CENAP Report - No 017

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: nr.17
Volume: 2J/H 7/77 A
Date: July 1977
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

Article 1: Ein Besucher aus dem Weltraum (A Visitor from Space)

This article discusses the incident of a suspected "meteorite" falling into the Bodensee (Lake Constance) on June 14, 1977. It highlights how sensationalist media, particularly BILD, reported it as a "giant meteorite" or "mysterious object." The event was witnessed by several individuals, including engineer Ernst Mohr, who described a glowing sphere entering the water with a long fiery tail. Initial reports suggested a police spokesperson denied any official observation, but later statements from witnesses like technician Michael F. corroborated the sighting. A physicist noted a significant water fountain upon impact. The article notes that the SÜDDEUTSCHE NACHRICHTEN reported a 35-year-old witness who described the object as fiery and fast-moving. The initial belief was that the object crashed into the Bodensee near Hagnau. However, subsequent investigations and analysis of photos and witness reports, particularly by Dr. Jürgen Kiko from the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, suggested the object might have flown over the Bodensee and impacted near Bern, Switzerland. This conclusion was supported by film analyses from observation stations, narrowing the potential impact zone to the area near Lake Geneva. The article concludes that while a significant portion of the mass might have burned up in the atmosphere, the event was spectacular. It lists numerous German and Swiss newspapers that reported on the incident.

Article 2: Identifiziert (Identified)

This section reports on a sighting by Herr Josef Ch. and his wife near Marburg/Lahn, Hessen, on June 11, 1977, around 8:20 PM. They observed a cigar-shaped flying object with a striking dark red color against a steel-blue sky. The object moved slowly for about four minutes, leaving a tail similar to a condensation trail. It was completely silent, with no change in shape or color, appearing massive but with slightly blurred contours. Its size was difficult to estimate, but it could be covered by a cigar held at arm's length. The object was brighter than the background and disappeared suddenly, as if switched off. The sighting occurred during twilight, with the sun low in the southwest.

The article presents two hypotheses for this sighting:

1. Air reflection of an aircraft: This theory suggests the object was a reflection of an aircraft due to thermal fluctuations in the atmosphere and the angle of sunlight. The sudden disappearance would be explained by the aircraft reaching an altitude where total reflection was no longer possible. However, the slow movement over four minutes is inconsistent with a typical aircraft's speed.
2. Cloud formation (Altostratus lenticularis): This hypothesis proposes the object was a type of cloud known for appearing dark or luminous depending on the sun's angle. These clouds can remain stationary and are sustained by updrafts. The red color could be due to thermal fluctuations and the setting sun (evening red). The sudden disappearance is explained by the cloud moving out of the sunlight's reflection field or being obscured by another cloud, though the latter is considered less likely.

The article notes that while an extraterrestrial spacecraft is not entirely ruled out, one of the two terrestrial explanations is considered more probable. The analysis is attributed to Karlheinz Räther of CENAP.

Article 3: Am Rande (On the Margin)

This section addresses general explanations for UFO phenomena, referencing UFO-Nachrichten issue nr. 245/June 1977. It discusses several cases:

• UFO phenomena over Portugal, Bodensee, Basel, and Heidelberg: The report clarifies that no UFO was observed over Basel, only a harmless hot air balloon. This contradicts sensationalist reporting.
• First Mexican UFO Convention: The article critiques the reporting of this convention, calling it a "failure" and accusing the reporter (Herr Veit) of selectively highlighting ideologically charged presentations while dismissing critical contributions from speakers like John Keel, Guillermo Hesselbach, and William Spaulding. The report contrasts this with the "7th International World Congress of UFO Researchers" in Mainz in 1967, where Kurt Kauffmann-Grinstead's scientific approach was reportedly rejected by the DUIST.

The article criticizes the DUIST's promotion of "contactee tales" and their dismissal of UFO researchers who question the extraterrestrial hypothesis. It highlights William Spaulding's "Ground Saucer Watch" method for identifying fakes and hoaxes, which was met with protest from some attendees. The CENAP suggests that the era of making unsubstantiated claims about UFOs is ending.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. It prioritizes scientific explanations and evidence-based reasoning, often debunking sensationalist media reports and what it terms "pseudoreligious UFOlogy." The magazine appears to distinguish between genuine, albeit unexplained, sightings and unsubstantiated claims or hoaxes. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between UFOlogy and scientific research, with CENAP positioning itself as a proponent of the latter. The critique of the Acapulco convention and the DUIST's methods underscores this stance, advocating for a rigorous examination of evidence and a rejection of unverified contactee narratives. The magazine aims to provide a more grounded perspective on the UFO topic, often by offering terrestrial explanations for reported sightings.

