CENAP Newsflash - No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP - NEWSFLASH
Issue: Nr. 1
Date: August 2003
Publisher: CENAP (Das Centrale Erforschungsnetz Außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This special issue, titled "CENAP-Newsflash - Die UFO-Depesche aus Mannheim," is the first of its kind, presented in PDF format for special occasions, supplementing the online CENAP-REPORT series. The issue is dedicated to the theme of Mars, the "Red Planet," which in August 2003 was unusually close to Earth, making it a significant topic for astronomy and UFO research.

Editorial: The Fascination of Mars and Planetary Misidentifications

The editorial, "VORWORT ZUM ERSTEN »CENAP-NEWSFLASH«" (Foreword to the First CENAP-Newsflash), introduces the special issue focusing on Mars. It explains that Mars holds a special place in human imagination due to its red color and brightness, leading to its association with war gods in various ancient cultures. The editorial highlights that Mars is considered a prime candidate for past extraterrestrial life within our solar system. Furthermore, it emphasizes that planets, when appearing unusually bright, are frequently misidentified as UFOs. This phenomenon, known as planetary misinterpretation, accounts for a significant portion of reported UFO sightings. The editorial notes that the closer a planet is to Earth, the higher the chance of such misjudgments, citing a recent report from South Africa.

UFO über Cape Town am Dienstagmorgen (UFO over Cape Town on Tuesday Morning)

This section details a specific incident that occurred on May 27, 2003, near Boland Worcester, Cape Town, South Africa. Several individuals reported observing a mysterious aerial phenomenon below the moon around 6:45 AM. Descriptions included a "cigar-shaped UFO" with bright lights at both ends, and some observers stated it was "definitely not an airplane." Similar reports followed, with some describing two lights side-by-side and a dark object between them, hovering above the clouds. The article suggests that this sighting was likely a misidentification of celestial bodies. It explains that the brain tends to connect bright lights against a dark background, creating the illusion of a structured object. The appearance of two bright stars close together can create such an illusion. The article also mentions that aircraft lights at night can be mistaken for "flying triangles" or "flying saucers" depending on perspective and other factors.

Source of the Core Report:

A link is provided to the original news source: `http://www.news24.com/News24/Technology/News/0,,2-13-1443_1365535,00.html`

And Another Similar Case from Good Old Germany...

This section discusses a similar case from Germany, where a report of a "UFO over Brandenburg" on March 20, 2002, was published by the Berlin tabloid "B.Z." The article recounts how a journalist from "B.Z." contacted CENAP after a photographer claimed to have photographed a UFO. The sighting occurred around 18:10 on February 27, 2002, when a photographer saw an unusually bright point in the southwestern sky near sunset, which he felt "didn't belong there." He took two photos of the phenomenon before it disappeared behind trees. Later that evening, he saw a bright light again and took another photo, thinking it might be a comet. The article explains that the initial sighting was likely a misidentification of the planet Venus. Using astronomical software, CENAP was able to confirm that the object observed was indeed Venus setting, moving from left "above" to right "below" as dictated by celestial mechanics. The article notes that despite providing this explanation with astronomical graphics, some UFOlogists were reluctant to accept it, preferring their own interpretations.

Mythos "Roter Planet" und die Sogkraft der Außerirdischen (Myth of the "Red Planet" and the Pull of Extraterrestrials)

This article delves into the historical and cultural significance of Mars. It explains that Mars has always played a significant role in human thought and imagination due to its red color, which resembles fire and has led to its naming after the Roman god of war. The article traces the etymology of Mars's name in various cultures, including Sanskrit ("Angakara" - burning coal), Persian ("Phalavana Siphir" - heavenly warrior), Chinese ("Huoxing" - fire star), and Babylonian ("Nergal" - star of death). The names of its moons, Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror), further underscore this association with fear and war. The article posits that Mars's color, similar to human blood, contributed to its "martial" character throughout history. It suggests that the visibility of Mars has captured humanity's attention since the dawn of civilization.

The article then discusses the historical understanding of celestial bodies, particularly the planets, in ancient Babylonian and Greek cultures. It explains that planetary movements were often seen as expressions of divine will and were thought to predict future earthly events, laying the groundwork for astrology. The article highlights the "living Mars" narrative, particularly the widespread interest sparked by Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli's 1877 discovery of regular structures, or "canals," on Mars. These canals were interpreted by many as artificial waterways, suggesting intelligent Martian life. However, Schiaparelli himself noted that these "canals" changed position and shape, indicating they were not static features, yet the belief in intelligent creators persisted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the astronomical significance of Mars, its historical and mythological importance, and the frequent misidentification of celestial bodies as UFOs. CENAP's stance is clearly one of critical analysis, emphasizing scientific explanations and astronomical knowledge as crucial tools for investigating UFO phenomena. The publication aims to educate the public and demystify UFO reports by providing rational explanations, often debunking sightings by identifying them as misinterpretations of planets, aircraft, or atmospheric phenomena. The editorial emphasizes the importance of scientific literacy and the use of astronomical software in UFO research.

