CENAP Infoline - no 171

Magazine Overview

Title: MORGEN
Issue Date: March 5, 2003
Volume: NR.171
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of MORGEN, dated March 5, 2003, under the 'SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY' section, features several articles covering cosmology, extraterrestrial life, scientific discoveries, and societal phenomena.

Ein Bild wie eine Goldmine (A Picture Like a Goldmine)

The lead article reports on a new image from NASA's Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP) satellite, hailed as the best 'baby picture' of the young universe. According to NASA, this snapshot of the cosmos, captured over twelve months, shows the 'afterglow' of the Big Bang. Charles L. Bennett of the Goddard Space Flight Center described the data as a 'goldmine' that allows for unprecedented accuracy in describing the universe, suggesting it is 13.7 billion years old and that the first stars formed much earlier than previously thought, only 200 million years after the Big Bang.

„Die Elohim kommen bis 2035“ (The Elohim are Coming by 2035)

This interview with Reiner Krämer, a member of the UFO-believing Raelian sect, explores their beliefs. Krämer states that humans were created by extraterrestrial beings called Elohim, who resemble humans and will return to Earth by 2035. To facilitate their return, followers are tasked with building a 'message building' near Jerusalem. The sect's company, Clonaid, is also mentioned in connection with human cloning, which they see as a path to eternal life, with individuals to be cloned after death. Krämer defends cloning, comparing it to the use of a knife, and questions the fear of eternal life.

Das ist der kälteste Ort des Universums (This is the Coldest Place in the Universe)

This short report details the discovery of the coldest known place in the universe by the Hubble Space Telescope. Located in the Bumerang-Nebel (Boomerang Nebula) within the Centaurus constellation, approximately 5000 light-years away, this region of ejected gas from a dying star registers a temperature of minus 272 degrees Celsius, just one degree above absolute zero.

Chinesen bald im All (Chinese Soon in Space)

A brief news item announces China's plan for its first manned space flight in November, intending to send up to three astronauts aboard the 'Shenzhou V' spacecraft.

Meterhoher Schnee lag auf dem Mars (Meter-High Snow Lay on Mars)

This article suggests that the dramatic features on the Martian surface, observed by the NASA 'Mars Odyssey' probe, could be explained by massive snowmelt, indicating that snow once covered the planet to a depth of several meters.

Bumerang-Nebel mit eisigem Herzen (Boomerang Nebula with an Icy Heart)

This article reiterates the discovery of the Bumerang-Nebel as the coldest place in the universe, with temperatures of minus 272 degrees Celsius, located 47.5 quadrillion kilometers away and emitting light that has traveled for 5000 years to reach Earth.

Saustall Weltall (Messy Universe)

This piece highlights the growing problem of space debris, describing the Earth's orbit as a 'dump' filled with remnants of used rockets, old satellites, and even lost items like gloves and screwdrivers. NASA has created a 'junk map' of the Earth's surroundings, marking objects larger than a tennis ball. The article notes that over 10,000 such objects are known, with an estimated 300,000 smaller fragments also in orbit. The danger posed by this debris is emphasized, as even small particles can destroy spacecraft. The article mentions that the 'Columbia' space shuttle might have been lost due to space debris and reports on an international meeting in Vienna aiming for a ban on space waste.

„Die Wahrheit ist irgendwo da draußen“ (The Truth is Out There Somewhere)

This article discusses the proliferation of conspiracy theories on the internet, noting that they have gained significant traction, especially since the 9/11 attacks. It highlights how easily misinformation and sensational claims spread online, with common targets including aliens, secret services, and alleged cover-ups of events like 9/11. The article cites Hans Leyendecker's view that the official account of 9/11 is largely correct and that such a large-scale conspiracy would be impossible to keep secret. It also touches upon classic conspiracy tropes like the staged moon landing and the JFK assassination, as well as persistent rumors about 'Area 51' and aliens. The role of 'Illuminati' theories and authors like Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea is mentioned, noting the pyramid symbol on the US dollar bill. The article quotes sociologist Hans-Jürgen Krysmanski, who explains the appeal of conspiracy theories lies in their ability to provide simple answers to complex questions and the human desire to believe in hidden connections.

Raumsonde von Aliens entführt? (Space Probe Abducted by Aliens?)

This article questions the fate of the US space probe 'Pioneer 10', which has gone silent after 31 years in space. Launched in 1972, it sent back images of Jupiter and Pluto before venturing into deep space. The article speculates whether the probe has crashed on a distant planet or been abducted by aliens, referencing the golden plaque it carries with a message of goodwill from Earth.

SPEKTRUM: FERIEN BEI DEN FISCHEN (Spectrum: Vacation with the Fish)

This section briefly introduces the 'Trilobis 65', a proposed submersible living unit designed by Giancarlo Zema. This eco-friendly, four-level vessel is intended for coastal tourism and fishing, powered by hydrogen and solar energy, and can be linked with other units to form a floating village.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'MORGEN' appears to cover a broad range of topics, from scientific advancements and space exploration to more speculative areas like UFOs, alien encounters, and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these diverse subjects, presenting both official scientific findings and fringe beliefs or theories, often with a critical or questioning undertone, particularly regarding conspiracy theories. The inclusion of articles on topics like the Raelian sect and internet conspiracy theories suggests an interest in phenomena that challenge conventional understanding or societal norms. The magazine also highlights scientific discoveries, such as the coldest place in the universe and new cosmic imagery, alongside practical or futuristic concepts like the 'Trilobis 65'.