CENAP Report - No 009

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP - REPORT
Issue: nr. 9
Volume: 1J/H
Date: November 1976
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the CENAP REPORT, a publication from the private UFO research group CENAP in Mannheim, Germany, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, with a significant focus on sightings and investigations in Italy, particularly around La Spezia. The report critically examines photographic evidence, discusses potential hoaxes, and explores the scientific methodology applied to UFO research.

Article 1: UFOs über La Spezia

This section details a series of observations in the La Spezia region. It begins with a continuation of a previous report, describing a farmer witnessing his cows being taken by a cigar-shaped craft. The report then moves to a specific incident on July 4, 1973, in Ponsano-Magra, near La Spezia. Approximately ten people observed a bright, reddish, glowing sphere that hovered and maneuvered near a 130,000-volt power line, crossing hills and valleys before disappearing. It reappeared 15 minutes later, changed shape, and then ascended behind a ridge. The witnesses remained until midnight but saw no further activity. The G.O.R.U. (Group for Object Research) president, Stello Asso, investigated the site, finding a flattened area on a hilltop where the object had reappeared.

Further details describe a possible landing site found near a ceramic factory, characterized by a pile of rocks and small stones. Five round imprints, 50 cm in diameter and 20 cm deep, were discovered, spaced 1.80 meters apart. The report notes that these imprints contained small, crumbled stones.

As a highlight of a global UFO wave, the report mentions a possible UFO sighting photographed in the La Spezia area on October 26, 1973. Three young individuals from La Spezia claimed to have witnessed a mysterious 'fiery red' object with a luminous halo above Monte Paroid. Student Ignacio Fonadies reportedly observed the UFO for two to three seconds, describing it as a 'fiery red disc.' During this event, a noticeable drop in electrical current was recorded. The report also mentions mysterious tracks and melted stones found in the area, which some attributed to a 'hand-held device.'

Article 2: Gefälschte Dokumente (Fake Documents)

This section critically examines the authenticity of UFO photographs, particularly those published in the IGAP Journal's special issue and UN/Wiesbaden reports. The report highlights a Danish publication featuring 16 cases with UFO photos, which it suggests might be a 'clever deception.' The author expresses skepticism due to the quantity of photos, some appearing like 'cardboard cutouts' on a windowpane. The quality of some UN-published photos is described as poor, suggesting amateur photography or a lack of technical understanding.

The report details correspondence with the Odense UFO group and a Finnish worker named Jorma Viita, who claimed to have photographed UFOs. Viita provided names and addresses of other alleged witnesses in Paris and Japan, but attempts to locate them were unsuccessful, with addresses proving too general. A Danish report suggests that the 'UFOs' in question might be models, aligning with GSW's analysis that the objects exhibited a 'density profile of a non-metallic surface, likely a plastic coating or painted wood.'

GSW (Ground Saucer Watch) conducted a computer analysis of two Danish photos (referred to as Photo I and Photo II). The analysis involved image enhancement, color outlining, and rastering. The findings indicated that the object had a disk shape with a 2:4 height-to-width ratio and a 'soft' color, suggesting it was a reflective object. The analysis estimated the object to be between 50 to 100 feet away from the camera. A significant difference in density between the background and the object, as well as between different parts of the film, suggested that the photos were taken at different times, possibly over an hour apart. The object itself was estimated to be less than 12 inches in diameter. The analysis of the grain structure indicated that the two photos likely came from different film rolls, suggesting they were not taken simultaneously or were from different sources.

Article 3: UFO-Forschung? (UFO Research?)

This section questions the direction and methodology of UFO research. It begins by referencing the 'practiced UFO research' and the 'Dantecha UFO/IPC Study Association e.V.' based in Wiesbaden. The author poses critical questions about why the UFO problem is often distanced, ridiculed, and met with skepticism by the public and the press. The report suggests that this might be due to a misorientation and misinformation within UFO research itself.

It traces the origins of UFO research back to the late 1940s and early 1950s, when mysterious flying objects were reported. The authorities, including the military and air force, reportedly downplayed or dismissed these reports due to their own uncertainty. This led to a small, niche UFO research community, often referred to as the 'Science of the Flying Saucer.' The report notes that the general public was largely unaware or received contradictory information.

The article then discusses the psychological context of the post-war era, where people sought comfort and guidance. It suggests that occultists and spiritualists viewed UFOs and the dawning of the 'Aquarian Age' as signs of a new era, offering salvation. These groups allegedly used modern 'spirit manifestations' as a means to attract followers. The report observes a global trend of UFO study group formations, some aiming for a higher spiritual plane or seeking to distinguish themselves.

