CENAP Infoline - no 141

Magazine Overview

CENAP-INFOLINE, Issue NR.141, dated August 28, 2001, is a German-language publication focusing on science, technology, and unusual phenomena. This issue delves into the persistent mystery of the 'Brummton', the controversial claims of the UFO sect 'Raelianer', a significant astronomical discovery, and updates on the International Space Station (ISS).

The 'Brummton' Phenomenon

The lead article, "Brummton bleibt Phänomen" (The Hum Remains a Phenomenon), reports on the ongoing mystery of the low-frequency hum that affects individuals, primarily at night. Despite an initial measurement by experts in Schömberg, Germany, the cause remains unclear. The Landesanstalt für Umweltschutz in Stuttgart, represented by Heinrich Menges, notes that those affected are often above-average listeners and older individuals. Further measurements are planned at eleven additional locations in Baden-Württemberg. The phenomenon has been known since the previous year, with around 300 affected individuals reported across Germany. Many sufferers experience symptoms such as heart palpitations, feelings of confinement, and sweating.

Occult Practices Among Youth

A separate report from Speyer highlights concerns about young people's involvement with occult practices. Christoph Bussen, the Speyer sect liaison, estimates that nearly half of all adolescents have had experiences with occultism, citing 'Gläserrücken' (table-turning) as an example. However, he notes that 99 percent quickly lose interest. Bussen emphasizes the importance of education as the best defense against sects, stating that their appeal lies in personal relationships rather than their ideology. His office received over 2000 phone inquiries last year, with Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology, and the current wave of esotericism being key areas of concern.

The 'Raelianer' Sect and Biblical Reinterpretation

Another significant section focuses on the UFO sect 'Raelianer', led by its founder 'Rael' (55). The article "Die UFO-Sekte verhöhnt alle Christen" (The UFO Sect Mocks All Christians) and "Bibel-Wunder das Werk von Außerirdischen" (Bible Miracles the Work of Extraterrestrials) accuse the sect of blasphemy. Rael's writings, particularly "Das wahre Gesicht Gottes" (The True Face of God), reinterpret biblical miracles as extraterrestrial interventions. For instance, the multiplication of loaves and fishes is described as artificially produced, highly concentrated dry food. The manna from heaven is called 'discarded astronaut food' or 'synthetic nutrient spray'. Jesus's healing abilities are attributed to lasers or 'focused beams', and his ability to walk on water is explained by an 'anti-gravity beam' from extraterrestrial beings known as 'Elohim', who allegedly cloned humanity 25,000 years ago. The sect also claims that the trumpets that destroyed the walls of Jericho were powerful, synchronized ultrasound waves. The sect's founder, Rael, is also linked to the promotion of human cloning, with the organization 'Clonaid' reportedly working to clone the first child. The article notes the striking resemblance between DJ Bobo's stage persona and Rael's appearance. The sect's PR chief, Lara 'Tee', a dancer for DJ Bobo, is actively recruiting new members. Religious figures, including Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Hans-Jochen Jaschke and Evangelical Pastor Veit Hoffmann, strongly condemn Rael's theories as nonsensical and offensive to Christians.

Astronomical Discovery: A New Earth-like Planet System

"Neue Erde entdeckt" (New Earth Discovered) reports on a groundbreaking discovery by American astronomers from the University of Berkeley. They have identified a new planetary system in the constellation Ursa Major, named '47 Ursae Majoris', which bears a striking resemblance to our own solar system. The planets are similar in size, and their orbits are nearly circular around a sun located 45 million light-years away. Researchers speculate that these planets may harbor gas, water, and even life. German researchers, including Prof. Werner Pfau from the University of Jena, confirm the uniqueness of this system, noting the unusual proximity of two massive planets to their central star.

International Space Station (ISS) Milestones

The issue also covers significant events related to the International Space Station (ISS). "ISS feiert 1000. Tag im All" (ISS Celebrates 1000th Day in Space) details the first external experiment conducted by astronauts Dan Barry and Pat Forrester, who installed a new cooling unit and experimental containers on the ISS. This marked the 25th spacewalk for the ISS construction. The article also mentions the 1000th day since the launch of the Russian module 'Zarya' on November 20, 1998. A subsequent report, "Besatzungswechsel auf der ISS" (Crew Change on the ISS), announces the departure of the 'Discovery' shuttle from the ISS, bringing astronauts Juri Usatschew, Jim Voss, and Susan Helms back to Earth after a five-and-a-half-month mission. The new commander, Frank Culbertson, expressed pride in the outgoing crew's work and pledged to continue their efforts. The departing crew left behind two plaques signed by all astronauts and cosmonauts who served on the destroyed Russian space station 'Mir', symbolizing a connection between the two stations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the intersection of science, technology, the unexplained, and fringe beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, often with a critical or skeptical undertone, particularly concerning the 'Raelianer' sect and the 'Brummton' phenomenon. There is a clear interest in UFOs, extraterrestrial theories, and alternative interpretations of religious and historical events, balanced with reporting on established scientific endeavors like space exploration and astronomy.