This issue of CENAP Newsflash, dated July 2003, delves into the historical fascination with Mars, tracing the evolution of ideas from early astronomical observations of 'canals' to the emergence of the UFO phenomenon and theories of extraterrestrial life. The publication explores how scientific discoveries and popular imagination intertwined, particularly in the context of Mars.

The Martian Canals and Early Speculation

The article begins by discussing the observations of Martian 'canals' by astronomers like Giovanni Schiaparelli and Galileo Galilei. It highlights how these linear features were initially misinterpreted due to optical limitations and the prevailing scientific climate. Camille Flammarion's popularization of these ideas is noted, suggesting that once an idea gains traction, many people will find 'evidence' to support it.

Percival Lowell, an American astronomer, became a fervent advocate for the theory that these canals were artificial. He abandoned his business career, established the Lowell Observatory in Arizona in 1894, and dedicated his life to studying this phenomenon. The observatory, still renowned today, was staffed by professionals, and Lowell himself conducted observations and hired personnel, creating a stir comparable to the 1947 'flying saucer' excitement.

Lowell hired Vesto Slipher in 1901, who remained at the observatory for 53 years, becoming a notable astronomer. Slipher's work included contributions to the understanding of 'red-shift' and the discovery that galaxies are moving away from us at high speeds. His work inspired Edwin Hubble, who went on to make significant discoveries about galaxies and the expansion of the universe, leading to the formulation of the Big Bang theory.

From Mars Canals to UFOs

The narrative then shifts to the connection between Martian observations and the UFO phenomenon. In 1907, the Wall Street Journal reported the photographic evidence of Martian canals as the year's most significant scientific discovery. However, the photos themselves were inconclusive, with believers seeing canals and skeptics seeing nothing.

In 1919, Guglielmo Marconi reported receiving strong signals from space, which he believed might be from Mars. By 1921, he was convinced he was receiving radio messages from Mars, identified by repeating 'V' signals. Nicola Tesla had reportedly received similar signals earlier.

The article mentions a book, 'Major Mysteries of Science' by Haig Gordon Garbedian, which listed astronomers who believed in intelligent life on Mars. It also touches upon the 1924 attempt by astronomer David Todd to listen for radio signals from Mars during a close approach, which proved unsuccessful.

The Influence of Pulp Fiction and Contactees

The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of pulp magazines like 'Amazing Stories' and 'Astounding Stories,' which extensively featured stories about Martian inhabitants. These publications, often filled with 'techno-thriller' elements, helped to popularize the idea of intelligent, anthropomorphic Martians with superior cultures, portraying humans as primitive in comparison. This created a fertile ground for the UFO mythos that would emerge later.

The concept of 'flying saucers from Mars' became synonymous with the UFO phenomenon. The article notes that in 1954, Spanish astronomer Mateu Sancho argued that any book about flying saucers that didn't attribute them to Mars or Venus was doomed to fail. Frederick Muller published 'Flying Saucer from Mars' in 1954, tapping into the contactee trend.

Scientific Discoveries and Continued Speculation

The issue also touches upon significant astronomical discoveries that occurred alongside these popular speculations. The work of Edwin Hubble in measuring galactic distances and confirming the expansion of the universe, leading to the Big Bang theory, is mentioned. Even Albert Einstein was reportedly surprised by these findings.

In the mid-1950s, scientists from eight nations formed the 'Marskomitee' to study Mars during its opposition, aiming to uncover its secrets, particularly regarding its vegetation. Despite these scientific endeavors, the public fascination with Mars and the possibility of intelligent life persisted.

The Mars Committee and UFO Predictions

In 1954, Donald Keyhoe appeared on a TV show, predicting a surge in UFO sightings during the upcoming Mars approach. The Mars Committee reportedly expected to prove the existence of life on Mars and influence the government to admit the reality of UFOs. However, the article notes that nothing more was heard from the Mars Committee.

The Legacy of Martian Myths

The article concludes by reflecting on the enduring nature of the UFO myth and its connection to Mars. It mentions figures like Cedric Allingham and Orfeo Angelucci, who were associated with contactee claims. The role of Patrick Moore in perpetuating some of these narratives, even admitting to a 'black joke' involving fabricated letters from scientists, is also discussed.

Ultimately, the issue highlights how the initial observations of Martian canals, combined with popular culture and scientific curiosity, created a rich tapestry of speculation about extraterrestrial life, with Mars often serving as the focal point.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical evolution of ideas about Mars, the influence of popular culture on scientific perception, the emergence of the UFO phenomenon, and the enduring human quest for extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical documentation and analysis, presenting the progression of these ideas and the interplay between scientific inquiry and public fascination without overtly endorsing or dismissing the more speculative claims. The article maintains a critical yet open perspective, acknowledging the speculative nature of many claims while also recognizing their historical significance in shaping public consciousness.

This issue of CENAP Newsflash, dated July 2003, delves into the history of Mars exploration and the ongoing debate surrounding the possibility of life on the planet, as well as the controversial theories that have emerged.

The Allingham Text and Early Martian Dreams

The article begins by addressing a claim that a book by Allingham was rewritten to obscure the author's style, with the 'Allingham Alien' being a photograph of Davies. It suggests that this was done to avoid alarming the public, as the book was expected to circulate within the 'Flying Saucer movement.' Davies was never exposed, and colleagues who might have recognized him remained silent. Angelucci's involvement is described as simpler, stemming from 'vivid dreams' of a 'half-humanoid world' after a UFO presentation in Los Angeles in 1953, leading to mental health issues.

