CENAP Infoline - no 099

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-INFOLINE
Issue: NR.99
Date: 24. November 1999

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena, astronomy, and related scientific topics.

Engelbert Aviles †

The issue opens with a heartfelt obituary for Engelbert Aviles, a friend and CENAP employee who passed away on November 17, 1999, at the age of 50. The text, written by Hansjürgen Köhler, fondly remembers Aviles's contributions to their UFO research, his helpfulness in organizational matters, and his role in translating the CENAP-Report-English-Summery. Aviles was also involved in the CENAP's alien abduction case, assisting with on-site investigations and translations. He was present at the SoFi event in France on August 11, 1999, and another event in Cröffelbach in late October. His sudden death was unexpected and deeply felt by his colleagues, who will miss him as a friend and comrade.

A photograph accompanies the obituary, showing Werner, Engelbert, Mirko, and Heike at the SoFi event in France on August 11, 1999. The caption for the photo on page 2, titled "SoFi / 11.08.1999," describes it as a look back at the event where a "beautiful lens cloud" appeared over the CENAP observation mountain. The accompanying images show a solar eclipse and what appear to be UFOs or unusual cloud formations.

Space Debris and Astronomy

An article titled "Die Forscher sind in Sorge" (Researchers are worried) from the "MORGEN" section (dated November 4, 1999) highlights the growing concern among scientists about space debris. According to UN data, over 8,000 to 9,000 objects larger than ten centimeters are cataloged in Earth's orbit, with an estimated 100,000 objects larger than one centimeter. These include spent rocket stages and defunct satellites. While the immediate danger to manned missions is considered low, the UN is increasingly focused on this issue, predicting a significant increase in orbital debris in the coming decades. The article notes that space debris has repeatedly caused problems for NASA's Space Shuttles, forcing them to perform evasive maneuvers and resulting in damage to over 60 shuttle windows.

Furthermore, space debris is increasingly hindering astronomical observations. Johannes Andersen, Secretary-General of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), stated that astronomers are the first to feel the effects because they observe faint celestial objects. The IAU is also concerned about experiments involving light reflection from space onto Earth and the growing number of artificial light sources on Earth, which worsen visibility for astronomers.

Technological Advancements

Another "MORGEN" article (November 11, 1999) introduces "The New Computer - As Small As a Dust Grain." It describes the work of electrical engineer Kris Pister from the University of California, Berkeley, who is developing micro-computers that are only 0.01 millimeters thick and about the size of a dust grain. These "intelligent dust" particles are envisioned to contain processors, sensors, lasers, and power supplies. Potential applications include use in shipping labels to track packages or being attached to fingernails to create "virtual input devices" for describing spatial figures or translating sign language.

Global Beliefs and Discoveries

Under the "MORGEN" banner (November 13, 1999), a brief report titled "US-Glaube: Außerirdische sind uns überlegen" (US Belief: Extraterrestrials are superior to us) states that 70% of Americans believe in extraterrestrials, with 80% of them convinced that alien life is superior. Around 60% believe Earth could be destroyed or conquered by aliens.

A "MORGEN" article from November 15, 1999, announces the first confirmed detection of an exoplanet. Greg Henry, an astronomer at the University of Tennessee, reported observing a star 153 light-years away where the light intensity decreased by 1.7%, indicating the presence of an unknown planet casting a shadow.

Astronomy Congress in Mannheim

The "MORGEN" section also reports that the next international congress of astronomers and planetarium experts will be held in Mannheim in 2002. Mannheim was chosen over Kolkata, India. Dr. Wolfgang Wacker, head of the Mannheim Planetarium, was elected Secretary-General of the International Association of Planetarium Directors, which likely influenced the decision.

Leonid Meteor Shower Observations

An article titled "Meteor-Sturm meist hinter den Wolken" (Meteor Storm Mostly Behind the Clouds) by Christel Heybrock (dated November 19, 1999) discusses the Leonid meteor shower. Dr. Walter Flury from the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt described it as the second-largest Leonid storm of the century, after 1966. Despite cloudy conditions in Germany, some scientists in Darmstadt were able to observe the shower. More successful observations were reported in Northern Germany, with rates of 1,000 to 2,000 meteors per hour. The ESOC also had observation stations in Spain (Calar Alto and Sierra Nevada) and Israel, where higher rates of meteors were recorded, with Málaga reporting up to 4,000 per hour. The article notes that the shower's peak lasted only about half an hour, and the hourly rate is calculated based on this duration.

The article also touches upon the complexity of predicting meteor showers, referencing a past anomaly in 1998. It mentions that the Hubble Space Telescope had an instrument failure and was placed in safety mode, with astronauts scheduled for maintenance in December to assess potential damage from particle impacts.

New US Bomber Concepts

A section titled "NEUE US-BOMBER?" (New US Bomber?) from "FLUG REVUE NOVEMBER 1999" discusses concept studies commissioned by the US Air Force from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman for a new strategic bomber potentially entering service around 2030. Northrop Grumman has revealed details about three options: a subsonic design (flying wing), an aircraft with supercruise capabilities (supersonic flight), and a hypersonic concept capable of flying at speeds over Mach 5. The studies are exploring whether these vehicles will be manned or unmanned and the type of armament they will carry, with stealth capabilities remaining a priority.

Contacting Aliens

Under the "WISSENSCHAFT AKTUELL" (Science Today) section, an article titled "Seid nett zu Aliens!" (Be nice to Aliens!) from "P.M." discusses how scientists from the US organization "Contact" are considering how humans should behave if extraterrestrials land. They warn against aggression, suggesting that aliens would likely possess superior weaponry. Instead, they advocate for a friendly greeting and cultural exchange, hoping to foster understanding and integration with these advanced visitors.

Other News Items

• Heaven's Gate Auction: An auction is announced for the belongings of 39 members of the "Heaven's Gate" sect who committed suicide over two years prior, believing they would be picked up by a spaceship.
• China's First Space Flight: China successfully launched its first unmanned spacecraft for a 21-hour orbital flight, a step towards manned space missions.
• Arianespace: Arianespace has resumed its launch operations after a four-month pause, successfully launching satellites for Indonesia, South Korea, and Loral Skynet. The next launch of Ariane 5 is scheduled for mid-December.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers topics related to UFOs, space exploration, astronomy, and emerging technologies. There is a clear interest in unexplained aerial phenomena, as evidenced by the obituary and the report on the SoFi event. The publication also keeps its readers informed about significant scientific developments, such as space debris, meteor showers, and new technological innovations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting both factual reports and speculative possibilities.