CENAP Infoline - no 158

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-INFOLINE
Issue: NR.158
Date: April 16, 2002
Publisher: CENAP-INFOLINE
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE focuses on a spectacular meteorite event that illuminated the Bavarian sky and the subsequent discovery of a fragment. It also includes articles on space exploration, including the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and scientific research into the origins of life and the universe.

Meteorite Brought the Sky to Glow

The main article details a rare and extraordinary light spectacle over Bavaria on the night of Sunday, April 14, 2002. A fast-moving meteorite, traveling at 200,000 kilometers per hour, entered the Earth's atmosphere at an altitude of 80 kilometers, causing a brilliant glow that lasted for four to six seconds. Hobby astronomers and concerned citizens reported the event, with thousands calling the police. Peter Stättmayer, head of the Munich Observatory, explained that the light was due to atmospheric effects and that the subsequent sonic boom, heard five to six minutes later, was delayed because sound travels much slower than light.

In Zolling, in the Freising district of Upper Bavaria, a woman named Angela Lebedicker reported seeing a 'firework star' land in her garden. Upon investigation, she found a hand-palm-sized, slag-like rock fragment. Professor Klaus Weber-Diefenbach, a geologist from Munich, stated with high probability that the fragment was a meteorite, approximately five billion years old, originating from outer space. However, Stättmayer expressed skepticism, noting that the calculated trajectory of the event did not pass over Zolling.

The article explains that meteors, or shooting stars, are caused by small dust particles burning up in the atmosphere. Larger cosmic bodies that survive atmospheric entry and reach the Earth's surface are called meteorites. It is estimated that over 19,000 meteorites weighing more than 100 grams reach the Earth's surface annually, but only about ten are found, with most landing in oceans or uninhabited areas.

Atlantis Waits for Launch

This section reports on the planned launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, carrying three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch was scheduled for the following day, and the astronauts were to work on the ISS, which had been orbiting the Earth since December. The article mentions that the primary risk factor for the launch was wind, according to a NASA spokesperson.

A Fireball Scares Bavarians

This article provides further details on the meteorite event, corroborating the earlier report. It describes the phenomenon as an unusually bright 'fireball' or 'bolide,' a small rocky fragment from the solar system. The event caused widespread alarm, with hundreds of calls to police stations in Upper Bavaria, Franconia, Swabia, and the Upper Palatinate. Amateur astronomer Ulrich Schmidbauer from Fürstenried described seeing a 'full moon-bright, white light ball' moving westward and disappearing after five to six seconds. Werner Hahmann, a weather observer on the Zugspitze, reported three flashes of light and loud explosion sounds, initially thinking a plane had crashed. Airport radar did not detect anything unusual.

Despite the dramatic descriptions, the article suggests that the event was not a near-death experience for humanity, unlike the extinction of the dinosaurs. The phenomenon was attributed to a 'bolide,' a type of fireball. Werner Walter from CENAP (Central Research Network for Unusual Sky Phenomena) in Mannheim agreed, calling it a 'mega-sized brother of a shooting star' that entered the atmosphere at a shallow angle and broke into pieces. The article also dismisses the planet Venus and Comet Ikeya-Zhang as explanations for the bright light. It also notes that NASA had announced the reentry of debris from the HETE satellite, but ruled out a connection to the observed phenomenon.

Only This Stone Remained

This short piece reiterates the finding of the meteorite fragment in Zolling. It states that the meteorite was five billion years old and traveled at 200,000 km/h, leaving behind a rock fragment weighing less than 100 grams. The article mentions that more than 100,000 people witnessed the 'unsettling fireball' and that the police received thousands of calls. Professor Klaus Weber-Diefenbach confirmed that most of the meteorite vaporized upon entering the atmosphere, with only a glowing fragment landing in Angela Lebedicker's garden. The fragment measured 4x4x2 centimeters and was around 1200 degrees Celsius hot upon landing.

Docking According to Plan

This brief report confirms that the American Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in southern China, one minute ahead of schedule. The astronauts were to begin work on a metal framework for the ISS's solar panels.