The Crushing Reality of Mars Images

The dream of a habitable Mars was shattered in July 1965 with the first images from the Mariner probe. These pictures showed a cratered, desert landscape devoid of canals, presenting a stark contrast to earlier optimistic visions. Despite the bleakness, a sliver of hope remained that less developed life forms might exist, adapted to the harsh environment. NASA-produced drawings of half-plant, half-animal life forms fueled this speculation. However, by 1976, further analysis of Mars data definitively ended the hope of finding 'Martians.'

The Space Race and the Martian Question

During the Cold War, the Space Race extended beyond the Moon to Mars. Influenced by Alexej Tolstoi's novel 'Aelita, Queen of Mars,' Russian space scientists like Boris Tschertok considered Mars missions. Many Russian experts between 1930 and 1960 believed in the possibility of Martian life or even a civilization, driven by the fundamental question of whether humanity was alone in the universe. The desire to find even a single microbe was a powerful motivator.

Early Soviet and US Mars Missions

In 1961, the Soviets prepared a probe for a Mars flyby to search for life. This probe was tested in the Kazakh desert but failed, reportedly because it found no signs of life on Earth. The mission was abandoned. In 1965, the US probe Mariner 4 sent back the first 22 sharp images of Mars. Scientists questioned if subsurface water existed based on the structures observed. The transmission of these images, taken from 16,000 km away, took three weeks. The Mariner-4 photos presented a starkly different Mars than expected, showing no indications of life or vegetation.

The Monotony of Mars and the 'Stecknadelkopf' Challenge

Subsequent images revealed a monotonous, cratered landscape, similar to the Moon, indicating that the solar system had been heavily bombarded by cosmic debris. Mariner 10's 1973 mission to Mercury confirmed this observation. The challenge of reaching Mars with remote-controlled probes, given the immense distances, is highlighted by an analogy: if Earth were an pea, Mars would be a pinhead, and they would need to be 100 meters apart. This illustrates the difficulty of precise landings on the red planet, which is, on average, 1.8 million kilometers away. This difficulty explains why many probes have been lost in space.

A History of Mars Mission Failures

Mars research has been marked by numerous failures since the 1960s. From 1960 onwards, three out of four landing attempts failed. The list of failed missions is extensive, including Marsnik 1 & 2, Sputnik 29 & 31, Mars 1, Mariner 3 and Zond 2, Mars 1969 A and B, Mariner 8, Mars 2/3, Cosmos 419, Mars 5-6-7, Mars 4, Phobos 1 and 2, Mars Observer, and Mars 96. A particularly dramatic incident in 1995 involved a Russian Mars probe that exploded over the Andes shortly after launch, scattering radioactive material.

Renewed Interest and the 'Face on Mars'

After a lull in enthusiasm following the 1969 Moon landing, Mars captured public imagination again in the late 1990s. In 1971, Soviet probes Mars 2 and 3 were launched. One probe transmitted 79 lines of images during a massive dust storm before failing. The scientific understanding evolved to recognize a narrow habitable zone around stars. However, by 1976, excitement grew within circles of 'cosmic believers' due to images from the Viking probes showing what appeared to be artificial 'pyramids' and an 'Inka city' in the Cydonia region, alongside features identified as dry riverbeds.

In 1972, Mariner 9 photographed two large 'pyramids' in the Elysium region. Walter Hain's 1977 book, 'Das Mars-Gesicht' (The Mars Face), brought attention to a 1.5 km long, 400 m high relief on Mars, officially cataloged as 'Head' by NASA. This image, from Viking I, became a focal point for pre-astronautics and ufology.

The 'Mars Research Group' and Buttlar's Claims

On February 7, 1985, reports emerged of a 'Mars Research Group' of 30 scientists studying advanced Martian civilizations, with a joint exhibition with SETI in Arizona in 1986/1987. This generated media attention. Author Johannes von Buttlar published 'Leben auf dem Mars' (Life on Mars) in 1987, claiming the existence of 'twelve giant human faces made of stone' on Mars. Walter Hain accused Buttlar's book of plagiarism. Rudolf Henke analyzed Buttlar's work, identifying a pattern of esoteric experiences, unsubstantiated claims, and reliance on fringe science.

Scientific Scrutiny and Authorial Disputes

Henke criticized Buttlar's work as lacking scientific rigor and suggested that 'science' was becoming a convenient place for superstition. Rainer Holbe featured Buttlar's book on RTL's 'Unglaubliche Geschichten' (Incredible Stories), promoting the idea that the Mars face and pyramids could not be natural. Hain created a plaster model of the Mars face in 1977 to test shadow effects, and a photo of this model was used in his book. Hain's work was initially rejected by the Herbig-Verlag, which later accepted Buttlar's book. Hain expressed frustration that Buttlar presented his findings and used his photographic material without attribution, even calling it a 'swindle.'

The 'Bent Astrolabe-Price' and Media Sensationalism

In 1988, Popular Astronomy magazine awarded its 'Bent Astrolabe-Price' for the year's biggest astronomical flop to The Star tabloid for its sensational coverage of the 'Face on Mars' as a 'gigantic human face carved into the Martian rock.'

