CENAP Newsflash - No 11

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP - NEWSFLASH, dated April 2005, focuses on UFO phenomena from 2004, with a particular emphasis on the mysterious SETI signal SHGb02+14a and the challenges of detecting extraterrestrial communication. The magazine also includes several witness reports of unexplained aerial phenomena.

UFOs 2004 - In den Herbst hinein...

The lead article discusses the SETI signal SHGb02+14a, which scientists have been monitoring for 19 months. The signal, detected by SETI telescopes from the region between the constellations Pisces and Aries, is considered the best candidate yet for contact with intelligent aliens. Researchers like Eric Korpela and Dan Wertheimer are actively seeking natural explanations but have not found any. The article highlights the difficulty in interpreting these signals and the possibility that many such messages from space go undetected. It also notes that the SHGb02+14a signal, while significant, was ranked 22nd on SETI's list of top signals.

The media's portrayal of the SETI signal is also examined, with reports suggesting that the scientific community's excitement was exaggerated. Dr. Dan Wertheimer is quoted as saying, "We don't have anything we are excited about," and that the media hype was disproportionate. The article references a BBC News report that dismissed the 'ET-Signal' as not unusual.

Cosmic Noise - Why We Don't Hear Extraterrestrials

This section delves into the scientific challenges of detecting alien signals. A study by physicists Mark Newman, Christopher Moore, and Michael Lachmann proposes that advanced civilizations would use highly efficient compression techniques for their signals, making them indistinguishable from natural cosmic background noise. This argument is based on Claude Shannon's work on information theory, which suggests that optimally compressed messages lack repeating patterns.

The researchers argue that current SETI efforts, which look for non-random patterns, might be looking in the wrong way. They believe that a civilization with a few hundred years of experience in communication could encode signals so efficiently that they would appear as normal stellar radiation to an untrained observer. Michael Lachmann suggests that SETI researchers may not be aware of these implications.

Seth Shostak, a co-founder of SETI, acknowledges the Shannon argument but views it as one of many possibilities for how aliens might hide their signals. He also emphasizes that extraterrestrials would likely recognize Earth as a life-bearing planet and might intentionally send signals that humans could detect if they wished to communicate.

UFO Sky Scanner in Flensburg

This report details an encounter with a young man named Samuel W. from Flensburg who claimed to have UFO footage. He approached the local newspaper, 'Flensburger Tagblatt,' seeking validation from CENAP before marketing his material. The newspaper provided Samuel with CENAP's contact information. Upon receiving a DVD of the footage, the author found it to be repetitive and unconvincing, describing it as "ufological film scrap." The footage consisted mainly of panning shots of the sky from a high-rise apartment, with occasional birds or lens reflections mistaken for UFOs.

The author notes the man's evasiveness about the details of the recordings and his attempts to steer the conversation towards general UFO video discussions. The witness, who initially claimed to be 32 but later corrected himself to 35, was vague about when the recordings were made. The author concluded that the man's interpretation of the footage was heavily influenced by his desire to find UFOs.

Shirley MacLaine: I Saw UFOs!

This section reports on actress Shirley MacLaine's claims, published in her book "Eine unsterbliche Liebe," that she has seen UFOs in Peru and had contact with extraterrestrials in China, Russia, and Egypt. The article mentions her extensive involvement with the UFO phenomenon through her website, which hosts UFO experiences and information.

It also briefly touches upon other UFO-related topics, including the case of Billy Meier and a reported sighting of a "glowing peach" over Waldbröl.

"Glowing Peach" over Waldbröl

On the evening of September 4, 2004, an object described as "not too high" and "glowing from the inside" was observed by a couple in Waldbröl. The object, initially appearing larger than a star and later the size of a peach, moved silently and slowly across the sky, appearing to rotate and composed of different surfaces. It was observed for about five minutes before disappearing. Local radio reports did not mention the sighting.

Big Fireball...