It describes 'UFO contactees' as an elite group, often from simple backgrounds, who claimed to receive messages from extraterrestrial beings. The narratives of these contactees are characterized by a perceived spiritual confinement and lack of imagination, often conforming to existing astronomical worldviews or criticizing them. These contactees claimed to travel with 'starships' to other planets in the solar system. The 'messages' conveyed often pointed towards a systemic change, akin to a religiously guided socialism. The report references a 1956 article in 'UFO-Nachrichten/Wiesbaden' that discussed 'Interplanetary Questions' in the context of nuclear proliferation, suggesting that research at the time, including that of DUIST, was focused on anti-nuclear warnings supposedly issued by extraterrestrials.

Article 4: Skandinavisk Ufo Information

This section is not detailed in the provided OCR text, but its inclusion in the table of contents suggests it covers UFO information from Scandinavia.

Article 5: Presse - News

This section is not detailed in the provided OCR text, but its inclusion in the table of contents suggests it covers recent news related to UFOs from various press sources.

Article 6: Blue Book

This section is not detailed in the provided OCR text, but its inclusion in the table of contents suggests it discusses Project Blue Book, a U.S. Air Force study of UFOs.

Article 7: CENAP-Intern

This section is not detailed in the provided OCR text, but its inclusion in the table of contents suggests it contains internal news or updates from CENAP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT include the investigation of specific UFO sightings, the critical analysis of photographic and documentary evidence, and a questioning of the methodologies and potential for deception within the UFO research community. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and critical evaluation, as evidenced by the detailed GSW analysis and the questioning of the 'fake documents.' The report also touches upon the psychological and societal factors that may influence belief in UFO phenomena, particularly in the post-war era.

This issue of Skandinavisk Ufo Information, dated October 1976, focuses on UFO phenomena, contactee accounts, and governmental investigations. It critically examines the early days of UFO research, particularly in Germany, and highlights the influence of organizations like DUIST and SUFOI.

Early UFO Research and Contactees

The magazine begins by critiquing the early UFO 'pioneers' and their influence on the perception of UFO research, suggesting that their 'healing messages' from 'ANGELS' in 'flying saucers' were misleading. It points to George Adamski as a prominent contactee who claimed direct contact with 'Space Brothers and Sisters.' The Rhein-Main region in Germany is identified as a center for UFO belief, where 'Venus friends' allegedly demonstrated their flying capabilities.

An 'enlightenment wave' in UFO research is mentioned, referencing an article in 'UFO-Nachrichten/Wiesbaden' from April 1957, which discussed a 'Cosmic Warning to Governments and Atomic Scientists.' The article notes that Herr A. Wörner, also an UFOlogist, was expelled from DUIST for seeing 'demons' in UFOs, contrasting with Herr Veit's revised views. The issue of 'UFO-Nachrichten/Wiesbaden' from April 1957 also prophesied, 'The future will be great.'

During 1956-1960, West Germany experienced a UFO boom, with DUIST's influence growing within sectarian and spiritualist circles. The '4th International UFO/IFO Congress' in Wiesbaden in October 1960 is described as the peak of this fantastical era, bringing together UFO believers.

Skandinavisk Ufo Information (SUFOI)

The magazine then introduces SUFOI, a Danish UFO organization that has been active since 1957. SUFOI was founded by a group interested in Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and has since expanded its network across Scandinavia and internationally, becoming the largest and oldest organization in the Nordic region. Its goal is to find solutions to the mystery of UFOs. SUFOI publishes 'UFO-Nyt' bi-monthly, covering astronomy, space travel, and UFO cases, supplemented by an annual 'Newsletter' focusing on Danish UFO cases.

SUFOI is a private, independent, non-profit organization supported by voluntary, unpaid efforts. Its publications serve as its primary source of funding. The organization is led by Flemming Alverkiel. SUFOI's secretariat and reporting department handle incoming UFO reports, with a team working 24 hours a day. Since its inception, SUFOI has received over 5,000 Scandinavian reports, with 650 reports being recognized in 1975.