The 'Mars-Connection' and the Decline of Hain's Influence

In 1989, the magazine 'Das Neue Zeitalter' published Walter Hain's 'Jetzt enthüllt: Das Geheimnis des Marsgesichtes' (Now Revealed: The Secret of the Mars Face). However, Hain's influence waned with the publication of Richard C. Hoagland's book 'Die Mars-Connection: Monumente am Rande der Ewigkeit,' which linked Martian structures to the Turin Shroud and Jesus Christ. Hoagland's idea that the creators of the Mars face were extraterrestrial builders gained traction within pre-astronautics and ufology circles, appealing to a broader audience.

Hoagland's Speculations and the 'Face' as an Optical Illusion

Hoagland's theories, which connected Martian structures to ancient sites on Earth, captivated his audience. However, newer images from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) revealed that the 'Face on Mars' and other artifacts were optical illusions caused by natural surface features, a mesa, and the sun's angle. Despite this, hardcore fans dismissed the new images as NASA fakes.

The Viking Lander's Search for Life

The Viking missions were considered the most ambitious planetary exploration projects to date. Unlike previous Mariner probes that only flew by or orbited Mars, the Viking landers were designed to conduct on-site chemical analyses of the Martian soil. The landing of Viking 1 on July 20, 1976, coincided with the US Bicentennial. After an 18-minute radio signal delay, the first black-and-white images were received. Scientists were initially ecstatic, as many had dedicated their careers to this point. While technically a success, the mission failed to find life. A biochemical test registered a process that released gas, similar to that produced by Earth bacteria, causing initial excitement. However, subsequent analyses indicated that the soil was sterile, crushing hopes of finding life and leading to widespread disappointment.

A New Era of Space Exploration

Despite the scientific setback, the Viking missions marked a new era in the search for extraterrestrial life. The focus shifted to understanding how life originates and under what environmental conditions it can exist. Astronomers specializing in planetary geology began studying life on Earth more closely, moving from the stars back to their own planet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific exploration and speculative theories, particularly concerning Mars. It highlights the tension between rigorous scientific investigation and the public's fascination with UFOs, ancient astronauts, and extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these different viewpoints, including criticisms of pseudoscientific claims, while acknowledging the enduring human curiosity about life beyond Earth. The recurring theme is the persistent search for answers to fundamental questions about our place in the universe, often fueled by tantalizing but ultimately inconclusive evidence.

CENAP Newsflash Nr. 1, July 2003, is a German-language publication focusing on astronomical and UFO-related topics, with a significant emphasis on Mars in the context of its close approach to Earth in 2003.

The Fascination with Mars

The issue begins by exploring the scientific world's search for the 'cosmic imperative' and the possibility of life beyond Earth. Mars is presented as a prime candidate due to evidence of past water, such as dried riverbeds and lake traces photographed by the Viking probes. The central question driving Mars research is the nature of any past life on the planet, with the small 'Pathfinder' rover's mission aiming to find fossilized evidence. The search for life on Mars is framed as a search for the origins of our own existence.

The planet's allure is highlighted, noting that the year 2000 was dubbed the 'Mars Year' in popular culture, influenced by films like 'Mission to Mars' and classic science fiction such as 'Invasion from Mars' and 'War of the Worlds'. The article notes that in the summer of 2003, Mars would approach Earth to within 56 million kilometers, traveling at 25 kilometers per second.

Astronomical Visibility and Opposition

This close approach, described as a 'Millennium Opposition' and technically a perihelic opposition, means Mars would be closer than it has been in human memory. From early August, it would become visible in the southeastern sky and by late August, it would be observable with simple telescopes and binoculars as a bright, orange-red sphere. The article cautions astronomers against automatically identifying all red-colored UFO reports as Mars.

Mars's apparent size as a disc in the sky can vary significantly, from 25.12 to 3.3 arcseconds, depending on its distance from Earth. This variation also affects its brightness, with a magnitude range from -2.8 to +2.1. During the 2003 opposition, Mars would appear brighter than Jupiter.

Mars in the Night Sky and UFO Misidentifications

Mars's brightness and atmospheric scintillation effects, combined with its red color, are expected to make it a captivating sight, potentially outshining even Sirius. The most attractive viewing opportunity is noted as the night of August 13, 2003, when Mars appears near the Moon around 23:30. The closest encounter is scheduled for the night of August 27. The article mentions that the next significant Mars approach of this magnitude will not occur until 2287.

The text points out that Mars has historically been a frequent source of UFO misidentifications. Its appearance, especially during close approaches, has led to confusion. The article provides a historical overview of UFO reports and media coverage related to Mars and other planets.

Historical Context and Mars Mythology

The issue traces the historical perception of Mars, noting its red color evoking fire and blood, and its fluctuating brightness making it seem unusual and threatening. The failures of numerous Mars missions in the past reinforced this impression, as if the planet resisted scientific exploration.

