CENAP Infoline - no 150

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-INFOLINE
Issue Date: February 15, 2002
Issue Number: 150

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE, a supplement to the CENAP-Report, focuses heavily on the UFO alarms that occurred around the New Year's Eve 2001/02 period. It aims to clarify the events, attributing the numerous sightings to misinterpretations of common phenomena rather than extraterrestrial activity.

UFO-Alarm zum Jahreswechsel 01/02 (Oder viel Wirbel um heiße Luft)

The lead article details how CENAP issued a warning about potential 'Party-Gag-Heißluftballon-Überflug' during the New Year's Eve, which was largely ignored by the press. However, on January 1st, a flood of UFO reports reached CENAP, triggered by a video broadcast on Hessisches Fernsehen HR-3's 'Maln-Tower' news program. This led to 30 reports, which were then forwarded to GWUP in Darmstadt. The investigation revealed that the 'UFO video' was actually a jet's contrail illuminated by the rising sun, and the 'UFO sightings' on New Year's Eve were identified as party hot air balloons. The article concludes that the 'invasion from Mars' turned out to be 'hot air' in the truest sense. Following the broadcast of these findings, CENAP conducted several radio interviews and released press statements, with examples provided.

The article also mentions the passing of Prof. Heinz Kaminski, a renowned German space expert and founder of the Bochum observatory, at the age of 80. He was noted for being the first to receive signals from the Soviet Sputnik in 1957.

News Briefs from Other Publications

This section includes various short news items from other sources:

• Galileo probe misses photos of Jupiter's moon Io: Due to Jupiter's radiation shutting down its onboard computers, the NASA probe Galileo was unable to capture expected images during its closest encounter with Io.
• New Gilgamesh Epic translation: A new German translation of the ancient Mesopotamian epic 'Gilgamesch' by Raoul Schrott is highlighted. The epic, dating back over 4000 years, tells the story of King Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu, and has been a subject of discussion due to its inclusion of a flood narrative, potentially influencing biblical accounts.
• Stromerzeuger dreht den Saft ab (Power generator cuts off power): A Russian radar station monitoring the International Space Station (ISS) had its power temporarily cut off due to unpaid bills. The station had to rely on its own diesel generators to resume operations.
• Indian satellite launched: The European Ariane rocket successfully launched the Indian communications satellite INSAT 3C, intended to provide telecommunications and television broadcasts for the Indian subcontinent for twelve years.
• Computer problems on the ISS: The International Space Station's control system experienced computer failures, leading to the shutdown of non-essential equipment to conserve power. NASA stated that the three astronauts on board were not in danger.
• Unknown force slowing down Pioneer 10: Scientists are puzzled by an unknown force that appears to be slowing down the Pioneer 10 space probe, which left the solar system in 1983 and is now being pulled back towards our galaxy.
• Flying Hotel concept: US researchers are developing a space hotel concept that would orbit between Earth and Mars, utilizing planetary gravity for propulsion and requiring minimal onboard energy. The first flight is planned for 2018, with former astronaut Edwin Aldrin involved.
• The Moon is filled with mud: Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory suggest that the Moon contains a massive mud-like substance internally. Laser measurements indicate that the Moon's surface rises up to ten centimeters due to gravitational forces, which scientists believe can only be explained by an elastic, mud-like fluid filling its interior.

Ufos lassen Telefone klingeln (UFOs make phones ring)

This article from Frankfurter Rundschau reports on the numerous UFO sightings on New Year's Eve, which were later identified as miniature hot air balloons from the hobby market. Werner Walter of the CENAP reporting center explained that these balloons, some over 1.5 meters in diameter, can appear 'ghostly' at distances and in certain lighting conditions. The article also mentions another case where a 'burning tail' observed over Darmstadt was identified as an unannounced kerosene release from an aircraft.

