CENAP Report - No 016

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, number 16, dated June 1977, is published by CENAP, a Private UFO Forschungsgruppe based in Mannheim, Germany. It is the German section of T.U.F.O.R. The issue contains a table of contents with eight articles covering various UFO-related topics, including witness accounts, investigations into UFO organizations, and analyses of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Article Summaries

1. Merkwürdiges Objekt (Strange Object)

This article reports on a UFO sighting by two brothers, Greg and Scott DeRodes, aged nine, in Findlay, Ohio, USA, on the night of February 25, 1977. The brothers described the object as bright golden, emitting a strange humming sound, and having no wings but attached legs. They created sketches of the object. The report notes that the boys are familiar with aircraft types. Their father, Donald DeRodes, also observed the object. A spokesperson from the FMA (Federal Aviation Administration) at Findlay Airport stated that there were no unusual air traffic movements at the time.

2. Die S.O.E. (The S.O.E.)

This section investigates an organization called S.O.E. (Schwindelorganisation, meaning 'swindle organization'), which allegedly emerged with a 'loud bang' on November 17, 1975. Three UFO researchers, Frank Bruns, Herbert Mohren, and Axel Haran, are mentioned as the founders. The CENAP (specifically the P.U.F.G.R. - Private UFO Forschungsgruppe Rehau) group became suspicious when the GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) claimed the S.O.E. was founded by youth groups and that GEP was asked to co-found it, which they refused. The P.U.F.G.R. received information about a 'Top-Secret Fall' from a Spanish group called CONDOR, which was allegedly investigated by the S.O.E. However, inquiries with Spanish UFO researchers and the P.U.F.G.R.'s own AGO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft) in Oberhausen revealed that neither CONDOR nor the mentioned 'Top-Secret Fall' existed. It was discovered that the S.O.E. had fled West Germany in February 1976, possibly due to intensified investigations. The article concludes that the motives of the three men behind the S.O.E. remain unclear. The P.U.F.G.R. ceased its investigations into the S.O.E. after about a year, thanking Norbert Bürgers for his assistance.

3. CENAP - Ortsgruppe aktiv (CENAP Local Group Active)

This section details two reports sent to the CENAP central office.

• UFO über Neustadt/Wied (UFO over Neustadt/Wied): Between August 11 and 31, 1971, Willi Honeben and other witnesses in Westerwald (Neustadt/Wied) observed an unknown object in the sky multiple times. The object was visible around 10:00 PM and appeared as a star-like light, small enough to be covered by a pinhead at arm's length. No movement was observed, but the object appeared in different locations each night. Its color changed from red to white and dirty blue. It remained stationary at an altitude of about 70 degrees for hours. The report suggests that the color changes might be due to atmospheric thermal fluctuations and that the object could be a star, not a spacecraft.

• Mysteriöser Luftknall über Belgien (Mysterious Air Burst over Belgium): On April 25, 1977, a Lufthansa flight captain reported a mysterious loud bang while flying in Belgian airspace. An inspection of the Boeing 737 revealed no damage. The aircraft had flown over a military zone, but no supersonic military aircraft were active at that time. The phenomenon is compared to the 'Cannons of Tobruk,' where unexplained acoustic phenomena are heard. The article questions if UFOs could be the cause of such events.

4. Wieder keine UFO's (No UFOs Again)

This section presents cases that, after investigation by CENAP, were determined not to be UFOs.

• A. Fall SALONICI/Griechenland (Case Salonici/Greece): According to UFO-Nachrichten, a UFO was photographed in Salonici on December 2, 1973. The photograph was allegedly taken randomly, and the object was not seen beforehand. However, subsequent information from UFO-Nyt indicated that the students who took the photo deliberately photographed a lenticular cloud. The object was identified as a well-known cloud formation by a meteorology professor.