On September 7, 2004, an observer in Jülich reported seeing a phenomenon described as a "crazy thing" shooting across the sky from north to south. It was brighter than the full moon, broke into 6-8 fragments, and left a smoke trail. The main object was blue, and the fragments were greenish with a red-white aura. A similar sighting was reported from the Petersberg near Bonn, describing a "gigantically large" object that was phosphorescent green with a golden tail.

Flying Saucer Crashes Over Utah - And Everyone Watched

This article recounts the crash of NASA's Genesis probe capsule in the Utah desert on September 8, 2004. The capsule, carrying solar wind particles, failed to deploy its parachutes, leading to a hard landing. The event, which was broadcast live by BBC World and later by CNN, was compared to the famous Roswell incident. The article notes that the spectacular re-entry of the probe was overshadowed by the failure of the mission, which was a multi-million dollar project.

The author reflects on humanity's drive for discovery and the inherent risks in space missions. The article also touches upon the Apollo missions to the Moon, highlighting that no human has set foot on another world in decades.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the scientific and media challenges associated with detecting and interpreting potential alien signals, and the reporting of various UFO sightings and related phenomena. CENAP appears to maintain a critical yet open stance, presenting scientific analyses alongside witness accounts, while also scrutinizing media portrayals and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance seems to favor a rational approach, distinguishing between scientific inquiry, media hype, and personal experiences.

This issue of 'Die Zeitensprung' (published October 2004, issue 10, volume 2004) focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena and astronomical events observed in Germany and surrounding regions. The magazine presents reader reports and journalistic investigations into sightings of unusual lights, formations, and meteors, alongside discussions on conspiracy theories like 'Chemtrails'.

Light Objects near Kaiserslautern and Other "UFO Formations"

The lead article details a sighting on the night of September 4/5, 2004, near Kaiserslautern, Germany. A reader, Frau Margret L., along with four neighbors, observed approximately 20 'light bodies' hovering silently at tree-top height, arranged in a star-like formation. The lights were yellow to reddish, and some appeared to drop red glowing parts. Frau L. initially speculated about American military aircraft but later considered the possibility of miniature hot air balloons, noting the cost and personnel required for such a large group. The local newspaper 'Die Rheinpfalz' published a report with an explanation, suggesting it was likely balloons, with the observation area being inhabited by many Americans and affluent Germans, implying potential for such activities.

UFO over Straubing?

Another report covers a sighting in Straubing, Germany, where a reader, Boris Noudelman, a Diplom-Ingenieur, photographed what he identified as a UFO on the night of September 9, 2004. While attempting to photograph the moon, he captured a large luminous point above the city. The article notes that the object was not visible in all photos, leading to speculation that the 'extraterrestrial friends' found the local Wallmühle airport too insecure and departed. The 'Straubinger Tagblatt' published the story, including a poll on whether UFOs and aliens exist, with results showing varied opinions among internet readers. The magazine's editor requested a larger version of the photo for evaluation but received no response, suggesting it might be a 'late summer hoax'.

"Light Penis" in the Rhein-Neckar Region

On the night of September 11, 2004, multiple reports emerged from the Rhein-Neckar region concerning a diffuse orange luminous ball moving in an arc across the sky. Initially described as a skybeamer effect, the phenomenon later evolved into more bizarre descriptions. Around midnight, a caller from Weinheim reported seeing a long, white 'light penis' with a 'magnificent white glans' that would shrink and expand. Similar reports came from Ilvesheim and other areas. The observer, who initially dismissed it as a skybeamer, later witnessed the same effect himself, describing it as a 'shrinking and rebuilding light finger with a thick thumb' and noting the significant power required for such an effect, especially during heavy rain.

