CENAP Report - No 028

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: 28
Volume: 3Y/H6/78 A
Date: June 1978
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Forschungs-Netz Außergewöhnlicher Phänomene Mannheim)
Country: Germany
Language: German

Article 1: NL über Kirn?

This section details an investigation into a sensational report published by the German newspaper BILD on April 25, 1978, concerning a mysterious round hole in a basement windowpane in Kirn, Germany. The report suggested the hole was caused by a powerful energy source from a UFO. The CENAP investigation, led by Hansjürgen Köhler, began after reading the BILD article. Köhler contacted the BILD editorial office and spoke with Willy Machern, a reporter responsible for the story. Machern provided information that the police initially kept the incident secret, with a police report sent to the Frankfurt Air Safety office and the Federal Aviation Office in Braunschweig. He also mentioned that Phantom fighters were active near the local airfield, potentially contributing to secrecy. The glass disc in question was described as having rounded inner edges and melting at approximately 1400° Celsius, though the curtain behind it was only slightly scorched. Machern also alluded to a similar case in Frankfurt. The police in Kirn reportedly denied the incident, but two police officers confirmed it, providing a description. The glazier, Zerfass, still possessed the glass disc.

Further details emerged that the Kirn police chief, Heinz-Jürgen Werth, allegedly sent a telex to Frankfurt Air Safety, which he later denied to BILD. Machern claimed that Frankfurt Air Safety had a secret UFO department. An Oberst Kehnor/Kooner from the Ministry of Defense in Bonn was reportedly responsible for UFO matters.

A witness account described two police officers observing a brilliant, silent light, described as a "compressed core," moving irregularly at an altitude of about 500 meters from a distance of 200-300 meters. The police report to Frankfurt Air Safety stated they returned to their station, and Frankfurt Air Safety received numerous reports, being the central point for UFO inquiries.

Article 2: Ein Foto...

This section discusses a UFO sighting and photographs taken on March 15, 1978, which was reported in various newspapers, including Salzburger Nachrichten and Neue KronenZeitung. BILD also covered the event on April 9, 1978, and KONTAKT BERICHTEN Nr. 4/1978.

The report details an incident near Montreal, Canada, where Jacques Lavoie and Richard Huot were on a camping trip when they observed a bright blue, fiery object descending rapidly. The object, described as similar to a comet or a welding torch, hovered at an estimated altitude of 500-1000 meters for over 20 seconds. Lavoie managed to photograph the object with his 35mm camera, noting that the UFO appeared to 'wobble'. After five seconds, the object ascended rapidly, resembling a white flash.

UFO CANADA attempted to obtain the photos and witness accounts but faced difficulties due to unlisted phone numbers and lack of cooperation from the Montreal Star. However, they were contacted by UFO QUEBEC, who also experienced similar issues. UFO QUEBEC planned to visit the witnesses, and after a lengthy search, they met with Lavoie and Huot. The witness's friend reportedly advised them to wait to see who would offer the most for the pictures, preventing UFO CANADA/UFO QUEBEC from acquiring them for detailed study.

Article 3: Belehrung (?)

This section contains a letter dated May 19, 1978, from the law firm Dr. Reinhold Herrmann and Fachanwalt für Steuerrecht, addressed to CENAP. The letter, written on behalf of the Deutsche UFO/IFO-Studiengesellschaft (DUIST) a.V. in Wiesbaden, and Herrn and Frau Veit, accuses CENAP of publishing 'smear articles' against their clients. The letter states that DUIST will not address previous accusations but will respond to the current CENAP REPORT issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT appears to be dedicated to investigating and documenting UFO sightings and related phenomena. The magazine takes a critical stance towards media sensationalism, as seen in the Kirn incident, and attempts to verify reports through witness interviews and cross-referencing with official sources. There's an underlying theme of potential official secrecy or cover-ups regarding UFO events. The publication also engages with other UFO research organizations, as evidenced by the letter from DUIST, indicating a complex landscape of UFO research groups with differing perspectives and potential rivalries.

The editorial stance seems to be one of thorough, albeit sometimes challenging, investigation, aiming to present factual accounts and analysis of UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining clear evidence and the skepticism often encountered.

This issue of CENAP's publication, titled "Projektile von Baunach aus gesehen" (Projectiles Seen from Baunach), dated December 1977, focuses on two primary areas: a legal dispute involving the DUIST organization and CENAP, and a detailed report of unexplained aerial phenomena observed by an individual named J.S.

