CENAP Infoline - no 093

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE, NR.93, dated June 30, 1999, is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related mysteries. The cover features several prominent headlines hinting at the diverse content within.

Articles and Features

Cryptozoology and Unexplained Creatures

"So was machen nur Briten! In Afrika auf Dino-Suche" (Published June 5, 1999, by BILD)

This article reports on a British search party, led by Adam Davies from Bramholl, venturing into the unexplored swamps of the Congo in search of dinosaurs. Davies believes that dinosaurs might have survived in this region. Eyewitness accounts describe a creature approximately ten meters long, resembling half elephant and half crocodile, known locally as "Mokele Mbembe" (River Monster). Zoologists, however, are skeptical, suggesting the sightings might be of a large python.

"Briten suchen Nessie im Kongo" (Published June 5/6, 1999, MORGEN MORGEN)

This brief report reiterates the story of a British search party looking for dinosaurs in the Congo, following unsuccessful attempts to find the Loch Ness Monster. The leader, Adam Davies, is quoted as believing in the existence of a creature resembling a half-elephant, half-crocodile.

Space Exploration and Phenomena

"Russen fürchten: Die „Mir" knallt auf die Erde!" (Published June 8, 1999, BILD)

This article details concerns from 31 Russian space scientists who fear that the 'Mir' space station cannot be guaranteed a controlled crash into the sea. Due to a lack of funding, the plan to safely de-orbit the 130-ton station, which is expected to fall to Earth in early 1999, is no longer feasible. The report draws a parallel to the uncontrolled crash of the 'Salyut-7' station in 1991.

"„Mir" bald ohne Crew" (Published June 9, 1999, MORGEN MORGEN)

The Russian space agency has approved plans for the 'Mir' space station to fly without a crew until early next year due to financial constraints. After that, the 14-year-old station will either be sunk in the Pacific or, if funds are found, be reoccupied by a new crew.

"Discovery kehrt zur Erde zurück" (Published June 5/6, 1999, MORGEN MORGEN)

The US space shuttle Discovery has undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) after a six-day visit. The seven-person crew delivered nearly two tons of equipment to the currently unmanned station. The ISS, consisting of two modules, is scheduled for further construction over the next six years, with a Russian service module to be added in the fall, preparing it for its first crew in spring 2000. The Discovery is expected to land in Florida.

"Weltraumteleskop „Hubble" fotografierte die Geburt und das Sterben der Sterne" (Published June 4, 1999, BILD)

This article highlights stunning images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing the birth and death of stars within the nebula NGC 3603. The images reveal stars in various stages of development, including the star 'Sher 25', described as an eight-million-year-old 'old-timer', and a cluster of hot, 'pubescent' young stars only a million years old. The gas cloud where baby stars are forming is also depicted.

"Russen planen Asteroiden-Frühwarnsystem" (Published June 16, 1999, BILD)

Russian space technicians are planning to implement a space-based early warning system to detect and track asteroids. This system, comprising satellites and space telescopes, aims to identify dangerous celestial bodies and, if necessary, deflect them from a collision course with Earth using nuclear missiles.

Media and Culture

"Verwirrend" (Published June 11, 1999, MORGEN MORGEN)

This column by Holger Gumprecht discusses the confusion surrounding the date August 11, which is associated with a solar eclipse, Nostradamus's prophecy of a cosmic catastrophe, and the 'Cassini' space probe carrying highly toxic plutonium. The author notes the conflicting opinions presented in a 3sat broadcast ('Sonnenfinsternis, Nostradamus und Plutonium') and expresses that the layman would find it difficult to draw clear conclusions.

"Enterprise-Arzt McCoy gestorben" (Published June 14, 1999, MORGEN MORGEN)

This obituary announces the death of actor DeForest Kelley, aged 79, in Los Angeles. Kelley was famous for his role as Dr. Leonard McCoy in the cult TV series and six 'Star Trek' films, often serving as the humane counterpoint to the logical Mr. Spock.

Upcoming Events

"Oktober-Tagung 1999: UFO-Begegnung" (Published October 1999)

This extensive article details the upcoming "UFO-Begegnung '99" conference, organized by CENAP and GEP, to be held on October 30-31, 1999, at the Hotel-Gasthof Ochsen in Cröffelbach, Germany. The event aims to bring together various UFO research factions for a relaxed exchange of ideas and information. The program includes presentations on UFO abductions (Prof. John Mack), Roswell and the US Air Force (Uli Thieme), the history of GEP (Hans-Werner Peiniger), and the Alien.De project (Martin Schädler). Other speakers will cover atmospheric phenomena, the SETI project, and UFO cases from Alsace. The event also features a 'live UFO launch' demonstration and a 'Mystery Night' focusing on unsolved CENAP and GEP cases. Practical information regarding accommodation, carpooling, and contact details is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers a range of topics beyond mainstream news, including cryptozoology (Nessie, Congo dinosaurs), space exploration with a focus on potential anomalies or dangers (Mir, asteroids), and the broader field of UFO research and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, often presenting different viewpoints (e.g., scientific skepticism vs. eyewitness accounts) and providing platforms for researchers and enthusiasts to share information, as evidenced by the detailed announcement of the "UFO-Begegnung '99" conference. There's an emphasis on information exchange and fostering discussion within the UFO community.