Ufo-Jäger auf der Himmelspirsch (UFO hunters on the sky hunt)

This article from Ludwigsburger Kreiszeitung features Hansjürgen Köhler from the Mannheim UFO reporting center, which is described as unique. Köhler states that over 30 cases were reported on New Year's morning, a novel occurrence. He explains that the initial lack of information from news agencies about the 'party balloons' contributed to the confusion. Köhler and his colleague Werner Walter have been investigating unusual aerial phenomena for 27 years, maintaining an international network and a team of twelve active members in Germany. They often find that reported cases are misinterpretations. The reporting center is a valuable resource for police and aviation authorities. Köhler reflects on his early interest in UFO literature, including works by Erich von Däniken, but emphasizes that personal investigation has led him to conclude that there is no tangible evidence of extraterrestrial life. The article recounts an incident during the Gulf War where a newspaper delivery person reported a 'flying city,' which turned out to be US transport planes. The reporting center helps resolve such sightings, bringing peace of mind to those who report them. The article also touches on laser beams used to attract people to discos and the role of a lack of astronomical knowledge in fueling UFO beliefs. Köhler humorously suggests people should 'turn on their onboard computer' and recounts an instance where a Russian rocket's fuel release created a condensation trail that caused widespread alarm, later identified as a 'victory sign' in the sky.

Raumfahrtpionier wird 65 (Space travel pioneer turns 65)

This article commemorates the 65th birthday of Sigmund Jähn, the first German in space. Bundespräsident Johannes Rau praised Jähn as an internationally recognized scientist. Jähn's historic flight in 1978 is detailed, noting he preceded Ulf Merbold's US mission. Rau highlighted Jähn's expertise in 'coupling foreign systems' and how he inspired many. Jähn, born in Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz, served in the East German Air Force and studied in the USSR and GDR, leading to his selection for the German-Soviet space flight. Post-reunification, he worked for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and as a consultant for Russian spaceflight. He currently lives in Strausberg near Berlin, and a minor planet was named after him last year.

Die Nähe des Göttlichen oder nur der Schabernack eines Kobolds? (The proximity of the divine or just the mischief of a goblin?)

This article explores the role of coincidences and 'uncanny connections' in human life, drawing on observations of synchronicity. It references psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung, who coined the term to describe meaningful coincidences. Psychotherapists Angela and Theodor Seifert, authors of a study on the topic, suggest that synchronicity indicates events 'between heaven and earth' that our consciousness can now perceive. They are featured in a report in 'Psychologie heute' magazine. American psychotherapist Robert H. Hopcke, author of 'Zufälle gibt es nicht' (There are no coincidences), believes that experiencing meaningful coincidences allows people to feel the 'proximity of the divine.' Physicist Victor Mansfield speaks of a 'higher reality' and 'revelation,' noting that natural phenomena also occur without apparent cause, citing quantum phenomena as 'acausal.' The article mentions Mansfield's book 'Tao des Zufalls' and the Seiferts' book 'So ein Zufall!' (What a coincidence!). It discusses the 'attraction of the related' and cites examples, including a story about a Greek vase fragment. The article also references writer Ernst Jünger's interest in unusual coincidences, recounting a tragic synchronicity he observed in Paris in 1943. It quotes Novalis stating that 'chance is not incomprehensible - it has its regularity.' The article concludes by noting that even seemingly insignificant occurrences can point to larger connections and deeper patterns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently addresses phenomena related to unexplained aerial sightings and space exploration, often with a critical or debunking approach, as seen in the lead article on the New Year's Eve UFO alarms. There is a clear emphasis on rational explanations and scientific investigation, exemplified by the involvement of organizations like CENAP and GWUP. The publication also covers broader scientific news, including space missions and astronomical discoveries, and delves into philosophical concepts like synchronicity, suggesting an interest in the intersection of the unexplained and the rational. The editorial stance appears to favor demystification and evidence-based reporting, while acknowledging the human fascination with mystery and the unknown.