This issue of UFO-Forschung, published in 1977, focuses on the ongoing debates and controversies within the UFO research community, particularly the divide between UFOlogists and more scientifically-minded UFO researchers. The magazine presents a critical perspective on certain approaches to UFOlogy, highlighting skepticism towards 'contactee' reports and alleged communications with extraterrestrials.

Critique of DUIST and Contactee Phenomena

The issue begins by criticizing what it terms 'DUIST-Manie,' suggesting a tendency to dismiss or discredit colleagues who hold skeptical views. The author recounts being expelled from DUIST for questioning contactee reports. A Mexican Congress is mentioned where speakers like Herr Veit and Peterson emphasized the importance of treating contactee reports seriously, a stance that the magazine views as representative of a divided global UFO research community. Out of 32 speakers, only two reportedly focused on 'contactee fairy tales.'

Herr Veit is presented as categorizing speakers at this congress into three groups:
1. Seriös working MUFON and APRO, and some 'lone fighters': These are described as serious UFO researchers. However, Veit accuses MUFON and APRO of collaborating with the CIA and attempts to undermine their work by ironically referring to their 'scientific' attribute.
2. Groups like DUIST and their fans: These are characterized as pursuing 'dreamlike UFOlogy' without regard for scientific facts, viewing contactees as symbols of cosmic brotherhood.
3. 'UFO-Opponents': This group includes authors like John A. Keel, author of 'UFOs-Operation Trojan Horse,' and Herr Spaulding. They are labeled as 'UFO-Enemies' primarily because they have spoken out against contactees, particularly within the HUFO-Journal. According to Veit, anyone opposing contactee stories is labeled as either 'working unscientifically' or as a 'UFO-Opponent.' Veit believes the congress was not well-organized and that more 'free scientific' groups (implicitly referring to his own 'FREI-WISSENSCHAFTLICHE AKADEMIE FÜR UFOLOGIE') should have been consulted to avoid the 'original and obscure machinations' seen at DUIST conventions.

Dr. Walter Bühler's Report and UFO Research Methods

The report by Dr. Walter Bühler is described as a jumble of distorted information, manipulated for DUIST's purposes and contactee questions. It references R. Hall's statement from SKYLOUL in May 1976, suggesting that Earth's civilization and technology could be a point of interest for extraterrestrials. Bühler allegedly twists Hall's hypothetical statement into a definitive assertion of alien visitation, implying it reflects the views of MUFON-Journal authors. The article claims that Bühler dismisses most witness testimonies about UFO occupants as lies, despite his own role as an organizer for MUFON's Scandinavian branches and former NICAP director. Bühler is also presented as a DUIST fan and leader of a similar group in Rio de Janeiro, who believes MUFON is incapable of critically examining landing reports. He asserts that anyone who doesn't acknowledge landing reports and contacts is unfit for UFOlogy, contrasting this with the desire for 'UFO research.'

The case of 'Travis Walton' is highlighted as a point of contention between UFOlogists and UFO researchers. UFOlogists reportedly seek proof of alien intervention, while UFO researchers express serious doubts and point to 'unclean machinations' and confusing witness statements. The Walton case has reportedly been widely publicized in the USA.

Professor Allan J. Hynek is also criticized for his book 'The UFO-Evidence,' where he reportedly spoke against DUIST-typical research methods and condemned contactee reports as a disgrace to UFO research, arguing they artificially create an atmosphere of fantasy and 'little green men,' thus distancing UFO research from official science and the public.

Herr Spaulding is also criticized for allegedly distorting serious efforts by the Ground Saucer Watch by presenting the descriptions of Walton (accepted by UFOlogists) in a way that fits a 'concessionalist' narrative, aiming to transform UFO research into a serious science. The article notes that as serious UFO researchers turned away from contactees and their descriptions, Dr. Bühler claimed these were 'misleading explanations,' finding the contactee stories themselves more confusing.

Gordon Creighton and the English FLYING SAUCER REVIEW are also attacked for labeling peaceful contactees with extraterrestrials as 'dark and unpleasant phenomena.'