Legal Dispute with DUIST

The issue begins with a letter from Herrmann, identified as a lawyer and DUIST board member, addressed to CENAP. The letter warns CENAP against continuing their current style of reporting, which DUIST perceives as "Veit'scher Sensationomacho" (Veit's sensationalist showmanship) and "merschan Garüst" (mercenary armor). Herrmann specifically references an interview with Mr. and Mrs. Veit that was allegedly distorted. The letter threatens legal action, stating that "Bei weiteren Verlaundungen, übler Nachroda und Beleidigungen werden wir unverzüglich Klage gegen Sie einreichen" (In case of further slander, badmouthing, and insults, we will immediately file a lawsuit against you).

Werner Walter of CENAP-Staff responds to this, noting that while DUIST's board member Dr. Redinhold Herrmann sent a legalistic letter, it is surprising how DUIST's prominent figures, like Zimmermann, Maior, and Anny Veit, are becoming aware of CENAP. Walter states that he will not quote Herrmann's two-page letter directly but implies that it contained accusations regarding the "pseudo-religious marketed profession of DUIST priests," the lawyer's bias, and his connection to DUIST. CENAP seems unfazed by the legal threat, stating, "Sicherlich wird Dr.Herrmann es tolerieren, wenn wir trotzdem unbeirrt unseren Weg verfolgen...." (Certainly, Dr. Herrmann will tolerate it if we nevertheless pursue our path undeterred....).

"Projectiles Seen from Baunach"

The main feature of the issue details observations made by Mr. J.S., who contacted CENAP in December 1977 after reading a CENAP publication. He reported observing unexplained phenomena in November 1977 and also in the preceding summer months (September).

Background of the Observer

Mr. J.S. is a 68-year-old retiree, formerly a civil servant in the Reichsdienst, and later worked in the police and labor office. During World War II, he served as a forward artillery observer, which he states equipped him with the technical skills to make detailed drawings and observations.

Details of the Sightings

J.S. described observing bright, unidentifiable flying objects on clear, starry nights between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. He initially dismissed similar sightings in the summer months, as he had not previously been intensely interested in the topic until reading CENAP's reports.

He provided detailed descriptions of these "projectiles." One observation in November 1977, made from his location in Reckenmeusig, involved an object he described as having the shape of a rifle bullet. It appeared to have 2-3 pfeil-spitzenähnlichen Linien (arrowhead-like lines) and moved in a parabolic path, glowing greenish-yellow. The object moved in a west-northwest to west-southwest direction.

He also reported two instances of objects appearing suddenly and being visible for only 2-3 seconds. These objects moved rapidly and disappeared in a westerly direction (approximately 280 degrees West). He estimated their length to be around 50-60 meters and their thickness to be 3-10 meters.

CENAP Questionnaire Data

Based on CENAP's questionnaire, J.S. provided further data:

• Location: Standing in front of the old school in Reckenmeusig.
• Conditions: Clear sky, rural surroundings within a 25 km radius.
• Duration: 2-3 seconds.
• Object Characteristics: No change in form or color (wine-greyish-greyish-white-grey) was observed. No precise contours were discernible.
• Altitude: Estimates varied, with maximum altitudes ranging from 30 to 70 degrees and minimums from 30 to 40 degrees.
• Distance: Estimates ranged from 20,000 km to 40,000 km.

The objects did not extinguish but moved with constant brightness until they left the observer's field of vision.

J.S. attributed the accuracy of his data and drawings to his military training as an artillery observer, which included instruction in map reading and sketching.

Accompanying Objects

In a subsequent drawing related to the November 1977 sighting, J.S. depicted the main "projectile" accompanied by approximately 6-10 "nebelartige Trabanten" (nebulous satellites) that moved with the same tempo and maintained a consistent distance.

Further Inquiries

When asked about flying objects (aircraft, etc.) and flight routes, J.S. stated that while flight lines exist and he is aware of air traffic, he did not recognize the observed objects as conventional aircraft or military planes. He mentioned being aware of air traffic control zones and military bases in the vicinity (BW, CS-ARMY, BGS, US-Air-Force) and numerous flight routes passing over Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. He noted that no air bases were maintained near the border zone.

He suggested that the observed "projectiles" might be related to phenomena described as "Schwei deris" (swirling smoke) or similar atmospheric occurrences, possibly breaking into multiple fragments. He concluded that such phenomena, given their brief duration, might not be easily dismissible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects CENAP's commitment to investigating and reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena, even in the face of legal threats. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistence and a belief in the validity of witness testimony, particularly when supported by detailed observations and documentation, such as the drawings provided by J.S. The publication also engages with the broader context of aviation and military activity to differentiate these sightings from conventional explanations. The legal dispute highlights the tension between ufological research organizations and established legal or organizational bodies that may perceive such reporting as sensationalist or defamatory.