CENAP Newsflash - No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP - NEWSFLASH
Issue: Nr. 3
Date: October 2003
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-NEWSFLASH, subtitled 'Die UFO-Depesche aus Mannheim', focuses on a review of the '10 Jahre DEGUFO' (10 Years of DEGUFO) anniversary congress. The cover features an image of a grey alien figure and a monument, with the main content detailing the congress and its aftermath.

CENAP - The Central Research Network for Extraordinary Aerial Phenomena

CENAP is described as a private, non-commercial, and ideologically independent organization founded in 1976. Its primary function is to receive, analyze, and evaluate reports of alleged unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from a critical perspective. CENAP is associated with the GWUP (Society for Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal) and the Society for Anomalistics. The organization collaborates with various national and international institutions, maintains an extensive UFO video archive, and aims to educate the public and demystify UFO phenomena through media engagement and scientific outreach.

Review of the 10th Anniversary DEGUFO Congress

The main article is a personal report by Roland Gehardt of CENAP, detailing his visit to the DEGUFO anniversary congress held in Bad Kreuznach on September 13-14, 2003. The congress was advertised extensively, promising presentations from notable figures in the UFO community, including Reiner Holbe, Illobrand von Ludwiger, Joachim Koch, Hans-Jürgen Kyborg, and Prof. Khalilov, who was expected to present 'sensational video recordings'. Despite a significant admission fee, the event attracted between 120 and 150 visitors, a respectable number given the niche nature of the UFO topic within the broader esoteric field.

Gehardt and other CENAP staff arrived a day early to prepare and observed the setup at the 'Loge' venue. The location was described as ideal, centrally located with ample parking and facilities for attendees. Several known figures from the UFO scene, such as Roland Roth and Werner Betz, were present.

However, the congress was marred by numerous speaker cancellations, including Prof. Khalilov, Kyborg, Koch, and Reiner Holbe. The original program was significantly altered, leading to a chaotic schedule with multiple program versions distributed, none accurately reflecting the actual proceedings. Gehardt noted that while cancellations are understandable, the lack of explicit communication about them to the attendees was disappointing. Speakers were moved between days, and times were not adhered to, causing inconvenience for those who had paid for specific days or speakers, such as Peter Krassa, whose presentation was unexpectedly moved to Saturday.

Gehardt also recounts a negative interaction with Reinhard Nühlen, the main organizer of DEGUFO, who became defensive when questioned about the event's issues. Nühlen reportedly made dismissive remarks about Werner Walter's work.

Presentations and Analysis

On Sunday, Frank Menhorn, the chairman of DEGUFO, opened the congress with an overview of DEGUFO's development and discussed various theories about UFOs, including extraterrestrial, future, and interdimensional hypotheses. He emphasized the need for DEGUFO to increase public engagement and for conventional science to address the UFO topic more seriously, arguing that media and scientific bias distorts the subject.

Peter Hattwig presented his analysis of UFO sightings from the past 10 years. He included cases like a 'bedroom visitor' sighting, which he linked to UFOs as a means of transport for such entities. Gehardt criticizes this approach, suggesting that Hattwig prematurely categorizes phenomena and equates UFOs with extraterrestrial spacecraft (IFO). Hattwig reported that out of 318 cases reported to DEGUFO in the last decade, 126 were deemed unanalyzable due to insufficient data. Of the remaining 192 cases, 51 were conventionally explained (e.g., aircraft, balloons, fireworks), and 40 were attributed to natural causes (e.g., meteors, stars, ball lightning, clouds). Another 23 were explained by optical phenomena like laser shows, and 8 were considered hoaxes. This left 70 cases, or 36%, as unexplained sightings.

Gehardt questions DEGUFO's high percentage of unexplained cases (over a third), contrasting it with other research groups that typically achieve 95% explanation rates. He suggests that DEGUFO's methods might be less rigorous, possibly akin to earlier, less critical UFO groups. He notes that Hattwig's own email correspondence revealed a tendency to discard cases with incomplete data rather than seeking further information, stating, "Before I lightly make a UFO, a hot air balloon, or Venus out of a light that is reported, I prefer to put the report aside." This selective approach, Gehardt argues, distorts statistics and undermines the claim of scientific investigation.

Illobrand von Ludwiger presented on 'What Science Can Learn from the Observation of Unidentified Flying Objects'. He critiqued the Condon Report, suggesting its conclusion that further scientific study was unwarranted, but advised discarding its preface. He discussed projects aimed at automatically detecting and documenting unknown aerial objects using detectors and cameras, mentioning 'Project PSI' and MUFON-CES's own initiatives. He also presented radar data showing apparent UFO flight paths, but cautioned that such echoes can originate from various sources, including churches or flocks of birds, and that radar evidence alone is insufficient without optical confirmation.