UFO Sightings and Incidents

New UFO Invasion in Mexico (April 11, 1977): Hundreds of residents in Mexico City reported seeing two unidentified flying objects over the Aztec-Station shortly before dusk. Police initially speculated a drunk security guard might have caused the phenomenon by activating spotlights. Thousands of residents called in, reporting sightings until midnight. One witness, Dr. Roberto Oliveira, described oval objects with light beams (orange and violet) moving in unison.

• California Flap (February-March 1977): Several UFO sightings were reported in California:
• February 5, 1977: Robert Hembdt in Glendale saw a 'hell red ball' object, smaller than the full moon, for a few seconds.
• March 13, 1977: Don Dutra in Yuba County saw two 'real hell-orange lights' hovering for nearly an hour before moving away. The lights were described as being about 100 feet apart with a dark red light in the middle.
• February: A Highway patrol crew reported a transformer failure after a 'light' appeared in the mountains. An officer could not locate the cause.
• Pleaston: Robert Coffey reported seeing flashing lights that turned out to be a large, bell-shaped UFO with white, red, and green lights, hovering for three minutes near a water tower.
• Southern California (March 22, 1977): Multiple witnesses, including police officers and military personnel, reported seeing unusual lights described as 'tears' or 'tubes' moving at high speed from south to north at an estimated altitude of 3000 feet. The objects were described as 'glowing silver' and leaving a blue trail.

Los Angeles Area Sightings (March 22, 1977): Two helicopter pilots saw bright orange lights passing at a low altitude. A resident of Firestone reported seeing bright lights directly over his house. A police helicopter crew also observed the phenomenon. Sheriff Vincent Rupp confirmed sightings in Sacramento, Salinas, Los Angeles, and Orange County. A spokesperson for March Air Force Base confirmed the sightings but stated no missiles or aircraft were detected, and the objects did not appear on radar.

Griffith Park Observatory Explanation: Witnesses at the Griffith Park Observatory described the phenomenon as a 'double meteorite.'

Air Force Stance: Major Brain Daly stated the Air Force was no longer conducting UFO research, deeming it unnecessary as UFOs were not considered a threat to national security.

Whittier Hill Sighting (March 21, 1977): A helicopter crew spotted diamond-shaped objects leaving blue trails, moving at high speed from south to north.

UFO 'Mystery Solved' for Jimmy Carter: UFO 'debunker' Robert Sheaffer calculated that the object Jimmy Carter saw on January 6, 1969, in Georgia was the planet Venus, magnified 100 times.

Wolfe City, Texas (February 19-20, 1977): Residents reported seeing an unknown flying object (UFO) appearing regularly around 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM. It was described as a bright, luminous object hovering high in the sky for a long time before disappearing rapidly. One couple reported a 'mysterious object' that landed briefly in a field.

Weston, Connecticut (February 7, 1977): Police received a report of an unidentified flying object with red and green lights that could hover. The object was described as having the ability to 'stand still in the air.' Witnesses initially thought it was a helicopter but heard no engine noise. This was reportedly not the first UFO sighting in the area, with previous reports originating from the vicinity of the Saugatuck Reservoir.

UFO Over Rhine (May 17, 1977)

Two witnesses, a couple, reported a mysterious phenomenon over the Rhine river near Ludwigshafen/Mannheim. After observing two helicopters engaged in what appeared to be a game of chase, they then saw an unknown object emerge. This object was described as pear-shaped, approximately 10 meters in diameter, with two bright headlights and red and blue lights. It emitted a humming sound and a smell described as 'turning steel without drilling water.' The object hovered at an altitude of about 100 meters before flying off towards Oppau (Mannheim-Lindenhof). The witnesses were illuminated by the object's headlights, causing them to feel a sense of unease.

Drawings of the object were made independently by both witnesses. The object's headlights were described as similar to halogen headlights, spaced about 1.5 meters apart. The red and blue lights were small. The object's shape was pear-shaped and oval, tapering to a point at the rear. The witnesses reported feeling a strange sensation when illuminated by the strong headlights.