• B. Fall GREENHAW/UFOnaut angeblich fotografiert (Case Greenhaw/UFOnaut Allegedly Photographed): This case involves a report from Falkville, Alabama, where Police Chief Jeff Greenhew claimed to have seen and photographed a 6-foot tall silver figure on October 17, 1973. The figure reportedly moved sideways and disappeared. The article notes that NICAP researcher Marion Webb investigated the case and compared the photo to one of Mr. Webb wearing a silver-covered firefighter suit, suggesting a possible hoax. Further analysis of the Greenhaw photo by experts did not definitively confirm or deny its authenticity, but the possibility of deception was considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT revolve around UFO sightings, investigations into UFO phenomena, and the critical examination of UFO-related organizations and claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking to verify reports and expose potential hoaxes or misidentifications. The magazine actively debunks some cases, classifying them as misidentified clouds or potential deceptions, while still presenting other unexplained phenomena for consideration. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation and a skepticism towards sensational claims, particularly concerning organizations that appear to lack credibility or engage in deceptive practices.

This issue of UFO-Nachrichten, dated January 1977, is published by CENAP and focuses on UFO investigations and reports. The primary article analyzes a photograph attributed to Jeff Greenhaw, concluding it to be a hoax. The magazine also presents several UFO sighting reports from various locations, including the USA, Portugal, Chile, Venezuela, and Colombia, featuring witness testimonies and the findings of UFO research organizations.

The Greenhaw Photo Hoax

The lead article details the investigation into a photograph taken by Jeff Greenhaw. The conclusion drawn is that the image does not provide convincing proof of an extraterrestrial presence. The analysis revealed that the 'creature's' clothing was made of a fireproof material coated with aluminum. The bright reflection seen in the photo was attributed to the use of a flash device during photography, making the mask-like fabrication apparent. The investigation indicated that the 'space man' was a normal human in a suit, and that Jeff Greenhaw and a friend likely staged the event on October 17, 1973.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

Jonesboro, USA (October 27, 1973): The BILD newspaper reported that police in Colorado apprehended two young men dressed in silver paper uniforms who were acting like 'little Martians' on the street. They were fined for public nuisance.

Washington D.C., USA (July 19, 1952): A color photo was allegedly taken of unexplained bodies or phenomena over Washington D.C. The article mentions that the commander of the Civil Aeronautics Administration's tower, Harry Barnes, and his colleagues could not explain the radar detections.

Washington D.C., USA (July 1976): A report from 'The UFO-fleet over Washington D.C.' is discussed, which analyzed a photo of a fleet of UFOs over the Capitol. The analysis by DUIST and ICUFON suggested it was a lens flare, but the magazine expresses skepticism about this explanation, questioning why DUIST would not retract the case if they knew it wasn't a UFO.

Over Portugal (April 13, 1977): The crew of a British Airways Trident aircraft reported sighting two cigar-shaped objects, described as being the size of battleships. They were alerted by Lisbon air traffic control about an unknown flying object and later observed a luminous round object, from which two large cigar-shaped objects materialized.

Northern Chile (April 25, 1977): A mysterious incident occurred with a cavalry patrol. An officer, Unteroffizier Armando Valdes, experienced a 15-minute disappearance, reappearing disoriented. His watch showed the time of his disappearance but had advanced by five days in date, and he had grown a five-day-old beard.

Venezuela (February 19, 1977): The newspaper 'El Universal' reported a UFO sighting by flight captain Gustavo Ferreira of the Colombian airline 'Avianca'. The UFO was described as three times the size of a passenger jet and was traveling at 44,000 kilometers per hour. Bogota control tower did not detect the object on radar but noted signals of high-speed, zigzagging movement. The UFO's lights reportedly changed from green to red when the pilot turned on his landing lights.

Colombia (May 5, 1977): Another pilot report from the Bogota area is mentioned. Pilot Manuel Lopez of a single-engine aircraft signaled to the Bogota control tower that he nearly collided with an unknown flying object. The object's bright light temporarily blinded him. Four other aircraft were dispatched to escort him safely to land, and he was taken to the hospital with nervous shock.

Analysis and Skepticism

The magazine frequently questions the official explanations provided for UFO sightings. It highlights the analysis by organizations like DUIST and ICUFON, often pointing out inconsistencies or suggesting that these organizations might be influenced by external factors or a desire to maintain a certain narrative. The article about the Washington D.C. UFO fleet, for instance, criticizes DUIST for not retracting the case despite knowing it wasn't a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of photographic evidence, witness testimonies, and the questioning of official explanations for UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, suggesting that many UFO reports are either hoaxes, misidentifications (like lens flares), or potentially involve phenomena that are not fully understood or disclosed by authorities. The magazine positions itself as a researcher of UFO phenomena, implying a commitment to uncovering the truth, even when it challenges established narratives.