Orange-Red Light Bodies in Three Formations

Another sighting occurred on the night of September 11, 2004, in the Westerwald region. A woman observed several 'orange-red light objects' in a long chain, moving silently and changing formation. She noted glowing material falling from one object and that it then faded. Later, a second formation appeared, arranged in a 'polygon' shape, also dropping glowing material. A third formation, described as a 'distorted triangle', also appeared, with two objects extinguishing before disappearing. The observer speculated that the phenomena might be related to 'light aircraft' due to the proximity of a Bundeswehr base, or possibly miniature hot air balloons.

Meteor Irritates on September 12, 2004

On the evening of September 13, 2004, a report was received about a meteor sighting from the previous evening, around 10:30 PM, approximately 30 km west of Ulm. The meteor was described as unusually slow-moving, visible for about 10 seconds, with an orange to reddish color and a distinct tail that appeared smoky. It was significantly brighter than surrounding stars, including Venus. Another observer near Zwickau reported seeing a similar phenomenon around 10:20 PM. Further reports came in on September 13, including one from near Dresden describing a very bright shooting star with a smoke trail, and another from near Freiburg detailing a 'red fireball' that detached a part of itself.

Fireball Meteor Sightings

Further details on meteor sightings are provided. One report from the Schwarzwald region described an orange-red light ball moving over a nuclear power plant. The magazine notes the coincidence of a meteor sighting and a possible balloon sighting. On September 15, Matthias Gräter from the Nuremberg Observatory reported receiving a message about a meteor sighting from the previous night, noting the time, color, and brightness matched. Other observers also reported seeing fireballs with smoke trails, with locations including Mudau in the Odenwald and Kirchheim.

The author expresses a fascination with bolides (fireball meteors), considering them 'astro-favorites' and the 'little brothers of asteroids,' highlighting their potential danger to Earth. The article contrasts the protective atmosphere of Earth with the Moon's cratered surface, emphasizing that while meteors are common, larger asteroids pose a global threat.

"Light Circle" Seen Near Lüneburg

On the evening of September 14, 2004, an elderly woman from near Lüneburg reported seeing a 'milky-white light circle' between clouds. She and her husband observed multiple lights circling, merging, and expanding silently. They initially thought it was disco lights from a Lüneburg disco, but the original observers did not believe this. The phenomenon disappeared 'as if switched off' around 9:30 PM. The woman, an internet user, was unfamiliar with 'skytracker projections' and was explained the phenomenon, leading to her realization.

Theme: "Chemtrails"

This section discusses the 'Chemtrails' phenomenon, exploring theories of a global conspiracy involving chemically augmented trails left by aircraft. The article contrasts these theories with more rational explanations. Conspiracy theories suggest these trails are a cocktail of substances like aluminum powder, barium salts, and viruses, deliberately sprayed by governments or secret organizations. Some theories link it to a secret UN program called 'The Shield' to stop climate collapse or an Illuminati plot to poison the population. However, official sources and experts offer different perspectives. Bernd Petzold, a meteorologist, explains that persistent condensation trails are due to high humidity and weak winds, causing them to spread out like Cirrus clouds. Frank Hönerbach from the Umweltbundesamt states that joint measurements with other agencies have found no evidence of unusual substances. Dieter Noeske, a hobby meteorologist, dismisses 'Chemtrails' as nonsense, pointing to Zossen as a major air traffic hub. Lufthansa also considers 'Chemtrails' theories unserious, noting their continuous atmospheric measurements.

UFO Photographed at Cologne Racecourse?

A report from September 18, 2004, describes an 'unexpected photo object' captured by Bernd S. and his girlfriend at the Cologne horse racing track. While reviewing photos taken with a digital camera on a clear day, they noticed a small, initially inconspicuous black and blurred object on the right side of the image. Norbert Eßer comments that it is likely an insect, such as a fly, noting that more defined insects would have sharper edges. He also points out that the woman was only 2 meters from the lens, implying the insect would have to be about 40 cm in size relative to the lens.

Anomaly: Sine Wave UFO over Greece?