An inquiry at the Neuostheim airport revealed no flight activity at that time and in that direction. The report notes that other witnesses may have seen the object from the opposite bank of the Rhine or a woman swimming in the river, but these individuals could not be located. The witnesses were described as giving a genuine impression, and their report was considered to describe an extraordinary phenomenon, ruling out explanations like airplanes, airships, stars, ball lightning, or Venus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the distinction between scientific research and speculative UFOlogy, and the reporting of numerous sightings from various locations. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those involving 'contactees' and alleged communication with extraterrestrials, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena that warrant investigation. The magazine aims to present factual accounts and critical analysis, differentiating itself from groups perceived as promoting unscientific or overly sensationalist views of UFOs.

This document is an excerpt from "Australian FLYING SAUCER Review No. 8", translated from German. It focuses on UFO sightings reported in Western Australia and includes other related phenomena.

UFO Sightings in West Australia

Encounter near Yerocoin

On November 16, 1966, A. Poole, near Yerocoin (about 80 miles northeast of Perth), reported a humming sound, initially thought to be his Landrover's alternator. The sound intensified, and he saw an object about half a mile away approaching and landing like a light aircraft. The object stopped beside his vehicle, about four to five feet away. The humming was loud, but he felt no physical effects. The object was described as an inverted saucer, approximately 12 to 20 feet in diameter, with four windows (two round, two square) on its sides. It had a metallic color and was about five to six feet high, hovering a few feet above the ground with no visible landing gear or imprints left on the grass. Poole asked what it was doing, and his words were repeated back to him as if by an echo.

Object near Swanview

On the morning of November 20, 1967, Frau Foir, from Swanview (a suburb northeast of Perth), was driving from Midland to Swanview when she noticed an object. Initially thinking it was a commercial aircraft, she soon realized it was a "flying saucer" with a domed top and a hollow lower half. It was metallic in color and appeared very large. The object then rotated on the spot and ascended rapidly towards the north. It had a silver color and moved quite fast. Frau Foir drew a sketch of the object, which closely matched the assumed shape of such vehicles.

Orange Object over East Victoria Park

During the same week as other sightings, people in Canterbury Terrace, East Victoria Park, observed an orange-colored object crossing the sky. One witness described it as flying over his house "like a quarter of an orange, very bright color."

Police Observation

A police officer, a friend of the witness, was called to investigate a "strange object." Using binoculars, he observed the object, which had stopped and was hovering in a northern direction by the time he arrived. He watched it for about fifteen minutes, during which it changed colors multiple times. All witnesses provided similar descriptions.

White Object near Dianella

On the morning of Thursday, November 30, 1967, 16-year-old Herr Sinclair, from Dianella (a northern suburb), woke up and saw a white object with three lights at each end through his bedroom window. To ensure he would be believed, he woke his older brother, Peter. Together, they observed the object for about three-quarters of an hour. Peter took notes and noted the object's position relative to a star. When Peter woke up later, the object had disappeared, but the star was still visible. A similar object was seen by a man in City Beach on the night of Thursday, November 30, 1967.

Other Reports

Mysterious Find in South Australian Mine

In a tin mine in South Australia, three rust-colored bodies, described as "flying saucers" and measuring 1.5 meters in diameter and 45 centimeters high, were discovered. Ancient Aboriginal legends also mention visits from extraterrestrials.

Ship Collision near Indonesia

The passenger ship "Fairsky," sailing under the Liberian flag, collided with a "floating object of unknown origin" below the water's surface near the Indonesian capital, Djakarta. The ship, belonging to the Italian shipping company Sitmar, ran aground in shallow waters, and the extent of the damage to the "Fairsky" was not immediately known.

Fireball Photograph

A photograph of a fireball was taken by Michael Karrer, a member of the "dingivindemiatrix" Astronomical Youth Club, on August 4, 1975, at 1:50 AM MEZ. The exposure was 19 minutes, taken with a Palux camera and Ilford film at an altitude of 1400 meters. The image was captured on the "Flethitscha" in Carinthia, Austria. The photograph shows a bright fireball and a fainter meteor. Karrer estimates the brightness of the fireball to be about Venus and the fainter object to be Jupiter-like in brightness. It is considered highly probable that this was a meteor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, primarily UFO sightings, with detailed witness testimonies and descriptions of objects. The magazine appears to document these events without immediate skepticism, presenting them as phenomena worthy of investigation. The inclusion of the fireball photograph suggests an interest in distinguishing between potential UFOs and known astronomical events, while the mine discovery and ship collision broaden the scope of mysterious occurrences.