The 'Mars Canals' and Early Speculation

The discovery of 'Martian canals' in 1877 sparked a major societal discourse about extraterrestrial life, with Mars considered a prime candidate. Despite being identified as optical illusions as early as 1909, these 'canals' fueled enthusiasm for alien life. The myth was largely dispelled by the Mariner-4 images in 1965, which revealed craters instead of canals.

Science Fiction and Cultural Impact

Utopian novels like Kurt Laßwitz's 'Auf zwei Planeten' (1897) and H. G. Wells's 'War of the Worlds' (1898), along with Rice Burroughs's Mars novels and Ray Bradbury's 'The Martian Chronicles', capitalized on the public's fascination with Mars. These works often portrayed Mars as unpredictable and aggressive, influencing popular imagination. The 1938 radio adaptation of 'War of the Worlds' famously caused panic in the USA, demonstrating the public's readiness to believe in intelligent Martian inhabitants.

The 'Mars Face' and Modern Missions

Even after the canal hysteria subsided, the 'Mars face' image captured by the Viking-1 probe in 1976 provided new fodder for the 'Mars hype'. However, images from the Mars Global Surveyor in 2001 revealed it to be a natural rock formation, its appearance distorted by low resolution and lighting. The Viking missions in 1976 had lowered expectations, focusing the search for life on microbial forms, which were also not found. The current hope is for traces of fossilized Martian life.

Mars and UFO Hysteria

The article links Mars's close oppositions over the past 150 years to periods of intense media attention and 'UFO invasions'. It notes that the astronomical magazine 'Sterne & Weltraum' featured Mars on its cover in June 2003, and 'Der Spiegel' also dedicated coverage to the 'Mars run'.

The term 'UFO' is often equated with comic-book depictions of 'Flying Saucers' and 'little green men' from Mars. The 'Mars canals' are reiterated as illusions. The approach of Mars, like that of comets, has historically stirred human fears and imaginations. The question of life in space and the nature of UFOs have been intertwined since the late 1940s.

Historical UFO Misidentifications

Planets like Venus and Jupiter also regularly cause UFO confusion during their oppositions. The article recounts how excited observers sometimes mistake these planets for UFOs. Mars itself has been a source of UFO fever. The article details several historical incidents where Mars or other celestial phenomena were mistaken for UFOs:

• 1952, Washington D.C.: A radar UFO was investigated, but it turned out to be a false signal due to atmospheric conditions.
• July 3, 1954, Berlin: A new radar at Tempelhof reportedly detected 'Flying Saucers'.
• July 5, 1954: 'Flying Saucers' were reported over Germany, coinciding with the film 'War of the Worlds'.
• July 8, 1954: A photograph claimed to show a flying saucer taken from an airplane during a solar eclipse.
• August 1956, Bentwaters Air Force Base, England: An alarm was raised about a 'Flying Saucer' which was identified as Mars.
• September 7, 1956: The greatest Mars approach of that period led to increased sightings.
• July 13, 1971: An object observed over Lake Constance was identified as a high-altitude sounding probe.
• August 1971: A UFO wave occurred, with reports of 'Martians in the Lavender Field'.
• June 21, 1986, Salzburg, Austria: Police and military investigated sightings of two luminous objects described as spherical, bright, and ringed. These were later attributed to planets.

The article emphasizes that the term 'UFO' has often been used broadly to describe anything unusual seen in the sky, not necessarily extraterrestrial craft.

Current Scientific Efforts and Public Perception

Despite past setbacks, the scientific community is actively engaged in Mars exploration. NASA's Science News from June 18, 2003, provided information and links related to Mars mythology. Two American and one European probe were en route to Mars in 2003, representing a real 'invasion' of the planet by Earthlings.

The article notes that the bright polar ice cap of Mars was clearly visible as it approached Earth. The NASA Science News from June 18, 2003, referenced this and provided links related to Mars mythology.

Summary of Key Points

1. Mars's Appearance: Its red color and fluctuating brightness historically made Mars seem unusual and threatening, reinforced by mission failures that suggested the planet resisted exploration.
2. 'Mars Canals': The 1877 discovery of 'canals' fueled speculation about extraterrestrial life, but Mariner-4 images later showed craters instead.
3. Science Fiction Influence: Novels by Laßwitz, Wells, Burroughs, and Bradbury popularized the idea of Mars as a place with intelligent, often aggressive, inhabitants.
4. 'Mars Face' Misinterpretation: The 'Mars face' was a geological formation misinterpreted due to low-resolution images and lighting.
5. Search for Life: Viking missions sought microbial life without success; current hopes are for fossil traces.
6. Media Hype: Mars oppositions consistently generate media attention and UFO-related stories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the enduring human fascination with Mars, the scientific quest for extraterrestrial life, and the historical tendency to misinterpret celestial phenomena, particularly Mars, as UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry tempered with an acknowledgment of the cultural and mythological impact of Mars on human imagination. It aims to provide factual information about Mars's astronomical significance while also contextualizing the historical and popular culture aspects, including UFO lore, that surround the planet. The publication encourages critical thinking regarding UFO reports, often linking them to planetary sightings or atmospheric effects.

This issue of CENAP Newsflash, dated July 2003, delves into historical UFO phenomena and the impact of media on public perception, focusing on two key events: the 1973 UFO wave and the 1938 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast.