On September 25, 2004, Jürgen K. from Graz, Austria, sent an email expressing respect for the magazine's approach to UFO topics and 'fringe sciences.' He acknowledges the need for a degree of mystery in life and appreciates the magazine's grounding in facts while exploring these subjects. He does not see a need to rationalize all 'fantasy images' but values maintaining 'ground contact.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the observation and investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, including UFO sightings, unusual light formations, and meteors. The magazine presents a balanced approach, featuring reader reports alongside attempts at scientific or rational explanations. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalist claims, particularly regarding 'Chemtrails,' where conspiracy theories are contrasted with expert opinions. The editorial stance appears to favor grounded investigation and rational explanations, while acknowledging the public's enduring fascination with the unknown and the potential for genuine mysteries in the sky.

This issue of "Magazin für Grenzwissenschaften" (Magazine for Frontier Sciences), volume 12, issue 10, dated October 2004, published by CENAP, focuses on the topic of UFOs, with the cover headline asking, "UFOs: Aliens, Flying Saucers - or all a Hoax?". The magazine explores various sightings and the potential for misidentification or deliberate fabrication of evidence.

Eyewitness Account: Greece, 1990

The issue begins with a detailed account from a reader who, in late June or early July 1990, while on vacation at Ahlada Beach near Sarti, Sithonia, Halkidiki, Greece, observed a peculiar aerial phenomenon. Around 10-11 PM, he noticed a faint light moving across the clear night sky. Initially dismissing it as a satellite, he soon realized its movement was highly unusual. The object displayed a perfect, discernible sinusoidal motion, with a frequency of approximately 0.6-0.7 Hz and an amplitude that made it clearly visible against the stars. The witness ruled out atmospheric distortions like heat haze, emphasizing that the amplitude of the oscillation was significantly larger than the object itself. He also discounted the possibility of a reflection from a rotating satellite. The object, visible for at least five minutes, moved in a generally south-westerly direction. The experience became even more extraordinary when two more similar objects appeared, seemingly from the opposite direction, moving in a parallel, slightly staggered, and phase-synchronized manner.

Eyewitness Account: Neubeckum, Germany, 2001

Another significant report comes from Martin D., who, on December 13, 2001, at approximately 9:32 PM, observed a massive object while starting his night shift at a workshop in Neubeckum, Germany. Described as being 3 to 4 times the size of a jumbo jet, the object was steel-grey, silent, and moved from East to West at a speed much faster than a jet fighter. It reflected the earth's night light and was visible for about three seconds before disappearing over the workshop. The witness, a 45-year-old crane and forklift operator with an interest in astrology, noted that the object had no position lights and resembled a drawing of a modern "peace angel" or "dove of peace." He estimated its altitude to be between 100 and 300 meters. He also mentioned seeing numerous shooting stars and previously believed in other life forms, partly influenced by a Batman toy from 1995 that bore some resemblance to his sighting.

Stern TV Feature: UFOs and Hoaxes

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the TV show "Stern TV" on RTL, which aired on September 29, 2004, and focused on the topic of UFOs, questioning whether they are aliens or hoaxes. The show's premise was based on the idea that while most UFO sightings are illusions, CENAP (Central European Network for Anomalous Phenomena) receives numerous reports of aliens in the sky. The program aimed to investigate the phenomenon and demonstrate how easily UFOs can be faked using digital technology.

The author of the article was involved in the production of the show, particularly concerning the DOCMA-UFO-Fake competition. He provided advice to the producers and shared a video from 1997 involving a Leipzig UFO case. The show featured Doc Baumann, a police witness, and the author as studio guests. Baumann demonstrated how to create a convincing UFO image using digital editing, starting with a car hubcap and an image of the Cologne Cathedral. The show also explored various explanations for UFO sightings, including birds, raindrops on lenses, and misidentified aircraft.

