CENAP Infoline - no 122

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-INFOLINE
Issue: NR.122
Date: 1. Januar 2001

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE critically examines the accuracy of predictions made by psychics and astrologers, discusses a historical secret US military project for a nuclear-powered flying saucer, and reports on two recent UFO sightings, one of which is explained as a satellite reentry and the other as a rocket launch.

Failed Predictions for the Year 2000

The lead article, "Viel wird vorhergesagt, nur wenig trifft ein" (Much is predicted, only little comes true), highlights the significant failures of psychics and fortune-tellers in their predictions for the year 2000. The "forum parawissenschaften e.V." in Sandhausen, led by sociologist Edgar Wunder, analyzed 22 widely publicized predictions, concluding that "there is nothing in it that one could seriously take seriously." Wunder, who has studied such predictions for years, presented a previous study of 803 predictions from 1990-1999, of which 96% did not come true, with only 31% being considered coincidental successes. He dismisses most predictions as having "zero practical value." The article notes that while some predictions, like a drop in unemployment, might align with economic forecasts, the core of predictive abilities for specific events remains unproven. Wunder acknowledges that astrology might offer personal benefits to clients if practitioners avoid misleading or dangerous prognoses, but firmly states that it cannot provide accurate concrete event predictions.

The "forum parawissenschaften e.V." comprises nearly 100 members, including both proponents and critics of parapsychology, who aim to investigate which claims within this field are tenable.

Secret History: America's Secret Nuclear Flying Saucer

The CENAP-REPORT UPDATE NR.270 section details a declassified project from the US Air Force concerning a "Nuclear Flying Saucer." In the context of the Cold War and the Soviet Union's nuclear capabilities demonstrated in 1949, the US military sought advanced weapon systems. Rumors suggested the Soviets were developing disc-shaped aircraft based on German technology. In response, American engineers at North American Aviation, under contract with the USAF, began developing a "Lenticular Reentry Vehicle" (LRV), conceived as a nuclear weapon carrier. The project, managed by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, involved German engineers from the Paperclip program. The LRV, a "black budget" special project, was intended to be launched into space via a multi-stage rocket, similar to the Saturn V. It was designed to carry a crew of four and deliver counter-strikes from orbit. The concept also explored using a nuclear missile as the LRV's propulsion. The mission was planned to last six weeks, with the craft carrying up to four nuclear missiles to deter potential adversaries. The LRV was envisioned as a "multiple independent reentry vehicle" (MIRV), capable of multiple uses, similar to the Space Shuttle. The return capsule was designed to descend via parachute or a helium balloon, with a rapid-escape capsule for emergencies. The project, however, never progressed beyond the engineering study phase and was comparable to the secret Lunex program.

UFO Sightings and Explanations

Gigantic Luminous UFO over Russian Troops in the Caucasus:

On November 14, 2000, a powerful luminous UFO was reportedly seen near the border of Dagestan in the Caucasus. Russian troops were put on alert as the object, described as a formation of bright lights with dark areas, flew low over the Caspian Sea. Despite military attempts to investigate with Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets, the object disappeared before they could reach it. Scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences in Dagestan were cautious about classifying it as a UFO. However, it was later revealed that the satellite Cosmos 2373, a cartography satellite, re-entered the atmosphere in the same region at the same time, with debris falling near Orenburg, Russia. This suggests the UFO phenomenon was likely caused by space debris.

UFO over Mongolia Observed?:

In late November 2000, Helmut Wiskow reported an unusual celestial phenomenon observed on October 2, 2000, near Toson-Tengel in Mongolia. He and his interpreter, a physicist, witnessed a bright, moon-sized object moving rapidly from north to south. Using binoculars, Wiskow described it as being as large and bright as Jupiter, with multiple nebulous tails forming a beautiful, rotating spiral. He initially considered it a satellite burning up or a meteorite. After further investigation, it was determined that a Proton-K rocket was launched from Baikonur on October 1st (which was October 2nd in Ulan-Bator due to the time difference) to deploy an American communications satellite. The rocket's trajectory and the visual effects of its ascent, particularly in the twilight or darkness, likely created the spectacular display observed.

Other Reports and Features

The issue also includes a section titled "Weitere Berichte im CR-270" (Further Reports in CR-270), listing items such as an internet survey on UFOs, an interview with Adolf Schneider, a continuation of the MUFON-CES section, and a report on the "Ural Alien Body - 1996/M-3000." It also mentions "Geisterhaftes Leuchten" (Ghostly Glow) over Germany (Polar light Spring/Summer 2000), an Augsburger SoFi-UFO video from 1999, and a "New UFO Show over Mexico (13.07.2000)." The magazine announces future contributions from colleagues in Alsace, France, who will provide information on their work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of CENAP-INFOLINE appears to be one of critical inquiry, particularly regarding claims of precognition and paranormal phenomena. The magazine actively seeks rational explanations for reported anomalies, often attributing them to known scientific or technological events, such as satellite reentries or rocket launches. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated predictions and a focus on historical research into secret military projects related to unconventional technology. The publication also aims to provide a platform for ongoing UFO research and reporting, with a commitment to verifying information and presenting findings to its readership.