SUFOI Exhibition in Skive

SUFOI organized an exhibition in Skive, Denmark, which attracted significant attention. The exhibition, supported by local authorities, aimed to provide visitors with an impression of the UFO phenomenon through displays of classic UFO cases, lesser-known incidents, and information on reporting procedures. The exhibition also featured a map of Denmark showing reported UFO sightings and a section on astronaut observations. Herr A. Wörner gave a lecture during the exhibition week. The event was well-attended and positively reviewed in the Danish press, considered a success for SUFOI.

Press News: Project Blue Book and UFO Sightings

The 'Düsseldorfer Nachrichten' reported on August 12, 1976, about the release of secret material concerning alleged visits from space, made public by the US State Archives in Washington. This material, part of the 'Project Blue Book,' comprises about twelve cubic meters of paper (3,400 pages), including photos, testimonies, and film excerpts. The documents, previously classified, cover UFO investigations from 1947 to 1969.

Among the exhibits are two melted metal discs found in Lafayette, Indiana, in August 1954, and a piece of copper pipe from Middletown, Ohio, found in August 1950. The origin of these objects is uncertain, with possibilities ranging from extraterrestrial to terrestrial explanations.

The US Air Force concluded that the reported UFOs did not pose a threat to security and provided no evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles.

UFOs in Argentina

The 'Ruhr-Nachrichten' reported on September 17, 1976, about meteorologists in Argentina sighting UFOs. They described unknown flying objects as red and green lights moving in zigzag patterns at a constant distance. The barometer reportedly dropped significantly as the UFOs passed. The article notes the growing interest in 'UFO-Study Groups' and the cautious openness of some scientists to the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors.

Iranian Air Force Encounter

The newspaper 'Blick' reported on September 22, 1976, a dramatic incident where a UFO reportedly incapacitated two of the Shah of Iran's fighter jets. During a dogfight, the UFO engaged the 'Phantom F 4 E' jets, disabling their electronic systems and radio communication. A 'tear-shaped element' detached from the UFO, briefly landed near Teheran, and then ascended before the UFO disappeared. The pilots described the object as emitting blue, red, and green light reflections.

Project Blue Book: A Critical Look

The magazine discusses the release of Project Blue Book data by the US Air Force on July 5, 1976. Professor J. Allen Hynek, a consultant for the project, reviewed the 140,000 pages of reports on approximately 12,600 sightings from 1947 to 1969. Hynek, who later founded a UFO study center, discussed the project's findings with Linda Vitt of 'People' magazine.

Hynek addresses common questions about UFOs, such as explaining strange phenomena, aerial tracks, and damage to landscapes. He notes that the Air Force could not explain over 700 of the 12,600 cases, despite claiming to have resolved them. The release of the material is attributed to public pressure and freedom of information requests.

The article suggests that the Pentagon ordered the Air Force to debunk UFOs, aiming to call Project Blue Book 'Project Debunk.' The project was considered a failure, and the secrecy was maintained to hide the Air Force's own errors.

Air Force's Methods and Conclusions

Air Force Major Hector Quintanilla is quoted as saying, 'There is no such thing as a 'probable weather balloon'.' The magazine questions the Air Force's methods, citing cases of alleged 'mirages' that were supposedly high in the atmosphere and unexplained reports categorized as 'insufficient information.'

In July 1952, a committee of scientists was convened to investigate UFO reports. The CIA was concerned that individuals might try to bring 'other fears' to light. The committee concluded that UFO reports were a case of 'class hysteria' and suggested enlisting Walt Disney to create an educational film to dispel the 'myth.'

The Air Force stopped its in-depth UFO investigations in 1969, concluding that UFOs did not pose a threat to national security.

DUIST and Modern Space Research

The final section criticizes the DUIST for clinging to 'fantastic stories' from contactees like Adamski, Howard Manger, and others, despite evidence from unmanned and manned space missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus. It argues that DUIST fans are not deterred by scientific findings. The article suggests that economic interests might be driving DUIST's stance. A letter from Ing. Adolf Geigenthaler, 'scientific coordinator' of DUIST, is quoted, which seems to contradict DUIST's own claims about UFO research.

CENAP Active

CENAP has initiated an international material exchange with publishers of 'UFO-Nyt,' 'UFO-Rapport,' and other publications. The need for translation assistance is highlighted. The price for 13x18 cm photos has been reduced to 3.80 DM.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently questions the validity of contactee claims and highlights the perceived shortcomings and potential biases in early UFO investigations, particularly those conducted by military and governmental bodies. There is a critical stance towards organizations that prioritize anecdotal evidence over scientific findings. The editorial stance appears to favor a more rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the public's enduring fascination with the phenomenon.