CENAP Report - No 022

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: nr.22
Volume: 2.J/H12/77 A
Date: December 1977
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

Content Summary

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated December 1977, focuses heavily on a critical examination of the UFO reports published by an organization referred to as DUIST (Deutsche UFO-Studiengemeinschaft). The lead article, "DUIST im Test" (DUIST Under Test), questions the scientific validity and methodology employed by DUIST, suggesting their publications are sensationalist and often based on dubious evidence.

DUIST im Test (DUIST Under Test)

The article begins by noting how sensationalist press coverage can impact UFO research. It criticizes DUIST for publishing reports that, despite being questionable, were not retracted. This led CENAP to initiate a project, "DUIST-Check," to assess the qualifications of their UFOlogists. The report then details several specific cases from DUIST publications:

• May 1974 (Issue nr. 212): "Flugbahnfotografien von UFOs über Leverkusen" (Flight Path Photographs of UFOs over Leverkusen). This case involves Rainer Sippekamp allegedly manipulating flight path photographs to show UFOs.
• Issue nr. 214/215: "UFO über Wegberg-Dalheim" (UFO over Wegberg-Dalheim). This features flight path photographs or blurred images that appear to be car headlights photographed from the side.
• November 1974 (Issue nr. 218): "Leuchtobjekt über Mühlheim/Ruhr" (Luminous Object over Mühlheim/Ruhr). Frank Bruns is mentioned in relation to this case, where a blurred moon photograph or an unfocused camera lens was allegedly used to create an image of a UFO.
• February 1975 (Issue nr. 221): "Londoner UFO-Phänomene" (London UFO Phenomena). This report by Stefan Chorvat, a DUIST fan, is described as the "hammer," involving photos of a light object.
• March 1975 (Issue nr. 223): "UFOs über Südost-England" (UFOs over Southeastern England). This case, along with others from UN nr. 225, describes primitive "window pane" objects.
• June 1975 (Issue nr. 225): "UFO-Sichtung über Schelau-Lichtenfels/Coburg" (UFO Sighting over Schelau-Lichtenfels/Coburg). Similar photos to the Southeastern England case are mentioned.
• August 1975 (Issue nr. 227): "Extraterrestrischer landet" (Extraterrestrial Lands). This report from the Isle of Föhr is described as a DUIST story, allegedly created from a blurred photo or a camera lens issue.
• Speyer Case: A report about a UFO landing near Speyer, with alleged photos and traces, but no concrete proof. CENAP claims to have created a fictional story based on this to test DUIST's reaction.

The article criticizes DUIST for being uncooperative and for labeling those who question them as "UFO-Terrorists" or "Extremists." It argues that DUIST's approach is not conducive to serious UFO research and that their publications are a "shallow and transparent collection of speculations."

Aus dem CENAP-Archiv (From the CENAP Archive)

This section details a significant UFO event in Staunton, Virginia, USA, in 1965. The case involves a UFO landing, occupants, and a government representative instructing witnesses not to speak about it.

• Richard H. Hall: The author of this section is identified as Richard H. Hall, an editor for the "American Psychological Association" in Washington D.C. He was the assistant director of the "NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE ON AERIAL PHENOMENA" (NICAP) and had established an international network of UFO researchers. He was consulted by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research for a study on UFOs.
• CIA Involvement: Hall recounts being questioned by a representative from the "Central Intelligence Agency" (CIA) in early 1965 about domestic UFO sightings. This occurred during a period of increased UFO activity around Washington D.C.
• Washington D.C. UFO Wave (1964-1965): The report details a wave of sightings starting in December 1964. On December 19, radar operators at the "Patuxent Naval Air Test Center" in Maryland observed two large, unidentified discs flying at high speed and altitude. Earlier, a biochemist from the "National Institutes of Health" in Bethesda reported seeing three oval objects.
• Staunton, Virginia Sighting (December 21, 1965): A "gunsmith" (Büchsenmacher) driving on Route 250 between Staunton and Waynesboro reported seeing a UFO land in a field. The object was described as a giant, spherical, beehive-shaped object emitting a bright light. The witness's car engine died upon sighting the UFO. The object then ascended rapidly and disappeared.
• Further Sightings (January 1965): The report lists several other incidents:
• January 5: A circular UFO was sighted over Wallops Island, a NASA rocket station.
• January 11: During army exercises in Washington D.C., engineers observed a squadron of 12-15 oval UFOs with ring-like structures near the Capitol. The Air Force denied any such event.
• January 23: Near Krumins, Virginia, car engines reportedly failed when UFOs were sighted overhead.
• January 27: In Hampton, Virginia, a former Air Force pilot and another witness observed the landing of an object with pulsating red-orange lights.
• CIA Contact: On January 19, a Mr. Coleman, claiming to be a CIA representative, contacted Hall, expressing interest in UFO reports and requesting copies. Some of these documents later reappeared in a simple envelope with only a post office box number.
• Investigation into Blackburn Case: Hall was asked by Coleman about his sources and how he evaluated reports. Coleman also inquired about Hall's background. Later, Hall was contacted by Coleman again, who requested he forward any significant UFO cases. Hall sent him some reports, which were then forwarded to a post office box in Washington.
• Staunton, Virginia Witness Account (January 19, 1966): The report details an incident where an industrial employee from Waynesboro, Virginia, claimed to have had a face-to-face encounter with occupants of a landed UFO. The witness later refused to comment, stating he had been advised not to.