The 1973 UFO Wave and Mars Misidentifications

The magazine begins by recounting an incident where an Austrian police-triggered UFO warning in Salzburg was later explained by astronomers as misidentifications of the planets Jupiter and Mars. The author reflects on how this event, along with the major UFO hysteria in America in the autumn of 1973, contributed to their personal interest in UFOlogy. The article highlights that the 1973 'Mars-misjudgments' were a significant part of this UFO 'panic'.

It recalls how the German magazine Bunte titled an article "Worldwide UFO Alarm: Saucers are Flying Again!" in 1973, while the Mannheimer Morgen took a more skeptical stance with "Joke or Fantastic Reality?". This skepticism was rooted in events in Bloomington, Indiana, in October 1973. Larry Robinson from the Kinesiology Department at Indiana University investigated local UFO sighting reports. He found that many of these sightings were actually the planet Mars, which was unusually bright on the eastern horizon. The widespread UFO reporting led residents to 'recognize' Mars as a UFO. The article notes that this period also saw pranksters releasing miniature hot air balloons, which were mistaken for UFOs, accounting for about 30% of further UFO reports.

Robinson discovered that a friend was responsible for launching these 'prank balloons' as a joke. Another 10% of sightings were attributed to unusual aircraft lighting. Robinson himself witnessed several of these 'Mars-UFOs' while visiting witnesses who genuinely believed they were seeing UFOs, and he had to explain to them that it was merely the red planet. He spent two weeks dealing with Mars-UFO reports. The UFO fever also led some people to march in fire department protective suits or wrap themselves in aluminum foil to scare others, guaranteeing international headlines.

Ohio Governor's UFO Sighting

The issue then details how Ohio Governor John J. Gilligan was asked about the UFO wave during a press conference in 1973. He revealed that he and his wife had seen a UFO two nights prior, on October 15th, while returning from a trip to Michigan. His statement emphasized that UFOs were not just seen by 'crazy people and little old ladies'. This confession was reported by NBC news anchor John Chancellor the same night and subsequently by Walter Cronkite on CBS. The 'Today Show' and CBS 'Morning News' also covered the story the following morning. The Cleveland Plain Dealer featured it prominently, and The New York Times briefly mentioned it. Gilligan declined an invitation to appear on the 'Dick-Cavett Show'. He described the object as an amber-colored light that remained relatively motionless in the sky for over 35 minutes, sometimes growing weaker and then brighter as it was seen through broken clouds. At the time of the sighting, Mars was at its brightest and closest to Earth, appearing near the reported position of Gilligan's UFO in the east-southeast sky.

The 1938 'Mars Invasion' and 'War of the Worlds'

The magazine then shifts focus to the infamous 1938 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast. It describes a fictional interruption during a CBS concert broadcast from Mount Jennings Observatory in Chicago, announcing explosions on Mars. After a brief return to music, the broadcast was interrupted again with a supposed live interview where an astronomer found the Chicago reports amusing. Suddenly, a telegram arrived stating a larger object had crashed on a farm in New Jersey. A mobile unit was sent to the crater, and a reporter described an object opening up, with something or someone emerging. The live broadcast then ended abruptly, followed by music and special news reports about a heat ray from the object destroying bystanders, leading to martial law and the 'monster' dominating central New Jersey. Communications with Pennsylvania were cut off.

More interruptions followed, with dire news reports about the destruction of New York City and the annihilation of the US Army. The broadcast concluded with the news anchor on the roof of the station reporting the fall of New York, declaring it their final broadcast and the end. The report states that listeners who had been following a competing entertainment series and switched to CBS during an interruption were the majority who missed the proper announcement of the broadcast as a play and believed the 'terror piece' to be reality.

The aftermath of this 'news' report on the East Coast was historic. The commander of the US National Guard issued behavioral guidelines for the public in New York and its surroundings. People panicked and rushed to air-raid shelters. In New Jersey, people flocked to churches, interrupting evening masses. Women knelt in the streets, praying and using handkerchiefs to protect themselves from imagined poison gas. The Bonner General-Anzeiger reported on November 1, 1938, under the headline "Mars Alarms America," that police stations, newspapers, and radio stations were flooded with thousands of telephone inquiries. City streets were clogged with thousands of cars.

Numerous interpreters have tried to analyze the effects of this broadcast. Many interpreted the American overreaction on October 30, 1938, as subconscious fear of a German invasion. The Mittelrheinische Landeszeitung suggested in its November 2, 1938, issue that this fear was a result of the press and radio's competition to create an artificial war psychosis during the Czech crisis.

Analysis of the 'War of the Worlds' Reaction

The article notes that in 1938, the time was ripe for such a staged event based on H.G. Wells' novel. The broadcast was so realistic that people around New York and New Jersey panicked, believing an invasion from Mars was possible. It is estimated that one-fifth of the six million listeners took the news reports as genuine. Media scientists pointed out that these events demonstrated how 'earthlings' could be made to behave irrationally through media events and authorities. The broadcast also revealed how deeply the assumption of the existence of extraterrestrials was rooted in the consciousness of many people, making them readily believe in a supposed invasion from distant planet dwellers.