Title: CENAP-Intern
Issue: Intern
Date: April 1977 (raw date)
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-Intern, a newsletter from the Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena (CENAP), focuses on the organization's current activities and strategies for growth. The publication notes that CENAP has clearly defined its position relative to the German UFO/IFO Study Group (DUIST) and is moving into a new phase of development. However, the organization acknowledges that it is still in its early stages ('in its puberty') and has received only a few inquiries despite numerous mailings to interested parties across the Federal Republic of Germany. A significant portion of these respondents have not followed up, leading CENAP to categorize them as either DUIST fans or individuals who felt overwhelmed or obligated.

New Strategies and Public Events

To overcome the low engagement, CENAP is exploring new methods to reach a wider audience. A promising avenue identified is the organization of public events. The newsletter details CENAP's participation in a meeting in Heidelberg on May 26, 1977. This event was the founding assembly of the UFO Research Group Heidelberg-Emmertsgrund. CENAP learned about this group through 'UFO-Nachrichten/Wiesbaden' (issue Nr. 244/April 1977) and planned to attend. The invitation from Herr von Klino, the leader of the newly formed Heidelberg group, was opportune, allowing CENAP representatives to get acquainted with the 31st Study Group of the DUIST-Central Office in Wiesbaden and to monitor DUIST activities in the vicinity.

Upon arrival in Heidelberg, CENAP representatives were warmly welcomed by Herr Michael von Klino, a Diplom-Chemist, and also by Herr Walter-Jörg Langbein, who specializes in Astro-Archaeology from Erlangen. Herr von Klino explained the plans for the Heidelberg group and the methods they intended to use to mobilize the public and media. In a spontaneous decision, Herr von Klino designated Herr Walter to give a public lecture about CENAP's work.

Public Lecture and Media Coverage

The public lecture took place at the congress center of the Neubausiedlung Heidelberg-Emmertsgrund. Despite the promotion, only about 20 people attended. However, a newspaper and the Süddeutsche Rundfunk sent reporters. The program included an American manager sharing his UFO experience from 25 years prior near Washington, D.C. Herr Langbein then presented his specialized contribution on Astro-Archaeology. Herr Köhler, representing CENAP, was also a guest speaker and presented information on the Scandinavian UFO scene. After Herr Langbein's presentation, Herr Walter spoke extemporaneously about CENAP, its planned activities, and a group based in Wiesbaden. During his talk, a DUIST member from Heidelberg visibly paled as CENAP publicly addressed the established group from the Rhein-Main area and exposed their methods.

Following Herr Köhler's report on the work of SUFOI/Denmark and the open situation regarding UFO research, press, and public relations, Herr von Klimo, the leader of the Heidelberg group, concluded the event. He spoke extensively about his findings in Astro-Archaeology. This inaugural public event was then declared closed.

Post-Event Interactions and Future Plans

In the congress hall's foyer, a representative from Süddeutsche Rundfunk approached Herr Walter and requested a brief interview. The interview was recorded without significant delay and broadcast on May 27, around 1:30 PM. Notably, the broadcast did not mention the public event itself but focused solely on Herr Walter's statement about CENAP.

An agreement was made with Herr von Klino to maintain contact and attend future planned events. This strategy aims to enable CENAP to be effective within regional frameworks and potentially identify more interested individuals. The newsletter concludes by emphasizing that direct, impactful discussions with interested parties are more valuable than impersonal, mass-produced mailings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around organizational development, public outreach, and the challenges of engaging the public in UFO research. CENAP appears to be positioning itself as a distinct entity, possibly in contrast to or in competition with DUIST. The editorial stance is proactive and pragmatic, acknowledging past difficulties while actively seeking innovative solutions, such as public events, to foster growth and connection with the interested public. There is a clear emphasis on direct engagement and meaningful discussion over passive information dissemination.