Forschung - seriös (Serious Research)

This section appears to be a continuation of the critical analysis of DUIST and a defense of CENAP's more serious approach to UFO research. It reiterates the criticism of DUIST's publications as being on a low level and irresponsible. CENAP is presented as having the courage to expose DUIST's "occult machinations." The article mentions an appeal made by CENAP on October 11, 1977, to known UFO researchers for data on the Speyer case, but received mostly negative responses. A letter sent to Mr. Veit in Wiesbaden requesting data also went unanswered. The section concludes that cooperation with DUIST is not feasible and that their stance prevents anyone who desires clean UFO research from engaging with them.

The article contrasts DUIST's alleged misinformation with genuine UFO research, citing the example of a 135-meter long "pencil-shaped" spaceship reported near Linz/Donau as an example of how the UFO community can be misled by speculation. It dismisses the Speyer UFO photos as merely showing a blurred night lamp and the landing site as insignificant.

Fotoseite (Photo Page)

This section likely contains images related to the articles, possibly including the controversial DUIST photos or evidence from the CENAP investigations. The image provided shows a map of Virginia with marked locations related to UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical evaluation of UFOlogy, specifically targeting the methods and reporting of DUIST. The editorial stance is clearly one of advocating for rigorous, evidence-based research and exposing what CENAP perceives as sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between serious investigation and speculative or fabricated reports. The issue also highlights the potential for government interest (specifically the CIA) in UFO phenomena and the importance of maintaining an objective and critical approach to witness testimonies and photographic evidence.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated October 1977, focuses on UFO phenomena, including a detailed account of a sighting and encounter, statistical analyses of reported cases, and discussions on potential government involvement and related mysteries like animal mutilations.

The Blackburn Sighting: A Virginia Encounter

The central narrative details the experience of William Blackburn, who on January 19, 1965, witnessed a pyramid-shaped object (estimated to be over 200 yards in diameter) descend near the Augusta Archery Range in Virginia. He described the object as having a highly polished, metallic surface. A smaller object, approximately 60 feet in diameter, landed nearby. From this smaller craft, three humanoid beings, about 3 feet tall, emerged. These beings had reddish-orange skin, wore tight-fitting suits, and possessed unusual eyes that seemed to look through him. Blackburn was reportedly intimidated into silence by unknown agents, initially refusing to discuss the event, stating it was not his own decision to remain quiet. He later corrected a newspaper report, specifying that one of the beings had long fingers on its left hand. The encounter lasted approximately three minutes, with no physical traces left behind. Subsequent investigations by Sanders and Ladny, friends of Blackburn, found no unusual radioactivity at the landing site.

Government Secrecy and UFO Investigations

The magazine explores the theme of government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena. It questions the role of agencies like the CIA and FBI in handling UFO reports, suggesting that their actions might be aimed at limiting public knowledge rather than solving the mystery. The article references the "UFO FACT SHEET" from the US Air Force and compares its findings with those of independent UFO research centers, noting a "certain duality" in the results but also real efforts by responsible bodies to address the issue. The text implies that private and independent UFO research can achieve similar results to government-funded studies.

International UFO Statistics and Analysis

This issue presents statistical data on UFO sightings from various sources, including the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre in Australia and the International UFO Reporter in the USA. These statistics cover yearly report numbers, the percentage of UFOs identified, and breakdowns of unidentified cases by category (e.g., astronomical misidentifications, aircraft, satellites, weather phenomena, and psychological factors). The data highlights periods of increased activity, such as in February and March, and notes that a significant portion of sightings remain unexplained. The analysis aims to distinguish serious UFO research from pseudoscientific or imaginary interpretations.

Other Sightings and Mysteries

Beyond the main Blackburn case, the magazine briefly mentions other reported phenomena. Gerhard Fischer observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon in Saarbrücken-Dudweiler, Germany, on January 1, 1977. The issue also includes a section on animal mutilations, presenting a photograph of a typical case found in Colorado, which was released by the Logan-County Police Bureau and published in UFOlogy Magazine. The article poses the question, "Who are the mutilators?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT are the reality of UFO sightings and encounters, the potential for government cover-ups and intimidation of witnesses, and the importance of rigorous, data-driven UFO research. The editorial stance appears to favor the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, distinguishing it from sensationalism or pseudoscientific speculation. The magazine emphasizes the value of independent research and statistical analysis in understanding these events. The inclusion of international data and diverse cases suggests a broad scope in their investigative approach.