water on the Moon:

According to data from a US probe, large quantities of frozen water have been discovered on the Moon, potentially facilitating its colonization and use as a base for space flights. Alan Binder of the California Institute for Lunar Research confirmed the presence of water. Scientists estimate the discovered water could sustain 2,000 people for over a century without recycling. Wojtek Markiewicz from the Max Planck Institute for Aeronomy noted the significance of finding water in the solar system. The water is believed to be mixed with lunar soil, with an estimated concentration of 0.3 to one percent. The Ames Research Center of NASA estimates between eleven million and 330 million tons of frozen water, primarily in the polar regions, likely deposited by meteorites and comets. This water is crucial for life support and can be processed into rocket fuel, offering significant cost savings for space missions.

The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to send a lander to the Moon in 2001 to explore the South Pole region.

Microphone for Mars:

Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a highly sensitive microphone for the next Mars landing mission in 1999. The "high-tech device," costing 180,000 Marks, can transmit all sounds with a 10-second delay to Earth. It is described as extremely durable. The goal is to listen for phenomena like electrical discharges and wind sounds, complementing visual data.

Messages to Extraterrestrials:

A service called "Encounter 2001," in collaboration with the space burial institute "Celestis," offers the possibility of sending hair samples to space for 50 dollars. The hope is that extraterrestrial beings could analyze the DNA in the hair to theoretically determine the composition of life on Earth.

Asteroid Threat and Reassessment

Asteroid 1997 XF11:

Initially, American astronomers identified an asteroid, designated 1997 XF11, that was predicted to pass dangerously close to Earth on October 26, 2028. Jack Hills, an asteroid specialist from the Los Alamos Observatory, stated that an object of its size (approximately 1.6 kilometers in diameter) passing so close was unprecedented and concerning, potentially causing widespread devastation. He estimated the impact energy would be equivalent to 320 million tons of dynamite, capable of causing massive tsunamis or creating a 32-kilometer wide crater and prolonged global darkness due to dust.

However, NASA experts later revised their calculations. Donald Yeomans from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory stated that the probability of a collision is "zero." The current estimate is that the asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of about one million kilometers. Earlier calculations by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics had suggested a closer pass, around 50,000 kilometers, prompting NASA to re-evaluate.

German experts had also previously indicated that the risk of collision was low. The asteroid, discovered on December 6th by University of Arizona specialists, will not be visible with most telescopes in the coming months. Its visibility will increase from 2000, with a closer pass predicted in 2002 at nearly ten million kilometers, allowing for radar tracking.

Scientists believe that past asteroid collisions have had catastrophic consequences, such as the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. An asteroid of XF11's size could have devastating climatic effects.

No Danger from All:

A brief note on March 14/15, 1998, states that the predicted asteroid impact is no longer a concern, as NASA scientists corrected earlier calculations.

Other Astronomical Discoveries

Ancient Galaxy Discovered:

US astronomers have discovered a small galaxy so distant that it offers new insights into the universe's origins. The galaxy is estimated to have formed approximately 820 million years after the Big Bang.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in space exploration, astronomical discoveries, and potential extraterrestrial phenomena. The integration of CENAP into the VdS suggests a move towards greater collaboration and organization within the amateur astronomy community in Germany. There is a clear focus on reporting scientific findings, such as the discovery of lunar water and the reassessment of asteroid threats, while also touching upon more speculative topics like space tourism and communication with extraterrestrials. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about significant developments in astronomy and space science, with a balanced approach to reporting potential risks and exciting discoveries.