Despite the ease of confirming the broadcast's fictional nature by simply turning the radio dial, many people apparently wanted to believe the catastrophe had arrived. The tension grew the longer the disaster didn't materialize, suggesting people wished for Orson Welles' play to be true. The 1930s were also a decade of signs and wonders, with reports of poltergeists, talking mongooses, and the Loch Ness Monster filling the papers alongside political news.

As a side note, June 1938 saw the launch of Action Comics in New York, featuring the new cartoon hero "Superman" (Kal-El alias Clark Kent). He became an instant superhero, boosting sales of 10-cent comic books from 800,000 to over a million copies. Over 400 newspapers reprinted the stories. Superman, the alien from Krypton living incognito among us, became the most successful extraterrestrial and a prototype of a benevolent alien savior, embodying a modern, incredible sky god leading humanity to a better future.

Few realized that the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast was merely a special Halloween prank that entered broadcasting history as media deception. Radio listeners became victims of a new media reality, a manipulation of the senses. At that time, people rarely questioned the distinction between fiction and reality when turning on their radios.

Welles's Staging and Media Manipulation

The article describes Welles's live-on-location reporting style, with its biblical tone, as evidence of how words from the ether could influence people's feelings and perception of the world. This was later amplified by television and further by the internet, which hosts 'wild alien hunts' on various websites. An anecdote illustrates the impact: a woman in Indianapolis, hearing the broadcast, rushed to a church shouting that New York was destroyed and the end of the world was nigh.

In Providence, Rhode Island, police reportedly received over 4,000 calls from frightened listeners wanting to know what to do. In Newark, New Jersey, people climbed onto rooftops, looking towards New York across the Hudson River. They saw 'smoke clouds' over Brooklyn and the Bronx, confirming their belief that Martians had reduced 'the Big Apple' to rubble; in reality, these were rain clouds rising on the horizon. Rumors of 'poison gas attacks by Martians' spread like wildfire, causing hundreds of drivers to flee Newark, blocking all roads and creating traffic chaos.

In Grover's Mill, New Jersey, seven duck hunters, listening to the CBS broadcast in their car, mistook a tall, dark figure at the edge of the woods for a Martian and opened fire. A state trooper investigating the gunfire found the hunters had riddled a water tower, which then began spewing gallons of water like fountains. The trooper realized it was a water tower, not a Martian machine.

Police and Legal Aftermath

In New York, the police were also in disarray. Detectives went to CBS to understand the panic caused by the broadcast. Orson Welles then interrupted the play himself to clarify the situation to the listeners who had been fooled. The next day, CBS President William S. Paley faced a far greater 'invasion' in his office: lawsuits seeking over ten million dollars in damages from Martian victims. For weeks, newspapers and radio commentators discussed the 'Martian broadcast'. The London Times tracked down H.G. Wells for an interview, where he commented, "Oh, how crazy!" (referencing an internet newsletter UFO Roundup Nr. 43 from October 26, 1998).

The Myth of Mass Panic

The article argues that desperate fans of the fantastic, unable to counter with objective arguments, have created an 'escape route' by claiming the US government is withholding the 'truth about alien visitation' due to fear of mass panic. This argument, it contends, is flawed in a space-age civilization saturated with science fiction, as too many people already long for aliens. The world is, in a sense, 'alienated'.

Donald Keyhoe is cited as partly responsible for the media hype with his book "Aliens from space," which allegedly presented an exaggerated account of thousands fleeing their homes, leading to injuries and deaths from traffic accidents and heart attacks. Even Jung, the article implies, fell for these exaggerations.

Orson Welles also benefited from the event, gaining international headlines and becoming a marketing object. The commotion he inadvertently caused allowed him to sell his film 'Citizen Kane' to Hollywood. Welles's genius, the article suggests, was partly due to luck, capitalizing on public interest in Mars, which was further fueled by films like 'Flash Gordon' (1936) and 'Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars' (1938). It was easy for listeners to follow along with such offerings, especially given the popularity of science fiction magazines like "Astounding Science-Fiction" at the time.

Historical Context and Media Influence

The issue notes that Isaac Asimov spoke of a 'boom' in science fiction during those days. The timing of the broadcast coincided with rising international tensions, including Germany's occupation of Austria in March 1938, Germany's mobilization, Chamberlain's visit to Hitler, and Hitler's annexation of the Sudetenland on October 1, 1938. Japan's advance into China further heightened fears of a major war. While America was not directly involved, many felt a global conflict was imminent, contributing to social tension.

Radio was the dominant medium at the time. While the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast has often been presented as a case of 'mass panic', historians of the UFO phenomenon have raised doubts about the extremity of this panic. At the BUFORA-UFO Conference in 1995, John Spencer presented research on the 'panic in the streets' aspect of the broadcast. He found no evidence in historical records of such panic, and neither the police, FBI, nor the military registered anything of the sort. A BBC report on October 30, 1998, also stated that the media-induced panic was not as extensive as presented, with no mass exodus occurring. The BBC cited Robert Bartholomew of James Cook University in Australia, who noted that while people were affected, panic reactions were the exception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the power of media to influence public perception, the tendency for mass hysteria to arise from sensationalized or realistic fictional portrayals, and the historical connection between UFO sightings and astronomical phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a critical stance towards claims of widespread panic, emphasizing historical research that debunks exaggerated accounts. It highlights the role of science fiction and media in shaping public consciousness and explores how easily people can be led to believe in extraordinary events, especially when combined with existing societal anxieties and a fascination with the unknown.