"We Live in a UFO Year"

This is an interview with Werner Walter, a detective from the CENAP organization, who runs a UFO hotline. Walter states that 2002 is a 'real UFO year,' with nearly 50 calls received by Easter, double the number from 2001. He attributes the increase in UFO sightings to the alignment of planets, specifically Venus and Jupiter, which will appear very close and bright in the evening sky, and the release of the new 'Star Wars' film. Walter explains that his team of 50 amateur astronomers provides realistic explanations for these sightings, such as planetary constellations and balloon phenomena. He calls the phenomenon 'Ufotainment,' suggesting that people often see what they want to see.

"No Lucky Hit"

This interview features chemist Uwe Meierhenrich, who discusses his research into the origins of life. Meierhenrich's team has recreated the conditions for the formation of basic protein building blocks (amino acids) in a vacuum apparatus under conditions simulating outer space. He suggests that life's building blocks could have been delivered to Earth via comets. While their experiment was not directly aimed at finding the origin of life, it demonstrated that such processes could occur in space. He also touches upon the protective role of an atmosphere against intense UV radiation, which is crucial for chemical reactions.

"World Record Holders" Install Carrier on Space Station

This article reports on a spacewalk by two American grandfathers, astronauts Lee Morin and Jerry Ross, who installed a 13-meter-long carrier on the International Space Station (ISS). This was the first time two grandfathers had performed such a mission. The spacewalk involved tightening or loosening 54 bolts and attaching cable connections. The carrier is part of a structure intended to support solar panels. The mission faced minor issues, including a stuck bolt and a stubborn hatch. The article highlights Ross's extensive experience as an astronaut, with seven spaceflights and eight spacewalks.

Deepest View into the Universe Discovered

Astronomers from Germany, France, and the Netherlands have discovered a group of galaxies located at a distance of 13.5 billion light-years, representing the most distant such group ever observed. This discovery provides insights into the early universe, approximately one-tenth of its current age. The findings suggest that galaxies began forming into 'clusters' relatively early in the universe's history. The discovery was made using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Paranal, Chile.

This Thing is a Super-U-Boot

This short piece describes a planned Super-U-Boot by the US Navy, designed to dive for months at a time at depths of up to 5000 meters. The submersible, propelled by an electric propeller, is intended to explore the ocean's depths. It is capable of traveling 5000 kilometers without surfacing, significantly deeper than current manned submarines which can only reach about 6400 meters.

Heavy Work in Space

This brief report mentions that two astronauts from the US Space Shuttle Atlantis have installed the first parts of a metal framework, described as a 'backbone,' on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). The spacewalk lasted seven hours and 48 minutes.

How Does the Rocket Reach the Beach?

This short article describes a US Navy 'Cruise Missile' that was found washed ashore on Jarealito Beach in Puerto Rico after being accidentally fired into the sea during an exercise. Fortunately, the missile was not armed.

Maiden Voyage in Space Halted

A software problem has shortened the maiden voyage of a small 'railway car' designed to move along the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). The device, intended to assist the station's robotic arm, stopped after traveling only five meters.

Hum Further Research

The Interest Group for the Clarification of the Hum (IGZAB) is appealing to politicians and scientists to investigate the mysterious 'humming' sound reported in Baden-Württemberg. They argue that a nationwide study is necessary due to the unresolved questions and ongoing complaints.

Moon Covers Saturn

This brief astronomical note informs readers about an upcoming lunar occultation of Saturn, visible in the region between 22:58 and 23:30 on the evening of April 16, 2002, provided there is clear weather. However, the German Weather Service indicated that strong cloud cover in the Kurpfalz region might prevent a clear view.

Billions of Ants Cooperate

Researchers have discovered what is believed to be the world's largest ant colony, stretching over 5760 kilometers along the coast from the Italian Riviera to northwestern Spain. This supercolony consists of millions of nests and billions of individuals of the Argentine ant species, which cooperate with each other. The study suggests that this large-scale cooperation allows the ants to grow much faster and outcompete other ant species. However, the long-term success of this cooperation might be threatened by decreasing relatedness between queens and workers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around space phenomena, both natural (meteorites, distant galaxies) and human-made (space exploration, ISS missions, satellite debris). There is a strong emphasis on scientific reporting, with experts from various fields providing explanations and context. The magazine also touches upon unexplained phenomena like UFOs, presenting a skeptical yet open approach through interviews with researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about scientific advancements and intriguing events, while also addressing public concerns and curiosities. The inclusion of diverse topics, from geology to astronomy and even biology (ant colonies), suggests a broad interest in science and the natural world.