CENAP Infoline - no 103

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-INFOLINE
Issue: NR.103
Date: 2. Februar 2000
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE, dated February 2, 2000, serves as a supplementary information source to the CENAP-Report, focusing on UFO phenomena and related scientific developments. It addresses internal publication issues, provides updates on space exploration, and includes a report on a legal case.

Background and Personal Clarifications

The lead article, titled "Hintergrund" (Background), is a personal statement by Hansjürgen Köhler, who clarifies issues concerning the publication and distribution of the CENAP-Report (CR). Köhler addresses the reduced scope and split distribution of the CR, attributing delays to postal inefficiencies rather than his own shortcomings. He states that he has personally covered the significant postage costs for all issues up to CR-262, amounting to over 44,000 DM. Köhler expresses frustration with "know-it-alls" who spread rumors online and criticizes Werner (presumably the main CR publisher/editor) for questioning his work and support, which he believes led to Werner being "overwhelmed by the avalanche of costs." He explains that he refused to pay for the postage of CR-263, leading to Werner sending it directly to subscribers, resulting in a smaller distribution (35 instead of 120 regular copies). Köhler emphasizes that CENAP is a hobby and not a profit-driven organization, but he feels compelled to speak out when the fun is diminished by external interference and rumors.

Köhler further clarifies that he continues to receive and research UFO reports for CENAP, despite his contact information being removed from the CR for unknown reasons, assuring data confidentiality. He also announces that the CENAP-Infoline is available as a supplementary subscription for readers seeking information during CR publication pauses, even if Werner forgot to mention it in CR-264. He reiterates that the sole exchange/correspondence address for CENAP is now his personal address in Mannheim, not directly to Werner.

Köhler concludes by stating his preference for researching the UFO phenomenon over the "UFO politics" of certain individuals who act as if they are in a "government-tragedy of the parties."

Science & Technology: Space Exploration

Ocean on Jupiter's Moon Europa

Under the headline "Ozean im All entdeckt" (Ocean Discovered in Space), the issue reports on new findings from the Galileo probe regarding Jupiter's moon Europa. The probe, which has been orbiting Jupiter's moons for four years, has sent back data suggesting the presence of an extraterrestrial ocean beneath Europa's icy crust. The article highlights that where there is water, life could potentially develop. Galileo approached the moon within 350 kilometers, measuring its magnetic field. The data indicated that Europa's magnetic pole shifts every five and a half hours, described as being like "ice floes on the sea." NASA scientists in Pasadena believe these magnetic fluctuations are best explained by the crust resting on a conductive liquid, such as saltwater, with the ocean estimated to be an incredible 95 km deep. Further confirmation is expected when the "Europa Orbiter" mission, launched in 2003, completes its five-year journey.

Reusable Rocket Stage for Space Tourism

An article titled "Weltall-Tourismus rückt näher" (Space Tourism Moves Closer) details a planned world premiere in spaceflight history by Daimler-Chrysler Aerospace (Dasa) in Bremen, in collaboration with Russian engineers. The project aims to safely return a rocket upper stage to Earth using a newly developed heat shield. This is described as a "next big step" towards the future of space travel. The "Mission 2000" is scheduled to launch on February 9th aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket from Baikonour, Kazakhstan, with a project cost of approximately 3.5 million Marks. The Dasa and its partner, Lavochkin (a subsidiary of the Russian Space Agency RKA), have developed a heat shield that deploys shortly before atmospheric entry to act as a brake. The goal is to enable the reuse of systems, making space transport more cost-effective and potentially allowing private individuals to travel to space by the middle of the century.

Hubble Telescope Captures Dying Star

Under the headline "Hubble nimmt sterbenden Stern auf" (Hubble Captures Dying Star), the issue reports that NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is functioning perfectly again after repairs. The telescope has delivered exceptionally sharp images of a galaxy and a dying star. Astronauts from the Space Shuttle Discovery installed six new measuring devices before Christmas, which are crucial for targeting. NASA scientist Ed Weiler stated that the telescope is now better than ever thanks to the astronauts' work. Steven Beckwith, director of the Hubble Science Center, expressed enthusiasm for Hubble's renewed functionality. As a test, scientists directed the telescope at two optically interesting targets: a dying star 5,000 light-years away, surrounded by gas clouds, known as NGC 2392 or the "Eskimo Nebula" due to its appearance resembling a face in a parka. Hubble's images show numerous comets streaming away from the star. The second target was a massive accumulation of galaxies named Abell 2218.

Mir Space Station's Extended Mission

Briefly mentioned in the "MORGEN" section, the Russian space station "Mir," now nearly 14 years old, is scheduled to remain operational until August. A supply rocket is planned to launch to the Mir on February 1st, followed by a manned mission in April, according to the head of the Russian Space Agency.

Legal Case: Assault

Under the headline "Zuerst Liebe, dann gab's Hiebe" (First Love, Then Blows), the "WOCHENBLATT" section reports on a legal case involving domestic violence. A 43-year-old man named Wiktor B., originally from Poland, was sent to a forensic psychiatric clinic by the Mannheim District Court. He had assaulted his 78-year-old adoptive mother with his fists and a wine bottle in March 1999, causing her to nearly bleed to death. Wiktor B. claimed he had made a significant linguistic discovery and that his adoptive mother prevented him from making a phone call. The presiding judge, Klaus Kern, diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia and noted that a repeat offense could not be ruled out. The perpetrator and victim reportedly had a sexual relationship. Wiktor B., described as an occasional drinker who used alcohol to treat a stomach infection, felt increasingly controlled by his adoptive mother.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE reflects a strong focus on UFO phenomena and related research, as evidenced by the detailed personal statement from Hansjürgen Köhler regarding the CENAP-Report's publication. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to reporting on significant advancements in space exploration and astronomy, highlighting discoveries about Europa and the capabilities of the Hubble telescope. The inclusion of a legal case involving assault and psychiatric evaluation suggests an interest in broader societal issues that may intersect with psychological states or unusual behavior. The editorial stance, particularly from Köhler, appears to prioritize factual reporting and personal integrity, while expressing frustration with misinformation and internal conflicts within the UFO community. There is a clear distinction made between the scientific pursuit of UFO research and what is perceived as internal "UFO politics."