Title: CENAP Newsflash
Issue: Nr. 1
Date: July 2003
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP Newsflash delves into the nature of mass panic, particularly in relation to UFO phenomena, exploring how media narratives and psychological factors contribute to public perception and hysteria. It argues that mass panic is often a media-constructed myth rather than a factual occurrence, driven by perceptual errors and the power of suggestion.

The Myth of Mass Panic

The article begins by challenging the concept of mass panic as a widespread, factually supported phenomenon, labeling it a "media myth." It suggests that while isolated incidents of individuals or small groups experiencing panic might occur, these are often better explained as "human perceptual errors." The core idea presented is that "belief makes one see" (Der Glaube macht sehend), implying that pre-existing beliefs and expectations heavily influence what people perceive.

Case Studies of Perceived Hysteria

Several historical events are examined as examples of how perceived threats, particularly UFOs, can trigger public reactions that are amplified by the media. The "California Hysteria" of February 25, 1942, is discussed. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the appearance of lights in the sky over California led to widespread alarm, with searchlights activated and anti-aircraft units firing at "phantom lights" without success. The article notes that while there was some excitement, the press exaggerated the public reaction, presenting it more dramatically than it was.

The 'War of the Worlds' Phenomenon

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the impact of Orson Welles' 1938 radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." Robert Bartholomew is cited as clarifying the events surrounding its performance. A 1944 performance in Chile reportedly caused "limited excitement." However, a broadcast in Ecuador on February 12, 1949, led to genuine panic, with reports of fatalities as an agitated crowd stormed and set fire to the radio station. Subsequent broadcasts in other locations, such as Buffalo, New York, and Rhode Island in 1974, and Portugal in 1988, had less dramatic consequences. The article highlights a 1998 German broadcast by Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR5) that, despite being presented as fiction, still generated a large number of calls from listeners who believed the simulated news reports.

The broadcast's success is attributed to the convincing performance of the correspondents and the trust listeners placed in them as credible news sources. The article suggests that this event, along with the broader mythos surrounding it, solidified the idea of aliens arriving on Earth in UFOs in the public consciousness, creating a demand for such sightings.

The Rise of the Flying Saucer

The issue posits that by 1938, the concept of aliens visiting Earth was firmly established in the public imagination. What was missing were more frequent sightings and a catchy term to encapsulate these vague notions. The idea of extraterrestrial visitors was met with enthusiasm, and people began to want aliens to be real, regardless of weak evidence. This paved the way for the emergence of "flying saucers." The article references Paul Devereux, who noted that the "ETH-conception" (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) influences witnesses' perceptions, causing them to see spaceships when ambiguous aerial phenomena appear, especially if they are culturally conditioned to believe that strange lights in the sky must be alien spacecraft.

Mars and Alien Depictions in Media

The article traces the portrayal of Mars and Martians in popular culture, starting with the 1921 silent film "Message From Mars." It categorizes cinematic depictions into two main themes: either hostile Martians attempting to conquer Earth, or peaceful humans traveling to Mars and encountering hostility. Sociological analysts have drawn parallels between these narratives and the European "discovery" of Native Americans, as well as Western imperialism in Asia and Africa. The appearance of "flying saucers" is also seen as a reflection of the era's anxieties about atomic bombs and communism.

A lengthy list of films related to Mars and aliens is provided, spanning from "Himmelskibet" (1917) and "Aelita, Queen of Mars" (1924) to numerous American productions like "Buck Rogers," "Flash Gordon," "Abbott and Costello Go to Mars," and "Mars Attacks!" (1996), up to "Mission to Mars" (2000). This extensive list underscores the persistent cultural fascination with Mars and extraterrestrial visitors.

Nachgereicht (Addendum)

This section provides information on upcoming events and resources related to Mars.

• Event: On August 23, 2003, the "Vereinigung der Sternfreunde" (VdS) will host a nationwide astronomy lecture day focused on "Mars."
• Book Recommendations:
• For in-depth knowledge of Mars history: Sheehan, O'Meara: "Mars, The Lure of the Red Planet" (Prometheus Books). No comparable German title is available.
• A recommended German pocketbook is "Mars - Unser Wissen vom Roten Planeten" by Ronald Stoyan, published by Oculum-Verlag (ISBN 3-9807540-5-7).
• Online Resources: Links are provided to Daniel Fischer's "Skyweek" for information on Mars and the best amateur Mars images, including:
• http://homepage3.nifty.com/~cmomk/2003/image03.html
• http://elvis.rowan.edu/marswatch/images.html
• http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~dfischer/mars2003

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological and sociological aspects of belief, perception, and mass hysteria, particularly in the context of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears critical of sensationalism, emphasizing the role of media in shaping public perception and questioning the factual basis of widespread panic. There is a clear focus on debunking the idea of mass panic as a common occurrence and highlighting how cultural narratives, especially those involving Mars and aliens, influence what people believe they see. The issue also promotes astronomical interest in Mars through event and resource recommendations.