The Leipzig UFO Case

The Leipzig UFO case, observed by police officers, involved an object described as elliptical with blinking lights. Police chief master Rolf Zimmermann reported seeing something "like from a science fiction film," noting its elliptical shape and blinking lights. While initially considering a weather balloon, he found the shape unusual. The report also mentioned numerous calls from other witnesses seeing the lights. The author, present behind the scenes, was particularly intrigued. Zimmermann later discussed the case with the TV host, revealing that initial police reports were incomplete. He recalled thinking it might be a "dirigible" or a "weather balloon," but acknowledged the object's unusual "negative" appearance and lack of lights, except for three strobing lights. He also mentioned that the object moved slowly and its height and distance were difficult to determine. The case was eventually dismissed as a "curiosity" by the police, with no significant follow-up or concern from higher authorities.

Investigation into Potential Explanations

The magazine discusses potential explanations for the Leipzig sighting, including the possibility of tethered balloons used by the Institute for Tropospheric Research (IfT) in Leipzig. These balloons, typically red and white, are usually flown during the day and are not equipped for night flights. The possibility of a "zeppelin"-like measuring probe was also considered, which could appear as a bright object at night. However, investigations by the author and the IfT did not yield definitive answers, with the institute stating that their measurements began in 1999, while the sighting occurred in 1997.

Dr. John Mack's Passing

The issue also notes the unfortunate passing of Dr. John Mack, an American UFO abduction researcher, who died in a traffic accident in England on September 27, 2004, at the age of 74. Mack was known for his controversial work at Harvard, where he took abduction reports seriously, contributing to a resurgence of interest in UFOlogy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the ongoing debate surrounding UFO sightings, emphasizing the difficulty in definitively identifying such phenomena. It explores both genuine unexplained sightings and the prevalence of hoaxes and misidentifications, particularly in the age of digital image manipulation. The magazine seems to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded approach, presenting eyewitness accounts and investigative efforts while acknowledging the challenges and the lack of conclusive evidence for extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical analysis and open discussion of anomalous phenomena, while also debunking sensationalism and misinformation.

Title: UFO Nachrichten
Issue: 11
Volume: 18
Date: November 2004
Publisher: IGAP
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: 9,80 EUR
ISSN: 0942-1105

"Unexpected Photo Object" - This Time Near Area 51!

This article details an unusual photograph submitted by Steffen L., who was on vacation with his family in Nevada during Easter. On October 2, 2004, while driving in the dark on the 'extraterrestrial highway', they stopped in Rachel, a small town known for its proximity to Area 51, to visit the 'Little Alien-In' establishment. It was there that Steffen L. took a photograph with his 4.0-megapixel digital camera.

Steffen L. sent the image, along with a cropped version showing the 'object' larger, and noted that he suspected it to be a water droplet on the camera lens. He mentioned that prior and subsequent photos taken did not show anything unusual. The image itself is described as a nighttime scene featuring the 'Little Alien-In' with a crane in the background, and a distinct, bright, circular anomaly in the sky above the building.

The accompanying text in the magazine suggests that the object, which was not observed during the actual photo-taking session but only appeared later in the photographic material, is an 'unexpected formation/object'. It is noted with irony that this occurred at a location considered a former UFO icon. The article acknowledges the aesthetic appeal of the image and how many UFOlogists begin their interest through such visually striking phenomena, relating it to the broader topic of 'flying saucers'.

However, the article dismisses the idea that the anomaly is simply a 'beading water droplet' on the lens, implying it might be something else, despite the sender's initial assessment and the lack of similar anomalies in adjacent photos. The text also mentions that the photo was taken during an impending storm situation, with flash photography used, and that the object appeared 'BEFORE the lens'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings, photographic evidence, and eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting cases and allowing for interpretation, while also critically evaluating potential explanations, such as lens artifacts or natural phenomena. The location of Area 51 and its surrounding areas are presented as significant sites within UFOlogy, attracting interest and potentially contributing to the mystique of reported sightings. The article highlights the common entry point into UFOlogy through visually compelling or unusual phenomena, even if the ultimate explanation might be mundane.