CENAP Infoline - no 073

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: 73
Date: April 19, 1998
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of cenap-infoline provides updates on space exploration, scientific discoveries, and controversial organizations.

Mars Face Debunked

The lead story addresses the long-standing mystery of the 'Mars face'. While previous low-resolution images from the Viking probe had led some to believe it was evidence of Martian civilization, new, high-resolution images from the Mars Global Surveyor probe, taken at an altitude of 370 km, have confirmed that the 'face' is merely a natural geological formation – a mountain range. The article notes that 'pyramid fields' also yielded disappointing results, ruling out any Martian inhabitants for the AAS (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für außerirdische Phänomene).

Space Technology and Incidents

Mir Space Station Docking Issue: The Mir space station faced a critical moment when the automated docking system of the Progress M-38 cargo ship malfunctioned. Mir commander Talgat Mussabajew had to take manual control of the spacecraft when it was only about 20 meters away to prevent a collision. This incident highlights ongoing issues with the Mir's systems, following a previous damage incident during a manual docking in the summer.

Mysterious Substance on Mir: During a spacewalk, two cosmonauts on the Mir station discovered a mysterious, white, foamy, and hard substance on the exterior of the spacecraft. The space center in Moscow had no immediate explanation for its origin.

New Satellite for Wildfire Monitoring: A new satellite, Spot-4, launched by the European Ariane rocket, is designed to monitor the ongoing wildfires in Southeast Asia. Orbiting at 800 km, the satellite will provide detailed images to help locate and combat fires more effectively. The satellite is also intended for monitoring grain cultivation in Europe and Asia.

Sun Temple Discovery in Egypt: Archaeologists in Egypt's Napta Basin have discovered remains of a sun cult site, possibly the world's oldest sun temple. The site features megalithic stones with astronomical alignments, similar to Stonehenge in England, suggesting it served a solar cult.

New Stars Discovered: Astronomers at the University Observatory Munich have discovered billions of previously unknown stars outside our galaxy.

Meteorite Impact: The massive meteorite that struck Mexico 65 million years ago, causing the extinction of dinosaurs, created a crater estimated to be 200 kilometers in diameter on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Holograms on Tesafilm: Scientists at the University of Mannheim have developed a method to store ten gigabytes of data on clear adhesive tape (Tesafilm) using digital holograms. This technology was showcased at the 'Cebit' exhibition.

Solar Research Satellite: NASA launched a satellite named 'Trace' to study the sun, focusing on the relationship between the sun's magnetic field and its corona.

Scientology Under Scrutiny

Hamburg Study on Scientology's 'Office of Special Affairs' (OSA): Hamburg's Interior Senator Hartmut Wrocklage presented a report from the Hamburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution, labeling Scientology not as a church but as a totalitarian psycho-corporation. The report details the activities of the 'Office of Special Affairs' (OSA), described as Scientology's intelligence agency, which allegedly engages in espionage, persecution of critics and defectors, and attempts to infiltrate governments, authorities, and businesses. The OSA is accused of using 'hate and propaganda' campaigns, such as a brochure distributed in 1993. The report estimates Scientology's membership in Germany to be under 10,000, with the OSA having about 100 members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The cenap-infoline consistently reports on space exploration, debunking popular myths (like the 'Mars face'), and highlighting technological advancements. It also takes a critical stance on organizations like Scientology, presenting findings from official investigations that portray them as potentially harmful entities rather than legitimate religious groups. The magazine appears to be a source for UFO and anomaly-related news, but also covers broader scientific and technological developments, often with a critical or investigative tone.