Von Ludwiger also discussed MUFON's 'favorite cases', involving alleged electromagnetic interactions between objects and witnesses' vehicles, citing 1300 cataloged cases. Gehardt expresses skepticism about the methodology, suggesting these cases might be compiled from speculative UFO literature rather than rigorous investigation. He highlights a MUFON-CES archive image showing 7 folders, 6 with red spines for unexplained cases and 1 black for identified ones, noting a reported 90% rate of unidentified sightings within MUFON. Gehardt finds this high rate questionable and suggests that MUFON-CES researchers may be failing to recognize terrestrial phenomena.

Christoph Konrad Kalka presented on 'Time-Riders - They Come from the Future', discussing theories of time travel and citing historical figures like the Count of St. Germain and Alexander the Great as potential evidence. He referenced his book and the work of Michael Hesemann.

Hartwig Hausdorf presented on 'Unheimliche Begegnungen der 5. Art' (Close Encounters of the 5th Kind), focusing on animal mutilations and 'human mutilations'. He linked these phenomena to UFOs and their occupants, expanding on Hynek's classification. He discussed the Guarapirango case, involving the discovery of a mutilated corpse.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a critical stance towards UFO research organizations, particularly DEGUFO and MUFON-CES, questioning their methodologies, transparency, and claims of scientific rigor. The author emphasizes the importance of objective investigation, proper data handling, and avoiding pre-conceived notions. Themes include the challenges of UFO research, the potential for bias in data interpretation, and the need for a more scientific approach to unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine advocates for public education and a critical, yet open-minded, examination of UFO reports.

This issue of CENAP Newsflash, dated October 2003, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena and related anomalies. The publication aims to provide a critical and fact-based analysis of the subjects it covers.

Animal Mutilations and Human Mutilations

The issue begins by discussing animal mutilations, noting similarities to cases in the USA and South America. The wounds are described as resembling those found on animals, with clean cuts suggesting the use of a 'laser scalpel.' The article questions the precision of these alleged mutilations, describing them as uneven and jagged, unlike the work of a human surgeon. The common claim of bloodlessness in these cases is also examined, with the author suggesting that post-mortem lividity (blood pooling) is often misinterpreted. The article posits that animal mutilations could be caused by insects or other natural processes, and questions the tendency to attribute them to aliens without logical explanation.

A case in Frankfurt is mentioned, where a murdered youth was allegedly found with his genitals removed and no blood in his body. The author notes the press's silence on the matter and expresses a desire to investigate further, but the individual who brought the case to attention was unwilling to share details.

UFOlogy vs. Pre-Astronautics

The magazine explores the debate between UFOlogy and Pre-Astronautics, with a presentation by Peter Krassa. The author suggests that these two fields are often intertwined, and that authentic sightings can support both perspectives. Erich von Däniken is mentioned for his stance that UFOs do not interest him, despite his alleged support for a UFO contactee. Krassa attempts to link biblical motifs with modern contactee stories, suggesting common narrative patterns.

UFO Sightings by Pilots and Crashes

Douglas Spalthoff presents on 'UFO Sightings by Pilots - Backgrounds of Plane Crashes.' He discusses the idea that secret US projects, like SDI, might be responsible for plane crashes, with important figures on board. He also touches upon UFO crashes, citing an alleged 1998 UFO crash in Brazil that was reportedly covered up, followed by a cooperation agreement between the USA and Brazil.

Alien Autopsy Film

A video of an 'Alien Autopsy' is discussed, presented as being from a German-French cultural channel. The author notes its similarity to the Roswell-Santilli film and suggests it might have been a hoax or a staged event.

Time Anomalies

Dr. Jens Waldeck presents on 'Time Anomalies in Everyday Life.' He discusses the challenges extraterrestrial spacecraft would face due to vast distances and Einstein's theory of time dilation. He offers examples of potential 'time loops' and 'time jumps,' such as a car journey where the car that started later arrived first, or a woman whose coffee cooled down after she left the room to get sugar. Waldeck's presentation style is described as humorous.

Alien Abduction Scenarios

Anke Heitland discusses 'New Developments in Alien Abduction Scenarios.' She claims to be a victim of abduction and presents alleged parapsychological effects. The author expresses concern that such claims, especially when presented without concrete proof, can lead individuals into psychological distress and psychosis, fueled by online forums where dreams are interpreted as abductions.

Social Science and UFO Research

Edgar Wunder presents on the contribution of social science to UFO research. He emphasizes the importance of studying the witnesses of UFO sightings rather than just the sightings themselves. His presentation is noted as being highly informative but was attended by few due to its late timing.

Critique of the Conference and UFO Scene

The author expresses disappointment with the conference, noting that several advertised speakers did not appear. He criticizes the lack of new information and the prevalence of speculation without evidence in many presentations. The author calls for a more rational, fact-based approach to UFO research, moving away from sensationalism and towards verifiable data. He also criticizes the tendency within the UFO community to reinforce beliefs rather than critically examine them, particularly in cases of alleged alien abductions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO phenomena, animal mutilations, and alleged alien encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims and a strong advocacy for empirical evidence and rational analysis. The magazine encourages a more scientific and less speculative approach to understanding anomalous phenomena, while also acknowledging the importance of witness testimony and the psychological aspects involved.